Cafe Racer

DP Customs “Naked Cafe”.

Everything about the look of this bike says I’m Fast”, and I’m sure it is. That stripped down body, low slung frame, huge engine, and racing saddle, all say hang on for dear life. I love the look of this new motorcycle from DP. It has a retro feel, and yet it looks very contemporary with its angular gas tank, and frame assembly.

The bike was built from a classic ’80 Harley Ironhead, 1000cc, and has a look and color scheme that is an homage to  the 2011 winner of Le Mans:  the #2 Audi R18 TDI.

I need to win the lottery so I can afford to buy more toys. (I guess I’d have to play the lottery first)

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Heritage Helmets. Cafe Racer Helmets from the UK.

In the state of Kansas you aren’t required by law to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. (I think that the state of Kansas should make it mandatory that all motorcycle owners sign the organ donor line on the back of their licenses.)  I know we are talking about a state that in the last decade has chosen to not believe in evolution, is home to that idiot Fred Phelps, and has now discontinued funding for the arts. Thank god I am almost in Missouri.

OK enough of that, the reason I mentioned the helmet thing is because if you are on a motorcycle or a scooter you should put a helmet on your head. If you are fashion conscious and need something that will make you look all retro cool, you might want to try Heritage Helmets from the UK. The Lambretta helmet is Retro styled, with cool graphics, and affordable. The helmets are emblazoned with the Lambretta logo, and as former Lambretta owner, I have to say Heritage has done a great job with the styling on these.

The helmets are a Cafe Racer style shell featuring a classic open-faced design, from the early seventies. They are painted, lacquered and finished in Italy with work being done by Giancarlo Daneo (Project’s owner and designer), to create Heritage’s initial range.

The helmets meet European Road Safety Standards ECE 22/05 and are made to the highest standard. They are manufactured by Project srl, who have been designing, developing and creating  motorcycle helmets for over forty years.

Heritage Helmets feature a shell made from a composite ABS with the inside lined with polystyrene, with a calibrate density for extra protection, safety and comfort. The linings are interchangeable, washable and are covered with a microfiber eco leather finish, which is breathable and absorbent. The buckle/safety chinstrap has a micrometric regulator for easy fitting, and a quick release fastener. Each helmet comes individually boxed and bagged, with an optional detachable peak and a booklet giving advice on safety, maintenance and storage.

John Ryland’s Yamaha XS650. A Classic Reborn.

When it comes to motorcycles I have always leaned European in my tastes. English Italian or German. I have nothing against Japanese or American bikes, I’ve just leaned more to the European aesthetic. The Yamaha XS650 custom created by John Ryland of Classified Moto could change all that. This bike looks like a classic cafe racer and has been updated with modern parts. I love the look. Vintage, rugged, and fast. I mean this thing looks fast just standing there in the photos. You can see more of this bike and other customs here at the Classified Moto website.

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