Author Topic: American Chopper - "Cafe" Style Build (Read 7884 times)

byurko · « **on:** June 20, 2006, 06:49:23 AM »

Did anyone see last night's American Chopper? They built a cafe style bike for Sunoco... Using 21" rims front and back w/ a 25 degree rake. Not a true cafe, but looked pretty cool none the less! Was way different than what they normally build.
Did a Google search, but couldn't find any pictures...

"OCC teams with Sunoco and NASCAR driver Kyle Petty to build a bike to benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a North Carolina facility founded by Petty and his wife Pattie that helps children with serious illnesses. The guys also travel to North Carolina to meet Petty and to tour the camp."

Bryan

Rushoid · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2006, 07:00:09 AM »

And so it begins......... $:-\$

cbjunkie · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2006, 07:03:03 AM »

the coming of the Apocalypse...

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2006, 07:37:29 AM »

Quote from: byurko on June 20, 2006, 06:49:23 AM

Did anyone see last night's American Chopper? They built a cafe style bike for Sunoco... Using 21" rims front and back w/ a 25 degree rake. Not a true cafe, but looked pretty cool none the less!

I have a 21'' front wheel, so does that make my bike worth big $$$ ?

Jonesy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2006, 07:44:41 AM »

Well, Harley tried with the XLCR (Excelcior??) Cafe bike, but it flopped and they dropped production after a couple years. The value of them might go up (as if they weren't overpriced to begin with...). I guess the phrase "Personally designed by Willie G. himself" didn't have nearly as much clout in the ads back then!

golden_child · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2006, 08:14:51 AM »

is this it?

http://www.victoryjunction.org/aa_misc/news_sunoco.html

Rushoid · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2006, 08:27:10 AM »

A "cafe" with forward controls. Interesting. I thought it actually looked ridable until I saw those. OCC does good work but their designs always leave me saying "Huh?" .

tsflstb · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2006, 08:36:27 AM »

Looks like they forgot to put a rear suspension on it too.

At least it doesn't have the beach ball tire on the back. Baby steps guys. You'll get there.

Chlap · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2006, 09:46:57 AM »

Another custom builder did a board track racer bike from a Yamaha Star bike. I think it was on V-Twin TV on SpeedVision a few months ago. Their version was much better than OCC's.

Chris Liston · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:10:39 PM »

Quote from: Chlap on June 20, 2006, 09:46:57 AM

Another custom builder did a board track racer bike from a Yamaha Star bike. I think it was on V-Twin TV on SpeedVision a few months ago. Their version was much better than OCC's.

I agree, that bike was pretty sharp and original compared to all the cookie cutter vtwins out there.

John C. · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:19:46 PM »

This was done by a guy in Buena Park California for BIKER BUILDOFF on Discover. I think that this is closer to a "Cafe" then the OCC bike.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:40:28 PM »

Quote from: John C. on June 20, 2006, 01:19:46 PM

This was done by a guy in Buena Park California for BIKER BUILDOFF on Discover. I think that this is closer to a "Cafe" then the OCC bike.

ooooo.... where can i pick up some pixelated rims?

seriously is there a bigger file of that bike?

Klark Kent · « **Reply #12 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:46:39 PM »

one other thing-
the article describes the bike as a "board track racer" inspired build. not an expert on bike history but didn't board tracking pre-date the cafe era and wouldn't the bikes be different looking?
-KK

number13 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:49:17 PM »

You know, I have been wondering lately when
cafe style would get some attention, not that I want it to,
but the pendulum unfortunately swings both ways.
As soon as people become tired of the maximilist
construction of choppers, the minimalist style
of the cafe is an obvious choice.
When I began building my cafe 500 four
years ago there were maybe 100
pieces on e-bay for cafe, now there are
3 times that.
This of course means 2 things
1) Prices will for bikes and parts will shoot up
2) More cool aftermarket stuff will be made available.

So, I guess ya gotta take the bad with the good.

I used to own a chopper, 2 to be exact, so I
have no beef with older chops. These new fat tire
monstrosities leave me cold, though.
Funny note, Houston craiglist has been
getting listings for nearly new choppers at the
rate of about 1 per week. The descriptions never vary much:

"Custom chopper built by (insert name here, be sure to spell dogs
"Dawgz").Cost $40,000.00 new, sacrifice for $19,000.00.
180 miles on the odometer"

I just gotta chuckle, so I DO!!!

