Norton - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/norton-cafe-racer/ Cafe racers, custom motorcycles and riding gear news and reviews. Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:24:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-rocr-emblem-32x32.jpg Norton - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/norton-cafe-racer/ 32 32 188132605 Celebrating Success: Norton Motorcycles V4CR 588 LE https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/v4cr-588-limited-edition/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:24:04 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=45242 There’s no denying that Norton Motorcycles has had a troubled past. From insolvencies to multiple ownership changes, and who can forget Stuart Garner’s recent appalling management of the brand? But thankfully, things are finally starting to look up for the iconic British marque. Norton is now nestled snuggly under the wing of Indian automotive giant TVS Motor Company and its future is finally looking bright. After acquiring the Norton brand TVS has dedicated itself to securing its future with a […]

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Crowning Glory: Marian’s street legal Norton MkII Commando Seeley https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/marian-seeley-mkii-commando/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:41:50 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=45188 New York based, fashion and beauty photographer Marian Sell loves a good side project. He cut his teeth with two-wheeled engineering growing up in Germany. Tinkering on the Vespas and Lambrettas he and his friends terrorized local streets on. Decades later he’s still tinkering on motorcycles in his spare time, but his latest project is his crowning glory. Building a Norton street racer has been a long-time desire of Marian’s and he’d even attempted one in the past, but this […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1966 Norton Atlas 750 Café Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/1966-norton-atlas-750-cafe-racer/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:55:21 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=45103 The Norton 750cc Atlas, unveiled in 1962, marked the evolution of the capacity/horsepower race initiated in the 1950s among British twin-cylinder motorcycles. Stemming from the Featherbed Models lineage, which progressed from the 500cc 88 to the 600cc 99 and later transformed into the 650SS and Manxman, the series culminated in the 750cc Atlas. Facing financial constraints to alter the 650SS crankcases, Norton opted to elongate the stroke, resulting in the Atlas—a long-stroke twin boasting remarkable torque and rapid acceleration but […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1973 Norton Commando 850 Interstate Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/1973-norton-commando-850-interstate-cafe-racer/ Sun, 19 Nov 2023 21:39:49 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44591 This 1973 Norton Commando 850 Interstate was transformed into a cafe racer, featuring a Manx-style fuel tank, a custom bump seat and tailpiece, clip-on handlebars, rearsets, a Dunstall-style exhaust system, a Mikuni carburetor, and a Tri-Spark electronic ignition module. It clinched the title of Best British Cafe at the 2022 Brit Jam in East Hampton, Connecticut. The motorcycle is propelled by an 828cc parallel twin mated to a four-speed gearbox. It is equipped with 19″ wire-spoke wheels, a front disc […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1970 Norton Custom ‘MKIV-R Commando 900’ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1970-norton-custom-mkiv-r-commando-900/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:24:42 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44395 This remarkable ‘Mk IV-R Commando 900’ Norton motorcycle is a striking and entirely customized classic sports bike, conceived by Jets Forever Motorcycles as a head-turning ‘Monterey Class’ race bike. It was transformed during a seven-year restoration and customization by John Parry of Cobra Motorcycles Engineering and Pete Lovell Developments, guided by Jets Forever Motorcycles owner Jeff Duval’s exacting specifications. The bike now sports a sleek black finish with a yellow stripe, gold-accented front fairing headlight ring, and a custom black […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2017 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2017-norton-commando-961-cafe-racer-mkii/ Sun, 22 Oct 2023 20:56:41 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44230 The 2017 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer MKII is a British motorcycle that pays homage to the classic Norton Commando bikes of the ’60s and ’70s. Powered by a 961cc parallel-twin engine, this model offers a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance. Its design is reminiscent of the cafe racer style, known for its minimalist and sporty look. The motorcycle boasts a retro-inspired appearance with an iconic fuel tank, cowl, and tail section. It’s built on a sturdy steel […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1973 Norton Commando Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1973-norton-commando-cafe-racer/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:57:38 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43699 The current owner of this 1973 Norton Commando acquired it in 2007, preserving it in storage for over a decade. In 2020, a two-year transformation in the spirit of a café racer was completed. Powering this remarkable machine is a modified 872cc parallel twin engine, paired with a four-speed transmission. The engine features 79mm Hepolite pistons, a Hepolite camshaft, Kibblewhite chromoly pushrods, an Alton electric starter, a Tri-Spark electronic ignition, Motogadget electronics, and a dual exhaust system equipped with custom […]

