Harley Davidson Cafe Racer - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/ Cafe racers, custom motorcycles and riding gear news and reviews. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:52:10 +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 Harley Davidson Cafe Racer - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/ 32 32 188132605 Bike Of The Day: 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster XL1200CX ‘JT26 Rascal’ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/2016-harley-davidson-roadster-xl1200cx-jt26-rascal/ Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:26:38 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44821 The ‘JT26 Rascal’ is a unique custom build inspired by Warr’s Harley-Davidson’s second consecutive UK and Ireland championship-winning bike, the ‘Rascal Racer,’ in the annual Battle of the Kings build-off. This custom creation was designed by Charlie Stockwell of Stockwell Design, who serves as the Head of Design and Custom at Warr’s Harley-Davidson custom department, King’s Road Customs, showcasing the full potential of the top-of-the-range Sportster XL1200 Roadster model. The exterior design by Image Design Custom, drew inspiration from the […]

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]]> 44821 Bike Of The Day: 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster Scrambler https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2006-harley-davidson-sportster-scrambler/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:25:41 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44678 David Zemla transformed this 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster into a scrambler for Burly Brand, featured prominently in advertisements and event displays. The modifications include a distinctive white 4.5-gallon fuel tank adorned with red pinstripes, bespoke fenders, RideWright wheels sporting Heidenau enduro tires, an altered rear frame section, a detachable luggage rack, a brat-style seat, and Burly Brand shocks. Power comes from an air-cooled V-twin that received a 1,200cc big-bore kit and an air cleaner from S&S Cycle. The exhaust system was […]

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]]> 44678 Bike Of The Day: FXRX-Wedge by DOUGZ Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/fxrx-wedge-by-dougz-custom/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:01:40 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44621 The FXRX-Wedge is a custom motorcycle built in 2010 by Dougz Custom Paint & Fabrication in collaboration with S&S Cycle and Rolling Thunder Manufacturing, aimed to create a ‘custom’ motorcycle that could be titled and insured within a reasonable budget by economic standards at that time. The project involved lengthening a 1992 Harley-Davidson FXR frame and swingarm, installing a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-twin with an S&S five-speed WX-R transmission, modifying the fuel tank, fitting a two-into-one exhaust system with custom […]

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]]> 44621 Bike Of The Day: 1990 Harley-Davidson ‘Rocket’ Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/1990-harley-davidson-rocket-custom/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:47:48 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44427 Fernando ‘Ferry’ Clot, a two-time World Champion, crafted this exceptional motorcycle, which secured a second-place finish in its class at the 2014 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany. Built on a 1990 Harley-Davidson 80ci ‘Evo’ with the original ‘Softail’ frame intact, it features stock rake and stretch. The front end, a Denver’s Choppers component, was shortened to fit, and the Hot Dreams swinging arm was welded to the frame. Ferry personally rebuilt and customized both the […]

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]]> 44427 Bike Of The Day: 2015 Harley-Davidson 750 Custom “Street Shark” https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2015-harley-davidson-750-custom-street-shark/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:26:07 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44134 Liberty Harley-Davidson of Rahway, New Jersey, modified this 2015 Harley-Davidson Street 750 with a shark theme. The customization includes special bodywork, silver paint adorned with shark-themed elements like teeth and gills, and a black silencer with silver cutouts at the rear. The bike is complemented by matching foot pegs and foot controls, and the factory brake calipers are finished in red. Its 19″ wheels are paired with 4.00″ Duro tires. The handlebars, finished in black, maintain the factory control layout. […]

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]]> 44134 Bike Of The Day: 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1977-harley-davidson-xlcr-cafe-racer/ Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:17:53 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43936 The XLCR stands out as the ultimate factory café racer, epitomizing the essence of badness and blackness. The name, derived from XL (Sportster) CR (café racer), marked Willie G Davidson’s inaugural masterpiece. In the 1970s, amidst the global custom motorcycle trends of choppers, street trackers, and café racers. Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of the company founder, ingeniously blended a flat-track style tank and seat with a small fairing and low handlebars to craft the XL Café Racer prototype in […]

