【What is a Cafe Racer? We'll teach you how to build one!】

Cafe racers are bikes that have been modified by their owners to go as fast as possible, and the resulting style (clip-on handlebars, aluminum tank, etc.) is what we now call a cafe racer! In this article, we'll show you how to achieve that cafe racer look!

1. What you need to know first

First, I'll explain three parts of a motorcycle that you should know about to turn it into a cafe racer!

Clip-on handlebars

This is one type of motorcycle handlebar. They are commonly known as "clip-ons." They refer to handlebars that are not continuous but are divided and independent on the left and right. Separate handlebars are clamped and fixed to the front fork on both sides. Clip-on handlebars allow the handlebar position to be set lower than regular handlebars. When the handlebar position is lowered, the rider naturally assumes a forward-leaning posture, which reduces air resistance and ultimately increases speed, making them popular for cafe racers!

Rearsets

What are rearsets? They are the footpegs that the rider places their feet on! They refer to footpegs that are moved further back than the standard position. By placing your feet further back than the stock position, your knees will be lower, and you'll naturally be able to assume a forward-leaning posture.

2. How to turn a Z400FX into a cafe racer

Installation of a rearset kit

If you want to turn your Z400FX into a cafe racer with clip-ons, the best first step is to replace the footpegs with a rearset kit. Beginners should start by installing the rearsets! A motorcycle is controlled from the waist down. That's why it's easier to ride if you start with the foot area, so we'll start with the installation of the rearset kit. Of course, installing a rearset kit on a Z400FX costs money. The cost breakdown is only for purchasing custom parts. The price ranges from about 40,000 yen to just under 80,000 yen for cheaper options.

Installation of a seat kit

The next step is to install the seat kit. The seat is one of the most important custom parts when customizing a Z400FX into a cafe racer. This is because it reduces the bulk of the rear end and shifts the visual center of the bike toward the engine. It's a good idea to choose a seat shape while considering its compatibility with clip-ons and rearsets. The basic form of a cafe racer is to choose a seat where the bottom edge of the fuel tank and the seat are in a straight line, so beginners should keep that in mind when choosing. Installing a Z400FX seat kit also costs money. The cost breakdown is only for purchasing a custom seat. The price is around 20,000 to 30,000 yen. It can be easily replaced, so there's no need to ask a custom shop. It will look cool if the rear end of the seat is around the position of the rear drive shaft.

Installation of clip-on handlebars

Finally, we install the clip-on handlebar kit! We install the clip-on handlebar kit last because it makes it difficult to imagine the adjustment angle of the handlebars if installed earlier. It's no exaggeration to say that the handlebar angle is determined by the position of the rearsets and the shape of the seat, but it's okay to temporarily fix the clip-ons immediately after installation. After the next stage, the mounting position and angle of the clip-ons will be finalized.

If you want to turn your Z400FX into a cafe racer, we recommend replacing these three parts: rearsets, seat, and clip-ons. This allows you to customize your Z400FX into a cafe racer while preserving its beautiful form. If you want to create a cool cafe racer, please refer to this!

3. How to turn an SR400 into a cafe racer

Handlebars

First, let's start with handlebar customization! The handlebars are arguably the centerpiece of cafe racer customization. It's no exaggeration to say that if you just change the handlebars, even if everything else remains the same, it will somewhat resemble a cafe racer. If you want to turn your SR400 into a cafe racer, you should change the handlebars to "clip-on handlebars," "swallow handlebars," "condor handlebars," or "continental handlebars." Clip-on handlebars are characterized by being divided into two parts and directly attached to the front forks. Clip-ons are always associated with cafe racers, aren't they? Most people who build cafe racers probably use clip-ons. The advantage is that you can adjust the height and angle because they attach to the forks. Swallow and condor handlebars have similar shapes, but condor handlebars have a steeper angle. If you install them normally, they will become ape hangers, so you install them upside down. This won't be as low as clip-ons, but the angle will be lowered, making it look more like a cafe racer.

This is a recommended method for those who don't want to spend too much money, as it's a cheap customization! Conti handlebars are common handlebars and can even be found on stock bikes. Like swallow and condor handlebars, these are also installed upside down! These are also cheap and recommended!

Footpegs

The next step is to install the footpegs. If you install clip-ons, because the handlebars are lower, your back tends to round, making you slouch. To fix this, you need "rearsets." These are positioned further back than standard footpegs, allowing you to stretch your legs further back. This is also a classic item for cafe racers.

Muffler

Finally, the muffler! I recommend the "peashooter muffler." You can really feel the "thump-thump" of a single-cylinder bike, and it's great. The muffler sound is such an important part that it feels like the face of the bike, so it's cooler to choose one with care. I also recommend a "trumpet muffler." The muffler alone can make a big difference, so if you want to make your bike cooler, please refer to this!

4. Conclusion

In this article, I've taught you how to build a cafe racer. Since it's geared towards beginners, I started by explaining parts like clip-on handlebars, rearsets, and single seats, and then moved on to customization methods including the muffler! I focused on two famous classic bikes, the Z400FX and the SR400, explaining how to turn them into cafe racers and what methods are involved. Customizing to make a cafe racer is a matter of personal preference, and it varies from person to person, but in this article, I've provided examples of classic, standard customization methods for beginners, so I think it will be easy for everyone to emulate! So please give it a try!