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W650 Cafe Racer

No, my bike is neither an old nor a copy of an old motorcycle.

It is a 1999' Kawasaki W650, a modern bike inspired by the british parallel twins from the 50's and 60's such as the well known Triumph Bonneville.

However between the stock model and this one, many things have changed. The idea behind this modifications was to catch the spirit of the english Cafe Racers. Just like its glorious ancestors based on Norton, BSA or Triumph models, the stock tank has been replaced by a custom alu tank, the seat has become a solo seat and the handlebar is an acebar remining of the clips-on used on sport motorcycles.

The new parts have different origins but come mainly from VD Classic (Fegersheim, France) and from Silverneck (Osnabruck, Germany).
   
   
   
   
Why riding a bike like this one?
Pleasure and emotion are the answers.
Pleasure to ride a bike not based on marketing and rational design, pleasure shared with the old guy which stops you at the traffic light to tell you what your bike reminds him of: his own bike from a time where riding a motorccycle was still an adventure and the biker somehow a kind a romantic hero.
Emotion to find it so beautiful that you cannot help and HAVE to a have a last look on it when you leave it, shining in the evening sun.

Well, why to explain, anyway? I am sure you understand and if you don't, I don't have to change your mind. I like it and it's enough for me.

 
A few links related to the W650, classic bikes and cafe racers:

- W650-France: an excellent french site devoted to the W650

- Ace Cafe London: the english cafe, home of the 59 Club.

- Moto Classique: if you like "real" classical bar, you will find here the information you are looking for. See also the web site of the fans of Triton, Norton, Triumph and BSA.

 
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