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]]> 43936 Bike Of The Day: 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200R Roadster Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2005-harley-davidson-sportster-1200r-roadster-custom/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 22:09:44 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43664 The 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200R Roadster epitomizes the café racer aesthetic, featuring a potent 1,200cc V-twin engine paired with a five-speed transmission. It boasts a striking Vivid Black finish adorned with ivory accents and bold red pinstripes. Notable features include a lowered suspension, extended swingarm, triple disc brakes, and distinctive Chrome twisted-spoke wire wheels. The bike also sports a two-into-one RSD Tracker exhaust system for enhanced performance and a H-D Daymaker LED headlight with a black visor, along with an […]

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]]> 43664 Bike Of The Day: 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2002-harley-davidson-sportster-custom/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:02:59 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43461 This Harley-Davidson Sportster is a stylish classic motorcycle, meticulously rebuilt and modified in the café racer style. It was constructed by a member of the Clyde Valley Harley-Davidson club, showcasing it at various shows and competitions where it earned numerous awards. This Harley-Davidson Custom Sportster  sports a chrome over black finish, adorned with ‘Harley’ lettering on the custom Norton-style fuel tank, along with white ’59’ decals and a bespoke Oxblood Red seat pad. Notable modifications encompass metallic polished clip-ons, a […]

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]]> 43461 Bike Of The Day: 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster Hageman Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2004-harley-davidson-sportster-hageman-custom/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 03:41:37 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43342 Greg Hageman’s tasteful Sportster custom is both visually appetizing and technically masterful. Despite being renowned for customizing Yamahas, Hageman, a Harley-Davidson mechanic, gained fame for his XV920 Yamaha Virago reimaginations that redefined the undervalued OHV V-twin. Yamaha’s brand lesson gave Hageman a mid-2010s custom scene entry, though he’d been studying Harley mechanics since 1999, mastering the craft through 2011. He selected a 2004 solid engine mount Sportster for his off-road vision. Inspired by the 1958 Harley-Davidson XLCH, Hageman’s build paid […]

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]]> 43342 Bike Of The Day: Sportster Forty-Eight Harley Davidson Cafe Racer By FatBoy Design https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-sportster-forty-eight-harley-davidson-cafe-racer-by-fatboy-design/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:18:36 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43227 The star of the 2022 Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show was a heavily modified Sportster Forty-Eight Harley Davidson cafe racer, designed by Chakkaphan Rungsukcharoen, known as Mark from FatBoy Design. Inspired by his father’s Lamborghini Murcielago SV, Mark completed the build in just 60 days with assistance from skilled friends. The collaboration with Nattapat Janyapanich’s Slayer House, specializing in carbon fiber, resulted in a remarkable carbon bodywork, including a front fairing, fuel tank cover, and angular tail unit. The Sportster’s […]

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]]> 43227 Bike Of The Day: 1991 Harley-Davidson XRTT Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1991-harley-davidson-xrtt-custom/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:41:10 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43069 Harley-Davidson’s race legacy was rooted in its dirt-track racers. To stay competitive for the number one plate, they introduced the OHV XR for road-racing circuits in 1970. Icons like Mert Lawwill and Cal Rayborn raced the XR-TT, a nod to Tourist Trophy racing, featuring a classic design with high pipes, a long tank, and a full fairing for a streamlined profile. Over time, the XR road-racing program phased out, but Harley-Davidson paid tribute with the XLCH café-style bike in the […]

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]]> 43069 Bike Of The Day: 2008 SPS ‘Harley-Davidson’ 93ci Speed Demon Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2008-sps-harley-davidson-93ci-speed-demon-custom/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:49:00 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42816 In 2008, the renowned SPS (Special Parts Supply) company from the Netherlands crafted an exceptional custom motorcycle in the style of a Harley-Davidson. This one-of-a-kind creation achieved a remarkable feat by securing the 2nd place in the prestigious 50th Anniversary competition held by the world-famous S&S factory. The heart of this extraordinary custom bike beats with a powerful 93ci (1,525cc) S&S ‘Anniversary Edition’ Shovelhead-type engine, paired with a Baker Torquebox six-speed transmission. These top-notch components find their place within a […]

