Americans rode from bar to bar, the English from cafe to cafe- hence the name. The cafe racer is the English equivalent of the American chopper; the cheif aim being to reduce weight, then to personalise and make faster. As the Europeans never really had huge freeways like we do here, they concentrated on skill/handling rather than blind speed. Lower bars puts your weight farther forward over the front wheel which improves handling and braking. The rear-sets keep your feet up higher and back so your toes don't drag in tight corners.