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Bike Of The Day: NorStar Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-norstar-cafe-racer/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:13:14 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43263 This 2004 NorStar café racer was created by  Dave Smith Classic Motorcycles in Plainfield, Illinois. Highlighting exquisite craftsmanship, the bike showcases silver-finished custom alloy bodywork enveloping a black powder-coated Norton Manx featherbed frame that underwent modifications to accommodate a 611cc BSA Gold Star four-stroke single engine, enhanced through bore and stroke adjustments. Paired ingeniously, the engine aligns with a custom BSA gearbox furnished with a Triumph five-speed gearset. Noteworthy additions comprise Excel alloy rims, stainless-steel spokes, a Fontana four leading-shoe […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1970 Norton Ala ‘Verda Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bmw-motorcycles-cafe-racer/bike-of-the-day-1970-norton-ala-verda-custom/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 03:23:14 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43053 Daniel Delfour, an experienced violin maker, decided to channel his artistic sensibility into crafting a truly extraordinary motorcycle. Combining a modified Norton 850 engine with a Laverda 668 Ghost trellis frame, the project seemed deceptively simple, but the reality was far more complex. The inception of this remarkable idea occurred when Daniel stumbled upon a Laverda 650 with a broken engine in his friend’s garage. As a devoted track racer and Commando enthusiast, he knew that the ideal race machine […]

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Bike Of The Day: Norton Commando 850 cNw Limited Edition Cafe https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-norton-commando-850-cnw-limited-edition-cafe/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:18:59 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42423 This Norton Commando is #6 of 13 Limited Edition Café examples built at Matt Rambow’s Colorado Norton Works. The bike features custom-fabricated polished alloy bodywork by Evan Wilcox, mounted over a red powder-coated oil-in-backbone chromoly frame designed by cNw in conjunction with Jeff Cole of C and J Racing Frames. The bike is powered by an 828cc parallel twin. Equipment includes a four-speed gearbox, triple Brembo disc brakes, a modified Showa fork, stainless-steel Hagon shocks, a black racing-style solo seat, […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1974 Norton Commando Cafe Racer Replica https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1974-norton-commando-cafe-racer-replica/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 09:41:11 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=41525 When customization is done correctly, it’s possible to add value rather than reduce it. Even when it comes to absolute classics like this Norton Commando. Under normal circumstances, it could be considered sacrilegious to get creative with a legend such as the Commando, but with the right amount of care, attention, and respect, something amazing can happen. In fact, the modifications on this beauty are so well-executed that you would think they were as the factory intended—and that’s exactly what […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1000cc Norvin by Millet Racing https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1000cc-norvin-by-millet-racing/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:22:27 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=41112 The “One and Only” Norvin is a unique creation designed to honor Jean-Louis Millet, a former sidecar racer who achieved great success in the world of racing, winning three French championships and a European championship. Millet later founded his own exhaust company, Millet Racing, and managed a professional race team. The Norvin is a cafe racer that boasts a 998cc Vincent V-twin engine built onto a Norton frame, giving it its distinctive name. Over 15 skilled professionals were involved in […]

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Asohka: Brent King’s Norton Commando 850 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/asohka-commando-850/ Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:19:50 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=40878 There are days when I struggle to get anything done. I thought this was a problem everyone experienced, but then I met Brent King, aka Mifune Werx. Brent is the kind of guy who seems able to do in one week what would take most people a month. He’s an accomplished landscape architect with his own design firm, a martial arts instructor, a sword practitioner, builds replica armour and is a father to boot. Brent also loves motorcycles, but not […]