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]]> 42816 Bike Of The Day: 1987 Harley-Davidson FXR Twin Cam Warbird Custom https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1987-harley-davidson-fxr-twin-cam-warbird-custom/ Sun, 09 Jul 2023 22:00:42 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42802 Meet the extraordinary custom Harley-Davidson from the renowned Corbin Collection. Starting with a 1987 FXR, only the fuel tank and main frame remain intact. The chassis now features a stronger FLH swingarm, Works Performance shocks, and an inverted fork from a current V-Rod. Upgraded Brembo brakes with aftermarket wave rotors and BST carbon-fiber wheels complete the chassis transformation. The original Harley-Davidson Evo V-twin has been replaced with a 2003 Twin Cam 88 motor, boosted to a 95ci displacement. It boasts […]

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]]> 42802 Bike Of The Day: 2015 Darwin Motorcycles GTR Brawler https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2015-darwin-motorcycles-gtr-brawler/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 20:32:38 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42754 The Brawler GT, created by Dar Holdsworth and Darwin Motorcycles, embodies their vision of an all-American motorcycle that can be ridden daily or unleashed with spirited power. Based on the Harley-Davidson FXR frame, Holdsworth developed and constructed a new frame, incorporating the mighty twin-cam, V-twin S&S T-124 EFI engine, boasting a massive 124 cubic inches (2031cc). The power and torque generated by this beastly engine are beyond words. To achieve a balance between cruising and ripping, the bike features a […]

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]]> 42754 Bike Of The Day: 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200CX Roadster https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2016-harley-davidson-xl-1200cx-roadster/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 03:46:10 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42363 This Harley motorcycle embodies the essence of the café racer style with its “dark custom” design and sleek mudguards. Its power comes from a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 1202cc pushrod 45-degree V-twin engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The use of lightweight aluminum heads and cylinders enhances the efficiency of air-cooling. The bike features is a metallic red paint finish and a perforated black seat. Embracing the “dark custom” theme, it showcases a blacked-out motor, black upside-down forks, black heat guards […]

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]]> 42363 Bike Of The Day: Custom 1948 Harley-Davidson EL61 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-custom-1948-harley-davidson-el61/ Tue, 02 May 2023 07:22:30 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=41784 This custom Panhead, nicknamed “The Ace Of Burden,” was built by Deuce H Moto and Walker Smith Speed Shop to emulate a classic bobber from the post-war era. It boasts a reconstructed 69ci V-twin engine, a hand-shifted 4-speed transmission, and an array of enhancements, including an improved carburetor, intake manifold, clutch, exhaust, and brakes. The bike is adorned with burnished metal bodywork and an oil-rubbed frame, while a customized leather seat with a skull motif and a canvas tool bag […]

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]]> 41784 Bike Of The Day: 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1977-harley-davidson-xlcr/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 06:30:56 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=41566 The XLCR is the ultimate factory café racer, distinguished by its intimidating black appearance. It was the brainchild of Willie G Davidson who was inspired by the three major global custom motorcycle trends of the 1970s: choppers, street trackers, and café racers. Willie G Davidson managed to create a café racer prototype by combining a flat-track style tank and seat with a small fairing and low handlebars. With approval from AMF (American Machine and Foundry), who owned Harley Davidson at […]

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]]> 41566 Bike Of The Day: Stile Italiano Harton CR1200 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-stile-italiano-harton-cr1200/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:58:57 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=40999 The ‘Harton CR1200’ uses a traditional cafe racer design approach. A beefy engine transplanted into a top-performing frame. It is a motorcycle built to perform as well as it looks. Nicknamed the ‘Black Knight’ this is the 6th Harton build from Gianluca and his team at Stile Italiano and he’s proud to say it’s their best one yet. By definition, a Harton cafe racer blends the best bits from a Harley-Davidson with the best bits from a Norton to create […]

