Norton Manx Style Buell X1 Lightning Cafe Racer

Norton Manx Style Buell X1 Lightning Cafe Racer

Buell X1 cafe racer in the Norton Manx style

What do you do with a half finished 2001 Buell X1 Lightning project bike? That was the question facing John Whitby when he saw it. His friend, Mark Blundell, runs a salvage yard in Canada where the owner brought the non running Buell to get it off his hands. When John and Mark later looked at the Buell, adding new plugs, a battery and some fuel, they had a runner, though still half way to somewhere only the previous owner could know. It sat in a corner for a year when John figured he could do something with it, he had visions of a cafe racer.

Buell X1 cafe racer in the Norton Manx style

Stripping the Buell down, a Lyta-style three-gallon short circuit Norton fuel tank was ordered plus an alloy oil tank and matching seat. Of course, those would never fit the Buell frame so surgery was involved, cutting away the top of the frame and rebuilding it to serve as the base for the tank and seat and creating the look of the Norton featherbed frame it was meant to emulate.

Buell X1 cafe racer in the Norton Manx style

A BMW fender, Lucas style lights, Norman Hyde handlebars, a Sportster carburetor in place of the fuel injection, lots of custom fabrication and all of the remaining Buell pieces combine to make a pretty convincing Norton Manx with some fairly obvious modern touches. In other words, you get the look of the old Norton with the handling of a modern Buell, in my mind, that’s a pretty satisfying combination and far superior to some of the repurposed Buells I’ve seen. Nice work, John!

I stumbled onto this bike, as I do so often, because it’s currently for sale on eBay. Cycle Canada has a very nice article about it, too. It seems to me, the new owner would have a pretty sweet ride and it serves as a source of ideas for anyone with an older Buell who might be tempted to rework it into something new.

1975 650 Bobber

This is a sweet little bike. It started out as a 1975 Yamaha 650 sx. This bike has a clean title with matching numbers on the frame and motor. I did not build this bike so i dont know much about it. I have riden it and everything works as it should. It starts easily with just a few kicks. It is kick start only! It has twin makuni carbs. the carbs could use a little adjusting to idle smoother. It has a custom hardtail and awsome reptial skin spring seat. The paint is nice, i would call it a sunburnt orange. Tires on the front and Back are in great shape. The only thing i have found wrong with this motorcycle is it will not charge itself. It has a good battery and with a full charge you can ride it untill the battery goes dead. The bike is located in southern Indiana, just north of Evansville. Nick

The RENARD Grand Tourer

Is it a Confederate Wraith? Is it a Guzzi? It is a Renard! Well this Confederate looks styling, Guzzi engine styling motorcycle is a new custom made high end motorcycle. Only that the components used in the motorcycle seems to be even more exotic than similar custom maker motorcycle brands.

Renard believes a motorcycle should be more than just transportation. Our aim is to combine functionality, quality and stylish looks, and put them at your disposal. Essentially: we want to share our passion for motorcycles with you.
Andres Uibomäe
June 2010