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Mini Manx: Omega Racer Norton Inspired Piggy Bank https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/motorcycle-accessories/omegaracer-norton-piggy-bank/ Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:00:11 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=40621 Looking for the ultimate desktop or coffee table accessory for motorcyclists? Thailand’s Omega Racer workshop has just the thing. Inspired by the design of Norton Motorcycle’s legendary Manx motorcycle, Omega Racer has created this eye-catching conversation piece. Built from high-grade aluminium this miniature fuel tank is a handmade work of art that also doubles as a piggy bank. “This scaled-down Norton tank replica makes for a truly special gift, a trophy at a bike show or simply an addition to […]

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Combat Ready – An Exhaustive Norton Commando 750 Resto-mod https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/commando-combat-750/ Sun, 28 Aug 2022 13:28:13 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=39069 A silk purse from a sow’s ear. That’s the first thing that came to mind when this striking ’73 Norton Commando Combat 750 popped up on my radar. It was built under the ownership of multi-award-winning music artist Tim Lopez. Despite the Combat engine’s somewhat dubious past, Tim has transformed one of Norton’s engineering failures into a reliable runabout and he did it by enlisting the help of some of the best Norton experts in the country. Tim’s Commando was […]

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Getting Nostalgic – Norton Motorcycles Heritage Collection Exhibit https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/motorcycle-news/norton-heritage-collection/ Mon, 09 May 2022 01:53:44 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37750 Now that Norton Motorcycles is finally in good hands we’re looking forward to seeing great things from the legendary British marque. Now under the wing of Indian motorcycle manufacturing giant, TVS Motor Company, Norton has 100 million pounds of funding under its belt. One of the first things they’ve allocated that cash towards is a new 73,000sq ft headquarters in Solihull, UK. TVS are calling it “the most advanced facility in our (Norton Motorcycles) 123-year history”. The new facility features […]

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Beeley Westlake – Berrybads Seeley Weslake Classic Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/cafe-racers/berrybads-westlake-racer/ Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:42:51 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37312 If you frequent these pages you’ll be familiar with the work of Kyohey Sugimoto of Berrybads Motorcycles. The Japanese builder has been a hot favourite of mine for many years. This is due, in part, to an incredible Kawasaki W650 cafe racer he built back in 2016. But since then Sugimoto-san has built plenty of other impressive custom motorcycles that are worth a closer look. Along with building impressive custom motorcycles, Sugimoto-san has a soft spot for classic racing. And […]

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Cracking Cafe – The new TVS Norton V4CR https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/ride-review/cracking-cafe-the-new-tvs-norton-v4cr/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 04:19:15 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=36072 At the beginning of 2020, Norton Motorcycles under the leadership of Stuart Garner dropped a bombshell when they announced they were going into administration. It was a devastating event in the brand’s 123-year history and left us all wondering if this would be the final nail in Norton’s coffin. Then things took a surprise twist when the world’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, TVS Motor Company, stepped in to save the day. Since taking control of the Norton brand TVS hasn’t wasted […]

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Well Nourished – Berry Bad Triton Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/berrybad-triton-2/ Mon, 04 May 2020 11:19:14 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=23845 I think the term ‘patina’ is often misused in the custom world. Nowadays it seems to be applied to any old rust bucket that’s been left to rot in a barn. We probably have the whole rat bike scene to blame for that. Stating that a motorcycle had patina used to be a compliment. A hat tip of sorts to a bike that was showing its age due to years of dedicated use. It was something that was earned and […]