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]]> 40999 Slayed Sporty: FatBoy Design x Slayer House H-D Forty Eight https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/fatboy-design-48-sportster/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 06:53:53 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=40072 It’s not often we see crossovers between the world of 4 and 2 wheeled vehicles. When it has happened in the past the results have been less than desirable. But this Lamborghini-inspired Harley Davidson from Thailand has managed to successfully buck the trend. Built to display at the 2022 Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show this heavily modified Sportster Forty-Eight Harley Davidson cafe racer was designed by Chakkaphan Rungsukcharoen aka Mark of FatBoy Design. Inspired by his father’s Lamborghini Murcielago SV […]

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]]> 40072 Never Say Never – RD Kustoms Buell Powered SR1 Roadster https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/buell-cafe-racer/rd-kustoms-sr1/ Sun, 24 Jul 2022 13:16:05 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=38608 Studies have shown that hardiness is the reason why certain people thrive in the face of adversity. When presented with a difficult or unpleasant situation individuals who are hardy possess the ability to turn stressful circumstances from potential disasters to growth opportunities. The creation of this motorcycle named the MMC SR1 is a real-world example of how one man turned the worst news of his life into something remarkable. French father and son duo Michel and Jimmy Messina share similar […]

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]]> 38608 Unholy Temptation – Icon 1000 Homemade Sin HD Dyna https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/icon-1000-hd-dyna/ Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:02:38 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35358 The ICON 1000 crew don’t pull any punches – from the wild graphics they emblazon on their riding gear to their open throttle, smoking rubber approach to marketing videos. And the same goes for their unhinged approach to custom motorcycle building. The latest Icon 1000 tour de force is ‘Homemade Sin’, a heavily modified Harley Davidson Dyna powered by an S&S powerplant. It’s another mind-boggling eclectic creation from the Portland crew, and it’s anything but subtle. “Obscenely wide and built […]

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]]> 35358 Sense of Speed – Anti Clockwise XL1200R Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/anti-clock-wise-xl1200r/ Sat, 28 May 2022 11:21:30 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37751 I think it’s fair to say that outside of the US one of the biggest markets for custom-built Harleys would be Japan. This of course means there’s no shortage of Japanese workshops catering to the demand. One such workshop is that of Daisuke Hashimoto who runs Anti Clock Wise Motorcycles. Daisuke-san specialises in Harley Davidson based projects but also offers a vintage motorcycle helmet repair service. This cafe racer is one of his latest achievements. And even though the words […]

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]]> 37751 Dream Realised – Fangster H-D Sportster 1200 Tracker https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/fangster-sportster-tracker/ Wed, 11 May 2022 13:16:21 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37728 If you’re looking to modify a Harley Davidson Sportster there’s no shortage of aftermarket parts suppliers. You can purchase bolt-on replacements for just about every single component that Harley fixes to the Sporster in their factory and there’s a seemingly endless list of add-ons too. However, despite the plethora of options, you may still not find something that quite suits your style. After working for other companies producing OEM parts, Taiwan based designer Jimmy Chou was ready to do something […]

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]]> 37728 Optical Conclusions – Madhouse Motors Harley Davidson Aermacchi SS350s https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/madhouse-aermacchi-ss350s/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 04:48:36 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=36902 Being unconventional takes guts. It means having the confidence to buck trends, do the unexpected and disregard what neigh sayers and sceptics have to say. In the world of custom motorcycles, there are a handful of builders who consistently take a path less travelled with their work. One of them who does it with inspiring confidence and pizzazz is J.Shia of Boston’s Madhouse Motors. The Pareidolia Series is a four-part build project that J.Shia started in 2017. The first bike […]

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]]> 36902 The Top 10 Cafe Racers of 2021 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/cafe-racers/top-10-2021/ Sat, 01 Jan 2022 10:03:17 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=36066 Happy new year! Well, that wraps up yet another year of cafe racer content. Like the previous year, 2021 was challenging for all of us, but it certainly didn’t stop custom motorcycle enthusiasts around the world from doing what they love most. We saw outstanding builds from some of our favourite workshops as well as an incredible lineup of bikes by backyard and first-time builders. As is customary here on Return of the Cafe Racers I’ve taken a look back […]

