Topic: Cafe or not Cafe?

[tortelvis]

When is a cafe not a cafe? I see many "cafe" bikes on craigslist, etc. that to me are no way a true cafe. Putting on a set of clubmans does not make it a cafe! I see many bikes that look bog standard but are listed as a cafe. It seems a buzz word used to get your attention. What do you all think?

[scunny]

buzz word.
I refer to mine as a retro racer 

[hikerjay]

People are mostly likely using the term cafe because cafe style bikes tend to sell for bigger dollars than stock bikes.

That being said, it seems subjective as to what is a cafe bike.  With a littel research people should be able to determine how modified the bike is.

[TwoTired]

The labels are to impress other people.  Which says more about the labeler than the actual machine does.  IMO

I refer to my bike as "my bike".  Unless, I am in need of coffee, then I race to the Cafe, without addressing the bike at all.  I do use appropriate names for other drivers I encounter enroute,

But, then my bikes aren't special purpose, suitable for just one style or place of riding.  I can ride them anywhere and use them for many activities.

In the garage, I have an assortment of names for mine as I work on them.  "@#$!%*&" is popular, and they seem to respond to it favorably.

When my wife asks me about which to ride.  It's ole' Bluey, Orangie, Blackie, Brownie, etc.   To which, she replies, "Oh".

...But, she isn't impressed with any of the names.   She is impressed that I can make them run after neglect and abuse, and keep them running thereafter with very little cash outlay.

Cheers, 

[mrrch]

It is overused on alot just like "sandcast" is on ebay.

[mrjack55]

It is overused on a lot just like "sandcast" is on ebay.

Wait, you said "sandcast"!  That post is worth $5000!

I love how they use it on ebay; Honda handle bars "sandcast" $3000, Honda foot pegs "sandcast" $2000, Honda lunch box "sandcast" $5000. 

Most of the labels we use today are just style titles I guess.  "What kind of motorcycle it that"?  "Is it a Cafe, bobber, chopper, or streetfighter"?  I've used "Cafe" to describe the look or style I'm partial to.  But, I know my bike will not be a true Cafe Racer.  It's not 1959, it's not a European make, and I'm not going to dress the part of an English Rocker.  What I'm going to do is build a Honda that suits my riding needs and style.

Call it what ever you want, it's yours, you built it.  Don't get too wrapped up in the label game.  There's very little truth in advertising.

[Radam]

I agree that people just say that to get more money. People call my bike a cafe all the time, but I wouldn't. I call it a BA cb836! Just because I have a bikini faring doesn't mean it's a cafe. Hell, I don't even have rear sets.

[socalenduro]

Putting on a set of clubmans does not make it a cafe!

so  is there a checklist one must complete before the bike is cafe? what about clubmans and footpegs.... or clubmans and knee dents....or knee dents and a cafe seat, or a cafe seat and....
my point is i dont think there is a hard and fast defn of what makes a bike a cafe bike....


and yes on craigslist its to squeeze a few more dollars out of hipsters

[nokrome]

this is the most beat to death topic on this forum
   BORING !!!!!

[Gordon]

this is the most beat to death topic on this forum
   BORING !!!!!

I see you haven't participated in many oil threads.

[flybox1]

i want a sandcast lunchbox...

 

[goaarongo]

I thought saying the word "cafe" meant the bike would go faster.   

[TwoTired]

I thought saying the word "cafe" meant the bike would go faster.   

I guess a modernization of the old saying, "If it won't go, chrome it!"

Is now "If it won't go, cafe it!"



 
(Sometimes I just crack myself up.)