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British Beat Norton Commando 850 Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/british-beat-commando/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:18:48 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=23742 Norton Motorcycles has a rocky history that predates Stuart Garner’s recent disastrous efforts. Since the early 1950s owners of the brand have struggled with financial issues. But somehow, despite all that, the British marque became an icon. This can be attributed to game-changing engineering developments such as rubber-mounted engines and featherbed frames and legendary models like the Manx and the Commando. So while we don’t have anything positive to say about the current situation at Norton Motorcycles, there’s still plenty […]

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Tasteful Triton – Berry Bads’ Norton featherbed https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triton-cafe-racer/berrybad-triton/ Sun, 14 Jul 2019 06:59:29 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=18105 The Japanese custom automotive scene is bursting with unbound creativity and world-class craftsmanship. So for a photographer whose passion lies in custom automotive its a bucket list destination. This feature comes to us directly from Japan thanks to two such photographers. Christine Gabler and Marc Holstein travelled to the land of the rising sun to immerse themselves in the local motorcycle scene. They plan to release the images they captured in a photo book later this year. To whet our […]

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Made in Metal Top Shelf Triton https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/mim-triton/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/mim-triton/#respond Fri, 17 May 2019 10:32:06 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=16111 Take the most powerful engine in the Triumph modern classic range and shoehorn it into one of the most revered frames in the history of motorcycling. What do you get? A modern-day Triton cafe racer. An absolute masterpiece that could quite well be the ultimate cafe racer. Lo and behold this happens to be exactly what Neil at Made in Metal Motorcycles in Stafford UK has gone and done. Producing custom motorcycles professionally for the last 7 years, Neil is […]

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Six Fifty Stile – Triton Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triton-cafe-racer/stile-italiano-cr650/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triton-cafe-racer/stile-italiano-cr650/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2019 02:28:18 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=16415 There are plenty of custom motorcycles born of mixed parentage. Some should never have been conceived and yet others like the Triton cafe racer were a match made in two-wheeled heaven. Take one of the best frames of the 1960s, a Norton Featherbed, and marry it to one of the fastest engines of the day, a Triumph T120 parallel twin and together they made beautiful music. These days securing both a featherbed frame and Bonneville T120 engine for a Triton […]

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Tune in – Goblin Works Norton Dominator https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/custom-norton-dominator/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/custom-norton-dominator/#respond Wed, 09 May 2018 04:51:20 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=11018 After the train wreck that was Orange County Choppers, I’ve been a bit reluctant to commit to any motorcycle related reality TV shows. What I like most about the custom scene are the friendships it creates and the sheer fun of having a go at creating something functional and cool. What I’m not interested in watching are big egos and useless trailer trash.  Thankfully there’s finally a series that seems to have the formula right. The Discovery channels ‘Goblin Works […]

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Hoofing Bike – Cyclecraft Norton Commando https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/cyclecraft-norton-commando/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/cyclecraft-norton-commando/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2016 20:37:00 +0000 As it happens, the first motorcycle I ever went on as a kid was a Norton Commando 850 and since that day I have always had a special affinity for the legendary English motorcycle. Nowadays most of my riding buddies have Commandos (I’m not even joking, it’s an epidemic…) so even though I really like them it takes a pretty damn special one to make me weak at the knees. Cue Peter and his masterpiece, built by his good friend […]

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A Classic Cafe Racer – The Yoshida Machine Triton https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/a-classic-cafe-racer-yoshida-machine/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/a-classic-cafe-racer-yoshida-machine/#respond Sun, 03 Apr 2016 22:18:00 +0000 Aside from being the most iconic of all Cafe Racers, what really makes the Triton special is how it came to be. Unlike other classic bikes from the same era, the Triton was never a factory-built motorcycle. Instead, it was dreamt up by home builders in the UK during the late 1950s as a means to an end. They wanted faster, better handling machines than the motorcycles being sold by manufacturers and the solution was to simply create their own. […]