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]]> 36066 10 eBikes for Motorcycle Enthusiasts [2024 Edition] https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/lifestyle-motorcycle-cafe-racer/10-ebikes-for-motorcycle-enthusiasts/ Thu, 21 Oct 2021 10:44:15 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35281 So you’re obsessed with two wheels? Well, we see no reason why that obsession can’t span beyond motorcycles to include electric bicycles—especially since they also come equipped with a motor. We know as well as you that eBikes don’t offer quite the same experience as a motorcycle, but there are many benefits to pedal-powered transport that can make them an appealing addition to your two-wheeled fleet. eBikes are all the rage right now, and we’re seeing some impressive performance out […]

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]]> 35281 Interview: David Chang from Cafe Racers of Instagram https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/lifestyle-motorcycle-cafe-racer/david-chang-cafe-racers-of-instagram-interview/ Sat, 10 Jul 2021 11:43:34 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=34156 Photo by Brandon LaJoie ‘Cafe Racers of Instagram’. The name alone strikes fear and awe into the hearts of anyone who’s ever been foolish enough to try and build a moto-based following on social media. And that’s because once you’ve realised the momentum they have built up over many, many years of hard work, trying to follow in their footsteps seems like an impossible task.  Welcome to the world of one million Instagram followers. Sure, there’s plenty of celebs out […]

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]]> 34156 Top 10 Harley Davidson Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/cafe-racers/top-10-harley-davidson-cafe-racers/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 18:10:59 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=33945 Let’s not beat around the bush. The motorcycles built by Harley Davidson have never been hot favourites in the cafe racer scene. During my 14 years of featuring cafe racer builds on these pages, the most hotly debated and often hated bikes have been built on Harley platforms.  Not one to be put off by other people’s opinions, I’ve persisted with featuring Harley Davidson cafe racers. And now, to prove a hog can make a decent cafe racer, here’s our […]

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]]> 33945 Nagabanda – AMS Custom Street 500 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/amsgarage-street-500/ Sun, 23 May 2021 12:22:09 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=33123 In 2014, Harley Davidson introduced the world to the Street 500. The water-cooled 500cc, US & Indian built, learner approved cruiser was a completely new approach for the iconic manufacturer. Aimed at attracting an untapped sector of the market to the Harley brand, namely new and younger riders, the Street 500 was and continues to be, a huge success. Harley Davidson is one of the most customised motorcycle brands in the world. Yet, despite the success of the Harley Davidson […]

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]]> 33123 10 Cafe Racers That Killed It At Auction https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/custom-motorcycle-builder/10-cafe-racers-that-killed-it-at-auction/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:33:39 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=32633 Nothing grabs the headlines quite like an enormous selling price at auction. We’ve seen motorcycles sell for phenomenal money over the years, but they’re usually rare examples of stock machines, models attached to a celebrity, or low-volume racing prototypes. It’s quite unusual to see true custom-built café racers bring in the bucks. Since originality is one of the key features that keep values high, custom café racers generally don’t sell for serious amounts of cash. Check your local auction sites […]

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]]> 32633 Cowboy’s Chopper Sportster XR1200 Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/cowboys-chopper-xr1200/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 04:14:20 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=32048 Taiwanese custom motorcycle builder Alex Gao has a tendency to base his cafe racer builds on rather unlikely donors. In the past, we’ve seen him transform performance motorcycles like the Ducati Hypermotard and a Kawasaki Z1000 with intriguing results. But today he’s sent us a build based on one of the most customised motorcycles in the world, the Harley Davidson Sportster. Although Sportster cafe conversions are nothing new, Alex’s sleek XR1200 cafe racer shows just how svelte H-D’s evergreen v-twin […]

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]]> 32048 Unlikely Candidate – Archie’s H-D Sportster 48 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/archie-sportster-48/ Wed, 11 Nov 2020 04:25:22 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=26439 The words Harley Davidson and Cafe Racer aren’t often muttered in the same sentence. Along with the challenges builders face trying to massage a good looking cafe racer out of a hog, many consider the notion of a Harley Davidson cafe racer sacrilege. Regardless of that, every so often we see it done, unfortunately, more often than not it’s done badly. But the past couple of weeks has proven otherwise. Last week, first time builder Scott McKee had us eating […]