#13

6adan · « **Reply #14 on:** June 20, 2006, 03:01:02 PM »

You should see the rear tire from the back, it looked wider than a beach ball, and the center part of the rear wheel was so week looking after they cut the spokes in it they were afraid it would break if they got on the throttle too hard.

John C. · « **Reply #15 on:** June 20, 2006, 03:15:13 PM »

Oops!! Here is the website

http://www.performancemachine.com

Vatch · « **Reply #16 on:** June 20, 2006, 03:15:33 PM »

Quote from: number13 on June 20, 2006, 01:49:17 PM

You know, I have been wondering lately when
cafe style would get some attention, not that I want it to,
but the pendulum unfortunately swings both ways.
As soon as people become tired of the maximilist
construction of choppers, the minimalist style
of the cafe is an obvious choice.
When I began building my cafe 500 four
years ago there were maybe 100
pieces on e-bay for cafe, now there are
3 times that.
This of course means 2 things
1) Prices will for bikes and parts will shoot up
2) More cool aftermarket stuff will be made available.

So, I guess ya gotta take the bad with the good.

I used to own a chopper, 2 to be exact, so I
have no beef with older chops. These new fat tire
monstrosities leave me cold, though.
Funny note, Houston craiglist has been
getting listings for nearly new choppers at the
rate of about 1 per week. The descriptions never vary much:

"Custom chopper built by (insert name here, be sure to spell dogs
"Dawgz").Cost $40,000.00 new, sacrifice for $19,000.00.
180 miles on the odometer"

I just gotta chuckle, so I DO!!!

#13

Those things they make on OCC are not choppers. Isn't a chopper by definition a stock bike that has been, well, chopped? Ground up chopper is like saying 800 lb cafe with forward controls.

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #17 on:** June 20, 2006, 09:56:21 PM »

I agree with Vatch, and was discussing this with a friend the other night. OCC really doesn't do much of their own work, at least up until last season. Sure they will bend an exhaust or two, sometimes have to weld or hammer something into place, but it seems they spend most of their time bolting on other peoples #$%*e. Correct me if i'm wronge (I haven't watched more than 5 or 6 episodes).

byurko · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2006, 05:23:56 AM »

They put a 260 wide tire on that "cafe" bike...Holy crap!! But, I thought it was cool how they fabricated their own frame. I only wish I had some of their fabricating gear.

Still working on my 750... When I finish, I'd like to get a 500 or 550 to cafe. Just don't tell my wife!!

Bryan

dusterdude · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2006, 09:27:27 AM »

as much as i dont care for occ,they are now building a lot of their own stuff.

ElCheapo · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:19:22 AM »

Well the Glory Stomper is much closer to a cafe that no suspension thing OCC built. Leaves me with a case of WTF?

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2006, 02:52:56 PM »

Quote from: ElCheapo on June 21, 2006, 11:19:22 AM

Well the Glory Stomper is much closer to a cafe that no suspension thing OCC built. Leaves me with a case of WTF?

Roland Sands of Performance Machine makes some crazy ass bikes.
Wish my dad owned a company like his dad does ....

number13 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2006, 03:48:46 PM »

-------------------------------
"Those things they make on OCC are not choppers. Isn't a chopper by definition a stock bike that has been, well, chopped? Ground up chopper is like saying 800 lb cafe with forward controls."
-------------------------------

Agreed, Vatch. Guess I should use quotes when referring to OCC "choppers".
Used to was when you met a guy on a chop you could spend hours flapping gums
about how he built it, now the only question I can muster is, "Gee, did you write
that check yourself?"

3 sticks · « **Reply #23 on:** June 21, 2006, 08:27:58 PM »

Excuse my french, but OCC is sh*t. Am I allowed to say that?

