Cafe Racer: Beginner Guide of Racing Bike Building

The café racer is more than a motorcycle—it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a statement of rebellion. Born in 1960s Britain, these stripped-down, customized machines were built for one purpose: speed. Riders would tear from one café to another, racing the clock and aiming to “do the ton”—hit 100 mph—before a jukebox record finished playing at London’s legendary Ace Café.

Working-class riders, unable to afford factory-built racers, modified their own bikes with ingenuity and passion. Over time, this gave rise to the unmistakable café racer style, with features such as:

Swept-back exhaust pipes

Clip-on or “Ace” handlebars

Reverse cone megaphones or Dunstall silencers

Dunlop TT100 tires

Rearset foot controls

Larger carburetors for more speed

As the movement spread, aftermarket companies offered fiberglass tanks with knee cutouts, racing seats, and lightweight aluminum components—further refining the look of raw performance paired with minimalist design.

Today, the café racer remains one of the most recognized and admired motorcycle styles in the world. This book takes you on a ride through its history, design, and enduring legacy.

Relive the golden age of motorcycling—and discover why the café racer is more than a bike. It’s an attitude.