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]]> 26439 McKee Harley-Davidson Sportster Cafe https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/mckee-sportster/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:31:33 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=26414 Generally speaking, first-time bike builds are a practice run for future projects. So in most cases, they’re a little rough around the edges. Every so often though a first time build lands in our inbox that is so polished it deserves a round of applause. When it comes to this bike, however, we think a standing ovation would be more appropriate. Scott McKee’s first custom motorcycle project saw him building his dream cafe racer. Aside from the fact it turned […]

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]]> 31172 Ovrlandr – Combustion Industries XL1200R https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/combustion-industries-xl1200r/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:37:42 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=24488 Two things we don’t feature on this website all that often are Harley Davidsons and Scramblers. Well, today we’re bucking that trend. This Harley XL1200R, post-apocalyptic styled scrambler is the work of Michael Bates from Stillwater, Minnesota. Why break tradition for something so radically different? Quite simply because we admire what Michael has done. You see he could have just built another cookie-cutter custom and got himself plenty of praise. He’s certainly got the skill to do it. But instead, […]

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]]> 24488 Hand Shifted – Tim Kill’s Harley Davidson WLA https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/tim-kill-wla/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 06:28:41 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=19486 The post Hand Shifted – Tim Kill’s Harley Davidson WLA appeared first on Return of the Cafe Racers.

]]> 19486 Mean Green Customs Street 750 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/meangreen-street-750/ Fri, 02 Aug 2019 07:11:11 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=17960 I know a guy who reviews beer. The best part about his gig is that he gets to drink every beer he is reviewing. This never bothered me, given I don’t get to ride every bike I review. That is at least until now. Here is a bike I am thirsting to ride. Aditya Deshmukh started Mean Green Customs back in 2014 in Mumbai, India. The workshop has been busy the last few years turning out several tasty customs and […]

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]]> 17960 2019 Harley Davidson Livewire Specifications https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/electric-motorcycle/harley-davidson-livewire/ Mon, 15 Jul 2019 05:18:55 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=18112 It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years since Harley Davidson unveiled their Livewire electric motorcycle concept. A lot has changed since then in the world of electric vehicles and with the Livewire itself. Now we’re only 1 month away from the all-electric Hog going on sale to customers in the United States, Europe and Canada. I have to admit I’m a little bit excited. With the release of the Livewire right around the corner Harley has published the final […]

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]]> 18112 Street Cred – HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/iron-co-street-500/ Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:08:11 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=17468 “If you want something done, do it yourself”. Try following that mantra when it comes to building a custom motorcycle. There are parts to break, electrics to fry and welding to ruin. That is unless you’re Eric Saputra Suherman, Indonesian motorcycle racer and owner of custom workshop Iron & Co. When Eric wanted a cafe racer built from a Harley Davidson Street 500, he only had to hand it over to his workshop team. When not running his custom house […]

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]]> 17468 Not so Fat Bob – Blacktrack H-D BT03 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/blacktrack-fat-bob/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/blacktrack-fat-bob/#comments Sun, 05 May 2019 01:28:18 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=16925 Luxembourg’s Blacktrack Motors have been steadily ramping things up since they started back in 2015. They kicked things off with a gorgeous, pared-back Honda CX500. Then they pushed on with a stunning custom Triumph Thruxton. And now they’ve tackled their biggest job yet – a monstrous Harley Davidson Fat Bob that they’ve somehow managed to craft into a gorgeous cafe racer. If you’d told me a Fat Bob could look this svelte I wouldn’t believe you. Hell, 300 kilos of […]

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]]> https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/blacktrack-fat-bob/feed/ 2 16925 GOD HAMMER – Forty Eight Sportster https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/godhammer-48-sportster/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/harley-davidson-cafe-racer/godhammer-48-sportster/#respond Tue, 12 Feb 2019 06:35:23 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=15483 Harley-Davidson is the indisputable king of cruisers. Sure they’ve dabbled with a few racing bikes in the past, but they have pretty much stuck to the cruiser formula for over 50 years. This is evidenced by their current lineup of big cube highway cruisers and lane splitter Sportsters. This is the unfortunate reason that Harleys rarely grace these pages. Every so often though something pops up on my radar that warrants a closer look. Take for instance this endurance racer […]

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