This is what you will first see/ read when you visit the Renard website. I am not very sure if you can spot them even in Estonia (that is where they get made, we will come to that later), so for the time being let us just enjoy it on the virtual world. So, under no circumstance can anyone mistake this motorcycle as just a mode of transportation. But Mr. Andres, you aim to combine functionality, quality and stylish looks was achieved rather pretty easily. One must say you have accumulated a team of very talented people. To start off, let us bow to the Renard Motorcycles development team of Andres Uibomäe, Kaarel Kivikangur, Kaido Karjus, Mait Mahlapuu, Karl-Eerik Unt and Siim West. What a product!This particular model is promoted as a GT (Grand Tourer) model. Without pictures of a rider on it, I am not too sure about that since the Confederate doesn’t kind of give you the best image of a GT, nonetheless, it just might be if Renard is promoting it in a particular way, the Renard Grand Tourer 2010. It gives the impression and is actually a power cruiser, but Renard refers to it as a sports power cruiser, ‘a symbol of individuality and power, with best-in-class handling and built in quality’. As much as I try to ignore, I just cannot deviate my thoughts as how strikingly similar this GT model is to the Wraith. I guess at first strike, most of us will feel the same way. Then after noticing the engine, I thought this must be a custom made Guzzi. Well, part of that is true. All of these thoughts slowly stared going away and you will really start to really appreciate the bike once you look at the components and materials used in the bike. Take a look at the small images below showing the clutch holster, tail light and other things. I am telling you it really has an exotic feel.
Okay, we can come back to appreciating the beauty later, let’s see what goes inside the motor. ‘The DNA of the Renard Grand Tourer is engineering intelligence – an ultra-light composite unibody, longitudinally mounted V2 engine and components that represent the cutting edge of the motorcycle industry.’ As I tried to find out what kind of engineering intelligence has gone inside it, I found that the GT monocoque is made in carbon fiber and reinforced with Kevlar. For those few uninformed, monocoque differs from a frame or chassis as in a monocoque the external skin is utilized to support bulk of the weight unlike an internal frame or chassis that needs further cosmetic finish. This way not only is the bike lighter, but is gets cheaper and much tougher. It is a win-win situation and this is where the next stage of motorcycling is heading to.
And now what is Kevlar? Kevlar is a material that is formed by weaving, like a spider web and so it is extremely tough, but very light. It is so diverse in its use that is can be and is used for bullet proof vests to bicycle frames to tyres and also to get protection from even tornados! yes it is that diverse. Nonetheless it is a premium product. It doesn’t rust, difficult to corrode and almost insensitive to heat. FYI, it was created by Stephanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades. Point I am trying to make is that as mentioned, Renard has used high quality materials for this niche product.
The monocoque weighs only 11 kilograms integrating the motorcycle’s frame, petrol tank and air box into a single load-bearing structure. The GT’s grid suspension is adjustable in two directions, and… okay, okay, it does remind of the Wraith every time but just think imitation is the best form of flattery. But again it is just not the girder fork, event the seat and frame beneath it reminds me of the Wraith. Anyway… the girder fork is adjustable for rake and trail as well as the preload and rebound damping.
Renard has used hardened-aluminum (aircraft aluminum) components that will give the machine unmatched quality and reliability. The bike weighs just 190 kilograms.
Okay, now getting back to what’s inside the heart. That engine is unmistakably a Guzzi and yes, it is a Guzzi. I guess that is where the tourer part comes in. The engine is a air cooled V-Twin displacing 1151cc through its eight-valve belting out 125 hp of power @ 8000 rpm and and 120 Nm of torque @ 6000 rpm which will give you an idea that with that much weight, this bike will be pretty fast. And so it is a Sports Grand Tourer! As per the claims in the website, the bike has the potential of doing 230kmph. I won’t be surprised but that does seem to be an optimistic figure. Nonetheless, the Guzzi engine is a potent one, has got good torque at low revs and of course as a traditional Guzzi, you can expect a silky smooth acceleration. A little history on Renard says that Renard started out as a motorized bicycle company in 1938 in Estonia founded by one Mr. J. Laan. In French, renard means ‘Fox’ and likewise in the motorized bicycles, there was the logo of renard with a fox head. The company started out with a 98cc Sachs engine. During WWII, the Renard factory was destroyed and after the war, the company just ceased to make any impact. It is believed that there are no complete pre-war Renard motorized bicycle existing today, but someone has caught hold of a frame somewhere in this world as mentioned in some forum.
After more than half a century, a group of entrepreneurs from Estonia wanted to make Estonia’s first motorcycle of the new century. Joining hands with bike racing engineers and bike designers, they thought what better way than to give the name Renard, a true Estonian symbol. Two years in the making and this year in April, the “prototype” was displayed at the Hanover Technology Fair. The motorcycle will go for production next year, so it is very much round the corner. There will be just 100 Renard GT each year and with the things going inside, this bike will be expensive, no two things about that. The finishing is simply outstanding, the materials as reminded time and again are all high class. Again, do check the small pictures on full scale and you will be impressed. According to Andres, “This is a surgeon’s blade on two wheels, providing you with a complete and powerful riding experience.” No one is going to argue with that. One thing we will all be waiting for is its first test ride, nonetheless, one can expect a bike to perform very strongly yet smoothly with precise handling.Specifications
Engine: 1151cc, Air Cooled, Eight Valve, V2 90° Moto Guzzi Quattrovalvole
Maximum power and torque: 125 hp (90kW) @ 8000 RPM & 120 Nm @ 6000 RPM
Top speed: 230 km/h
Chassis: Carbon fiber/Kevlar monocoque chassis
Front & Rear suspension: 2 way & 3 way adjustable Öhlins
Front & Rear brakes: Twin semifloating discs, 320 mm with 12.6″ six piston monoblock calipers & Single semifloating disc, 220 mm; 8.7″ four piston monoblock caliper.
Front & Rear wheels: Carbon fiber 3.50 x 17″ & 5.50 x 17″
Front & Rear tires: 120/70 ZR17 & 190/55 ZR17
Dimensions: Lenght: 2100 mm; 83″/ Width: 840mm; 33″/ Height: 990 mm; 39″
Seat height & Minimum ground clearance: 850 mm; 33″ & 140 mm; 5.5″
Wheelbase: 1450 mm; 57″
Dry weight: 190kg (419 pounds)
Fuel tank capacity: 18 liters (4.8 gallon)