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Norton Commando Mick Grant Special https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/norton-commando-mick-grant-special/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/norton-commando-mick-grant-special/#respond Sun, 08 Nov 2015 02:35:00 +0000 Mick on his number 16 JPS Norton The aptly named ‘Mick Grant Special’ commemorates both Mick’s involvement in the Works Norton racing team in the early seventies and his appointment as a team member of the new Norton Racing team in 2014. Mick’s famous number 7 John Player Special which he won the Scarborough International on became the inspiration for the replica model wearing its unmistakable blue and white livery and racing decals. Using Norton’s latest 961 Commando Cafe Racer […]

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Vintage Steele 1972 Norton Commando https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/vintage-steele-1972-norton-commando/ Sat, 31 Oct 2015 00:36:00 +0000 “This is not the first motorcycle Caleb Matthiesen and the Vintage Steele crew have built together, and hopefully not the last. Caleb Matthiesen, is my long time friend from the 7th grade. Growing up, we were always working on projects together. Whether it was bicycles or the occasional soapbox car. During the winter Caleb decided to take time off his web-designing job to travel China and Japan. Before going back to Seattle he wanted to work on a build with […]

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Gas Box 59 Triton Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/gas-box-59-triton-cafe-racer/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/gas-box-59-triton-cafe-racer/#respond Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:55:00 +0000 Jesse Bassett has been operating ‘The GasBox’ workshop in Cleveland, Ohio since early 2009. As a seasoned workshop mechanic of over 20 years he’s got all the skills it takes to piece together a reliable classic ride, however, it’s Jesses’ eye for detail and his personal aesthetic that’s really impressive. Clean, simple and beautifully executed builds are what you’ll find in his custom portfolio and this incredible 1959 Triton Cafe Racer is one of his latest. Hand-formed bodywork and a […]

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Norton Dominator SS Roadtest https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/norton-dominator-ss-roadtest/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/norton-dominator-ss-roadtest/#respond Wed, 27 May 2015 10:19:00 +0000 “Ride past the grand Norton sign, and down the long driveway of the Norton factory at Donington and you step into their world. A world of design, metal and love for the Norton brand that goes way beyond a badge on the tank. The factory at Donington Hall is always buzzing. It’s the home of the historic British brand and just walking in brings the Norton name to life. In reception sits a Norton trials bike and a timeline of […]

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Triton 650 Pre Unit Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/triton-650-pre-unit-cafe-racer/ Thu, 20 Feb 2014 18:33:00 +0000 At the heart of the Triton is a special blend of Triumph engineering. A ’61 Pre Unit 650cc engine was chosen as the base and was treated to meticulous internal fine-tuning and balancing. With power and reliability in mind, a 9 bolt cylinder head assembly from a T120 was bolted in place and the internals from a 1960 T140 5 speed gearbox slid inside. Spark is managed by a Lucas Competition Magneto and fuel delivery is managed by a spanking […]

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Sporton Norley Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/sporton-norley-cafe-racer/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/sporton-norley-cafe-racer/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:43:00 +0000 Although they call each other allies the US and the UK never quite see eye to eye. One area where this has always rung true is in the world of motorcycling, thankfully though there are those who recognise the potential of mixing British iron with American steel like our friend FaizalYusop in Malaysia. With a Norton featherbed frame and a Harley ironhead motor he pieced together this Norley Cafe Racer that he’s named the ‘Sporton’. Influenced by the style of […]

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Norton Domiracer Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/domiracer-cafe-racer/ Mon, 19 Aug 2013 20:35:00 +0000 In the early sixties, the Domiracer was a heavily tuned Norton Dominator that produced around 55bhp and was capable of clocking speeds of over 100mph, a first for pushrod engines of its era. The Domiracer weighed 16kg less than it’s rival sibling the Manx and was designed by Bracebridge Street Race Shop in the UK. The Domiracer took out first place in the 1960 Thruxton 500 and a third-place finish in the 1961 Isle of Mann TT before the project […]

