I'm not usually into cafe racer's but you did a great job it looks very nice. Just don't let it be a trailer queen, bikes are meant to be ridden.

You know how some works of art can make you cry?   :'(
Tears of joy. Very nice.

That is one of the COOLEST things I've seen anyone do with the 'ol Savage!  Cafe's rock and you've definitely nailed it!  Congratulations!  Well Done!

that is definitely the coolest looking savage i have ever seen.

Thank you for all the positive comments! I will get some details and more pics of the rearset brackets for those who are interested.

james may: the rear rim is an 18 x 2.15 aluminum Akront rim. They have a low shoulder and are polished, so matches the front stock rim nicely. The lacing and trueing of the wheel was done at Buchanan's in Azusa, CA.

A little more about the bike:
I wanted to create a thumper that was lightweight, reliable, and fuel efficient for urban commuting. Something with a classic british flavor made from new parts. I was originally planning on putting a Savage engine into a cafe racer frame, but after I got my S40 and starting really looking at it, I discovered the stock chassis is the perfect home for the kick-ass engine. Skinny frame for a skinny engine...perfect. Swingarm goes on the OUTSIDE of the frame...BRILLIANT! The streamlined chassis really makes it look lean and mean. Tilt it forward a bit and the rake and trail are in line with a modern Bonneville, and it only weighs 320 wet.

All the components were designed to avoid any major mods to the frame or engine, and as many stock components as possible were used. Everything is bolt-on....there was no welding to the frame.

And yes, it will be ridden. A lot! Super fun to ride.  

very nice build! one of the best i've seen.
goes to show you that our bike has a lot of potential.

i'm interested in knowing about the rearsets as well. would love to add a set to my bike.

did you do all the work yourself or have a shop do it?

LostArtist wrote on 05/12/10 at 08:49:21:


Yes, I did have to cut the seat tubes and a few other bits. But there was no welding (and therefore, no re-painting!) of the stock frame. There's a few things I learned along the way to make the next one much easier to build. This was a big experiment.