In preparation for an upcoming feature article on the history of café racers, we are going to be looking at the parts that go into a modern café conversion. Café racers are, in my humble opinion, the coolest, most personal motorcycles in the world. Being so unique and individual, there is no “right” way to build one. What we will be doing here is giving you some options in your conversion, whether you’re modifying a vintage Norton or a modern Honda.
The first thing that most café builders trash-can is the stock handlebars. Part of the café style is the low, minimalist look of clip-ons. If you are opting for clip-ons, you have two basic choices. First, you have the clean look and simplicity of straight, non-adjustable clip-ons. This is the most traditional option. These clip-ons typically consist of an aluminum or steel bar tube mounted to a billet aluminum clamp. This set-up is normally clipped just below the top triple clamp. However, many extreme café pilots clip them well down the fork tube for that “no compromise” racer’s tuck.
While straight clip-ons are clean and cool, they can be a pain (literally) if they lock the rider in the wrong position. This is where adjustable clip-ons enter the picture. These bars are adjustable at two or three points on the unit. This makes it possible to vary their angle, height, and even the distance from the seat. These clip-ons are a great option for those who want to add a level of individual adaptability to the bike. I had great success with a pair of three-way adjustable Tomaselli clip-ons on a Suzuki SV650 café project I did a few years back (see last picture).
There is a third handlebar option if you don’t want to go the clip-on route. Clubman handlebars attach in the stock bar mounts and lower the grip portion of the bars to clip-on height. This style can give your café project a very cool retro feel. This option is particularly nice if your bike has stock handlebar clamps that are not removable from the top triple clamp. I used clubman style bars on a 1971 Norton Commando café project and the look was perfect. Here are clubman bars on a Honda and a Triumph:
No matter what bar style you opt for, you need to make sure steering functionality is not compromised. All wires and cables must be carefully routed so they are not pinched or impeded. Also the bars should be checked carefully for full range of movement. Don’t let them touch your tank at full turn.
The final touch in this part of your conversion is a decision on mirrors. Since the stock mirrors are probably going to the dumpster, you’ll need some clean rear-view option. Many café builders opt for bar-end mirrors to keep the profile of the bike low. There are also a myriad of lower clip mount mirrors in the aftermarket.
So there you have part one of your café racer project options. Check back for the second installment.
