The Problem with the Café Racer Craze

Summary

In this video, Ryan discusses his concerns about the cafe racer trend among new motorcyclists. He worries that beginners are starting with motorcycles that are expensive to maintain and not practical for everyday use. Ryan suggests that new riders should consider reliability and comfort before diving into the cafe racer scene. He recommends either buying a well-maintained classic or a 'new vintage' motorcycle that offers modern reliability with a retro style.

Takeaways

• 🛣️ Comeback Highway 327 is a popular road for sport bike enthusiasts, including Harley riders and ATV users.
• 🏍️ Ryan hasn't seen many cafe racers on this road, and he thinks they might not ride often.
• 🧔 Ryan doesn't have an issue with cafe racers or the people who ride them, but he's concerned about their suitability for beginners.
• 💸 He worries that cafe racers can be expensive to buy and maintain, which might not be ideal for new riders.
• ❄️ Kickstarting and maintaining cafe racers can be challenging, especially in cold weather.
• 🚫 He advises against starting with a cafe racer due to their potential unreliability and the need for extensive modifications.
• 👖 The style associated with cafe racers can be appealing, but Ryan suggests that new riders should consider practicality over style.
• ☕ Ryan compares the intensity of riding a cafe racer to drinking strong coffee, suggesting that new riders might need to 'work up' to it.
• 🛍️ He recommends buying a cafe racer that runs well and has a good maintenance history to avoid common issues.
• 🏁 New vintage motorcycles offer a balance of style and reliability, making them a good option for those interested in cafe racers.
• 🛣️ Ryan wants to see more people enjoying motorcycle riding and the roads, but he's concerned about new riders being deterred by the challenges of cafe racers.

Q & A

What type of motorcycles are popular on Comeback Highway 327 according to Ryan?

Sport bikes, Harleys, and ATVs are popular on Comeback Highway 327.

Why does Ryan think cafe racers are not commonly seen on Comeback Highway 327?

Ryan believes cafe racers are not commonly seen because they are not ridden as often, and he suspects that many new riders who start with cafe racers might not continue riding them regularly.

What is Ryan's main concern about new riders starting with cafe racers?

Ryan's main concern is that cafe racers can be expensive to buy and maintain, and they might not be the best choice for beginners due to their potential unreliability and the complexity of their maintenance.

Why does Ryan suggest that cafe racers might not be suitable for beginners?

Cafe racers might not be suitable for beginners because they often require significant mechanical knowledge to maintain, can be expensive to restore, and may not offer the most comfortable or practical riding experience for those new to motorcycling.

What does Ryan advise for someone considering buying a cafe racer as their first motorcycle?

Ryan advises that if a beginner is set on buying a cafe racer, they should buy one that runs well and has a history of reliability, and to ride it extensively before making any modifications.

What is Ryan's opinion on the cafe racer craze among new motorcyclists?

Ryan is worried that the cafe racer craze might lead to many unfinished project bikes and riders who get discouraged and quit motorcycling due to the challenges associated with maintaining and riding cafe racers.

What alternative does Ryan suggest for someone interested in the cafe racer style but new to motorcycling?

Ryan suggests considering 'new vintage' motorcycles, which offer a vintage style with modern reliability, comfort, and safety features.

Why does Ryan recommend putting significant miles on a motorcycle before modifying it?

Putting miles on a motorcycle before modifying it helps riders understand the bike's reliability and what they genuinely like about it, which can inform their modifications and prevent unnecessary changes.

What are some of the features Ryan appreciates in modern motorcycles that he thinks are important for new riders?

Ryan appreciates features like ABS, traction control, effective lighting, and good brakes in modern motorcycles, as they provide safety and reliability, which are crucial for new riders.

What is Ryan's ultimate goal regarding motorcyclists and the trend of cafe racers?

Ryan's ultimate goal is to see more people enjoying the riding experience, whether on cafe racers or other types of motorcycles, and to ensure that new riders have a positive and safe introduction to motorcycling.