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The best Triton in Australia https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/the-best-triton-in-australia/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/the-best-triton-in-australia/#respond Mon, 29 Jul 2013 21:28:00 +0000 In Cafe Racer terms the Triton was the ride of choice for Rockers of the 60’s and 70’s. The combination of Triumph’s mighty parallel twin and Norton’s featherbed frame delivered a potent mix of power and handling more than capable of delivering Ton Up thrills. In 1989 Andrew Wishart’s father started work on a Triton build that earned the title of Australia’s best. Fast forward 20 years and the bike made it’s way in to his son’s hands and it was […]

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Death Spray Customs Norton Dominator https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/death-spray-customs-dominator/ Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:33:00 +0000 If there’s one thing I love to see in the custom motorcycle scene it’s a good sense of humour. One individual who’s bringing his own “Why so serious?” attitude to the custom scene is the man behind Death Spray Custom, David Gwyther. He’s applied his unique custom paint schemes to everything from Nascar racers to bicycles, car bonnets, helmets, and motorcycles, with each piece being as unique and tongue in cheek as the last. So what does a guy who […]

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Triton pre-unit wideline Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/triton-pre-unit-wideline-cafe-racer/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/triton-pre-unit-wideline-cafe-racer/#respond Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:00:00 +0000 Last week I posted a Triton and had a moan about how long it had been since I featured a featherbed framed bike, well lo and behold here’s another one! It’s funny how that happens but I’m certainly not about to complain. Today’s Triton is a bonafide UK sixties built Cafe Racer from a fellow Melbourner, Pete Ingram. Pete’s Triton came into his possession with the sad passing of his father and although Pete had previously put an end tohis riding days […]

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Iron & Resin Triton Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/iron-resin-triton-cafe-racer/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/triumph-cafe-racer/iron-resin-triton-cafe-racer/#respond Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:18:00 +0000   I hate to admit it but it’s been a while since I’ve posted a featherbed on the site! This particular example is owned by Thom from moto lifestyle brand Iron & Resin and it’s a great example of a classic Triton packed with period correct components. With what started out as a pile of parts found at a local Californian Brit cycle store, Thom spent 2 years pieced together his dream bike and the result clearly speak for itself. The […]

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Ed Norton Commando Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/ed-norton-commando-cafe-racer/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/norton-cafe-racer/ed-norton-commando-cafe-racer/#respond Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:51:00 +0000 It’s not often a well known custom builder sends me photos of his living room, but seeing as these particular photos included Kim Boyles jaw dropping 1971 “Ed” Norton Cafe Racer I wasn’t about to complain. Back in 2006 Kim purchased the Norton Commando with the intention to build his own vision of a Cafe Racer. After a first attempt in 2007 Kim was left disappointed with the result so to make way for other projects the bike was moved […]

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Buell Norton Manx Neoretro https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/buell-cafe-racer/buell-norton-manx-neoretro/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/buell-cafe-racer/buell-norton-manx-neoretro/#respond Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:36:00 +0000 When Frenchman Sebastien Beaupere wanted pay hommage to Norton’s legendary Manx he was always going to have his work cut out for him. Norton’s Manx is recognised as one of the most influential British racing bikes ever made and as most would agree, could never be recreated using anything but original Norton components. But custom building isn’t about rules it’s about self expression and purpose so while Sebastien’s ‘Neoretro’ Buell Manx will have purists shaking their heads while others will […]

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Motorclassica 2012 motorcycle highlights https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/ducati-cafe-racer/motorclassica-2012-motorcycle-highlights/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/ducati-cafe-racer/motorclassica-2012-motorcycle-highlights/#respond Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:45:00 +0000 What a weekend! First up was the 2012 Motorclassica at the Royal Exhibition Center in Melbourne with Luke from Fuel Magazine, then it was off to the Camperdown Cruise for a day filled with Hot Rods, Rockabillys and Rock n Roll with Jimmy from Oil Stained Brain. While the Camperdown Cruise is primarily a car meet Motorclassica never fails to impress with a modest collection of rare and vintage motorcycles. I took a camera along and snapped some shots of […]

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