Another big problem with the whole concept of a "cafe built by such creators as OCC" is that the REAL cafe bikes of the 60s and 70s were about making modifications whilst using the least amount of money possible.

cheers, will

comcrx · « **Reply #24 on:** June 22, 2006, 11:33:17 AM »

pauly jr. takes it up the poopy

Klark Kent · « **Reply #25 on:** June 23, 2006, 11:51:46 PM »

that can't be the last word

3 sticks · « **Reply #26 on:** June 24, 2006, 05:16:41 AM »

Yes; quick; somebody say somthing meaningful

will

razor02097 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 25, 2006, 09:45:07 PM »

Its not really a cafe racer but its a hellavalot nicer then some of the bikes they have built in the past. It leaves me with an "I'd ride it" impression. I don't know what they where thinking with some of the choices they made... first off I don't think the billet wheels belong on a cafe racer. Next that style motor doesn't look right in that frame. Finally that pipe with the mesh looking screen looks like crap.

I do like the back bodywork though. Hanging the tanks are a nice touch too.

There are some good things on that bike and there are some bad things... like those toothpick spokes on that back rim

carpy · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2006, 05:20:35 PM »

Hello gang
I missed the episode of OCC, but to be honest, I dont really watch it, havent for a couple of years now.
I knew it would be popular.
I know no different as I have built and ridden them for over 30 years back in the UK.

its a good and bad thing, but, still promotes Motorcycling and they are works of art.

This is my latest Project, %.5 xtretched tank, lowered, raked and built Motor, still a little ways to go but I should be done in a few weeks.
I am making a seat right now and that will be a racey style but different to my others.
next plan is for a Supercharged SOHC motor, now thst gonna be Crazy.

Here is my Last one I finished.

peace and Grease to ya all.
carpy

Pinhead · « **Reply #29 on:** August 22, 2006, 06:12:07 PM »

Isn't that riding position a little uncomfortable?

seaweb11 · « **Reply #30 on:** August 22, 2006, 07:13:06 PM »

Quote from: Pinhead on August 22, 2006, 06:12:07 PM

Isn't that riding position a little uncomfortable?

If you even need to ask...............it would probably be awkward for you

Nothin like looking over your front tire at the road

Pinhead · « **Reply #31 on:** August 22, 2006, 07:49:47 PM »

I've tried riding somewhat like that, put my feet on the back footpegs and leaned foreward. I know my handlebars would need to be further foreward, but I would think you'd need some support under your chest to make a long ride comfortable. Then looking up all the time would probably make your neck sore...

Rhonda750F · « **Reply #32 on:** August 23, 2006, 07:18:33 AM »

Your a young dude, you should have a strong back and shouldn't be whining about comfort! If you were say 40+, I would say stay away from the cafe style. (sorry to all the 40+ cafe riders here, I don't mean to bust your old chops!)

Pinhead · « **Reply #33 on:** August 23, 2006, 09:58:12 AM »

When I say a long ride, I mean a full day, dusk 'til dawn. I wouldn't be worried about my back. I'd be more worried about my wrists and arms, since they'd be carrying pretty much all of the weight.

cmorgan47 · « **Reply #34 on:** August 23, 2006, 10:09:28 AM »

Quote from: Pinhead on August 23, 2006, 09:58:12 AM

When I say a long ride, I mean a full day, dusk 'til dawn. I wouldn't be worried about my back. I'd be more worried about my wrists and arms, since they'd be carrying pretty much all of the weight.

they do.
you have to learn to relax the grip and cary the weight more with your back/stomach muscles.

my hands let me know when i'm not doing this by going numb....also from spending 10 hours a day on a keyboard.

seaweb11 · « **Reply #35 on:** August 23, 2006, 11:09:00 AM »

I assure you after 10 hrs of riding it's not your wrist that hurt. Pain comes from quite a bit lower........your ass.
The wind holds you up a bit as well as it hits your chest.

signed a 46 year old Cafe rider

cmorgan47 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 23, 2006, 11:20:50 AM »

Quote from: seaweb11 on August 23, 2006, 11:09:00 AM

I assure you after 10 hrs of riding it's not your wrist that hurt. Pain comes from quite a bit lower........your ass.
The wind holds you up a bit as well as it hits your chest.

signed a 46 year old Cafe rider

yeah, it's not wrist pain, it's the numbness. i have too many activities contributing to nerve damage and feel i'll probably be getting the surgery sooner rather than later.

at least i can blame my job and work that angle for the bill.

News:

Author Topic: American Chopper - "Cafe" Style Build (Read 7884 times)

byurko

Chlap

Vatch

prsman23@hotmail.c

byurko

ElCheapo

3 sticks

comcrx

3 sticks