classic Japanese motorcycles

classic Japanese motorcycles

The super-sleek cafe racers you see below are the creation of Casey Stevenson and company at Los Angeles’ Ryca Motors. A relatively new outfit, Ryca has brought a great bunch of products at very reasonable prices to the marketplace.

Based on the rather non-descript Suzuki S40 Savage cruiser that’s been in production for centuries, Stevenson has managed to create a cafe racer enthusiasts’ dream. A silk purse from a sows’ ear, if you will. And you will when you see the drastic improvement this old sow has undergone!

At just under 3 grand U$, you get the complete conversion package. Or buy any number of pieces as you see fit. In fact Ryca will sell you the completed bike or just a t-shirt if you like. Their web-site is a concise, no bullshit, colourful and fun place to browse.

And it looks like Ryca are looking for more unfortunate old steamers to resurrect judging from hints on their website.

I could go on but why not let Ryca tell the story themselves:

“The Ryca CS-1 is a 650cc, air-cooled, single cylinder café racer designed to be lightweight, reliable, and fuel efficient for urban commuting. The engine and chassis components are sourced from the unsung heroes of the thumper world: the venerable Suzuki S40. You can purchase a new CS-1 or build your own from custom parts.

The bike was designed by Casey Stevenson of Ryca Motors in Los Angeles. Casey was an engineer at NASA. He traded a super cushy desk job for the chance to build motorcycles. Here’s what he says about the bike:

“I was in the market for a new motorcycle and wanted a lightweight thumper to get around the streets of L.A. I quickly discovered the lack of available options, so I started working on a new design. I was imagining a motorcycle with a Japanese engine and classic cafe styling, but more sleek and modern than the single cylinder customs based on old bikes that are popular at the moment.

I discovered my ultimate thumper café racer hidden inside a bike known as the Suzuki S40 (aka the Savage). They have been around for over 20 years and are still available brand new.

The custom parts and accessories were designed to avoid any major modifications to the frame or engine, which allows anyone with basic tools to build their own bike from kit components. The end result is a machine that is simple, fun, and affordable.”

And a helluva lot nicer than the original you see here…

So there you have it. Check out RYCA Motors and let’s get those old Savages cleaned up shall we?

Seen recently at The Mona Lisa Restaurant (location unknown) Euoro bike show and shine was this classic Japanese 2-stroke legend. Amongst the Guzzis, Ducatis, BMWs and Triumphs this was, for many, the show stopper. A stunningly detailed Kawasaki MachIII two stroke triple sizzling hot rod.

