Category - Café Racer

BACK IN BLACK: Kawasaki ZR7 by Barn Built Bikes.

For all the complexity of the modern world and the constant rapid evolution in technology, sometimes there is no substitute for keeping things simple. The basics of good customisation have never really changed; clean design, quality components, and precision...

SHOCK TREATMENT: 1984 BMW R80RT ‘Mono’ by Oneyedeer Design.

Over the past few years the BMW R series has been a popular choice for custom bike builders around the world. When built right, there’s a lot to love about a stripped-down boxer. Being inspired by the many R80 builds from the likes of Ironwood Motorcycles...

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION: Ducati S2R ‘Sherwood’ by Drive-In Workshop.

Try as we might, we are largely a product of our environment and while some rebels manage to shake the confines of their ecosystem, most blend in like white on rice. Even in the subversive school of the custom motorcycle scene, we find that many stay true to...

RACING PEDIGREE: 1971 Norton 810 Dunstall.

For such a well known brand with a long history of racing success and desirability, Norton sure has had its ups and downs. The companies latest collapse has left many angry customers out of pocket, but those seeking to find a silver lining will look back to a...

RAISING A GLASS TO MR MARTINI – Nicola Martini and his 25 year journey.

Every year, thousands of tourists descend upon the unassuming Italian town of Verona to take selfies underneath a certain balcony that inspired Shakespeare's scene of Romeo professing his love to Juliet. But in the motorcycle world, during one long weekend in...

ROLLING WORK OF ART: Buell XB9 by GDesign Custom Motorcycles.

If you’re a fan of MotoGP and keep up to date with all the latest superbike tech then you know that the last few years have been dominated by wings. But it’s not a new thing, aero improvement to bikes goes back a long way and the dustbin fairing is the...

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION: A pair of Yamaha XV920’s by Moose Motodesign.

Perfection is not so much something we achieve but a dream that we chase. For the automotive designer that pursuit means creating in the customer a deep desire, an emotional aesthetic, that grabs you and draws you in. For Tom Moose of Poland's Moose...

THE HOLY GRAIL: Norvin by Stile Italiano.

From the fastest Thoroughbred racehorse flashing home to win the cash, to the juicy sweet corn on your kitchen table, man has been mix and matching species for centuries to produce the very best. In the heyday of the cafe racer movement custom bike...

THE NIGHT OWL: Honda CB750 K2 by Meneer Kelderman.

In life, there are our dreams often curtailed by our reality and there is our ambition frequently at the mercy of our talent and bank balance. But the forward progress of time means that these things never stay the same forever. Meet Bas Kelderman, an...

SIGNATURE SERIES: Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic by Purpose Built Moto.

The story of this bike is a long one, not only because of the extensive modification we’ve done to this Ducati Café racer but also because for a long time, I delayed even starting this build. Originally, I held off taking on the project until I was sure I...