These legendary beasts boasted blinding arm stretching acceleration and truly evil brakes and handling. This example has all the goods to overcome these well know shortcomings. You can spot most of the modifications. But in case you can’t:

The paint!

Slightly newer fuel tank from a later model.

A custom fast back solo seat unit combining the modified original seat pan and custom padding and cover and the tail cowl from a KZ900 or 1000.

Halogen head lamp.

Front disc brake and master cylinder c/w braided steel brake line.

Road racing vintage clip ons.

Vintage switch gear?

Vintage triple tree?

Steering dampener.

Accel harness and ignition?

Custom expansion chambers, source unknown.

Vintage custom rear sets.

Vintage Red Wing dual rate rear shocks.

Modified license plate holder.

Bridgestone Spitfire tires.

This one should handle as well as go!

Sorry about the background noise on these photos but it’s simply unavoidable at these types of gatherings. C’est la vie.

Thanks to Kevin Waugh and friends for the paraphrased words and the photos!

Andreas Knobloch from Germany sent these nice pics of his lightly modified 1983 GSX750. I’ve lightly modified his original description for the benefit of classic-japanese-bikes’ fair readers:

“I bought this 1983 GSX from a friend with 20000km on the tacho. He rode it for 3 months, then he bought a Honda Bol Dor (more HP, he says).

Some details: Suzuki GSX 750E, 86 HP, new blinkers, rear wheel is a little bit bigger (130er Pneu/originally from GSX 1100E )and the colour of the bike is not original.

At moment I have 57500km on it, and it drives very good. In summer I will drive every day to work and home. 50km distance. Only the frame is too small and soft for the bike, so you can feel it in strange curves. Sometimes with friends we take a little tour and it makes for great fun.”

Andreas has got himself a real peach of a Suzuki here. Thanks Andreas for sharing your ride with us!

This You-Tube video is a great period piece created by Kawasaki to hype the 750 Turbo. Decent production values, and thank god, no loud horrible music ruining the experience. Check it out!

Blast from the past; Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo

A new page on the Turbo and its sibling, the non-turbo GPz750 will be added to this site shortly, as these models are definitely becoming rare classics.

…has come up with this great way of improving the look of Yamaha cast-spoke wheels that were used on the XS series bikes as well as other models and brands. Let’s face it. The stock wheels are ugly, heavy and don’t do a cafe-racer any justice.
The idea is cunning in it’s simplicity and elegant in execution. Let me see if I can get this right.Take the wheels off the bike. Take the tire off the wheel. Drill the spokes in even patterns and paint the wheel (powder coat preferably)a bright happy colour. Reinstall.
Brilliant! Lots of us have classic Japanese bikes with these wheel types. Instead of swapping them out for spoke rim alloy units and going through the lacing and fitting hassles, this is a great alternative. Plus you can get creative with the drilling and wheel colour. And best of all, it’s cheap!

Garage Built – XS650 – Adam’s First Build

Adam – This XS started out life around a year ago as a 83 Heritage Special with 2,000 miles and was promptly cut in half. This was my first build so I wanted to keep things cheap and simple.

The tail section is a custom drop seat hard tail, tank is from Pandemonium Choppers with a very temporary rattle can paint job, the headlight is an old Unity spotlight, the taillight bracket, exhaust and sissy bar are all custom made. Battery/Electronics box is an old Munsters lunch box. Ton of misc parts are from Lowbrow Customs. All work thing was done in a garage by myself and my brother Tim Sauter. I could have never gotten this thing together without his help.

Huge thanks to my wife Natalie. She put up with the long nights in the garage and the long days at swap meets. She’s the best!

Like I said, I wanted something fun and cheap. This thing is all kinds of fun, might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love. This winter I plan on finishing up all the polishing and doing the final paint. I am also going to be replacing front wheel with a spool wheel.

Photography by Kimberly Sauter of KLS photography.

Adam Sauter