Alain Bouched Leather Motorcycle Jackets

Leather Cafe Racer

Review of the Triumph Thruxton 900

Just as much as it is a motorcycle in its own right, Triumph's Thruxton is a time machine. Just admiring a Thruxton from afar will get images of black Brando jackets, oil-spattered leather boots and striving to break 'The Ton' flitting through your mind, while actually taking one for a spin gets the nostalgia flowing in a torrent.

The low-set clip-on 'bars, the gleaming chrome of the bullet headlight and the rasp of the tapered silencers all play their part in sending you back through the decades, when the term 'Café Racer' was born on London's busy city streets, in biker haunts like the Ace Café and the Busy Bee.

Fortunately, although its styling harks back to the days when the British bike industry was king, the Thruxton has its wheels planted firmly in the present.

With an electric start, disc brakes front and rear and modern suspension, this retro street racer gives you all the thrills with none of the heartache - if you're a true purist, you'll even have to place your own pool of oil under this one...

Launched in 2004 and named after the historic British circuit, the Thruxton is basically a café racer version of the marque's leading retro classic, the Bonneville, but with tweaked suspension, brakes and steering geometry, clip-on 'bars, megaphone exhausts, a 'shorty' front guard and a seat hump, the latter simply a cover that comes off to reveal space for a pillion.

The faithful will scorn the lack of a kick-starter, but a press of the button sees the Thruxton readily fire and quickly settle into a steady, throaty burble, care of the optional factory silencers our test bike came fitted with.

On the road its manner are pure modern-day - its preload adjustable suspension does a good job of smoothing the bumps, its disc brakes haul it down from speed well and it tracks a line through a corner beautifully.

It won't keep pace with the big multi-cylinders, but its 69 horses are respectable enough, especially when compared with the outputs of the bikes upon which it's been styled.

Its carburetion is clean, and although redline is an indicated 7500rpm, there's no need to reach these heady heights - riding its meaty mid-range is the order of the day.

For the nit-pickers, there are still a few Thruxton foibles. Firstly, in an absent-minded moment it's possible to cook your left knee on the cylinder head, although this isn't such an issue if you're wearing leathers.

Secondly, the separate steering lock means it's possible to ride off with the steering lock on. Just like the old days, granted, but we've moved on in this respect for good reason.

Finally, the tank filler cap isn't lockable. Maybe not such an issue back in the day, but perhaps a little too tempting these days for some light-finger with too much time on their hands, even if their aim is purely to cause annoyance and aggravation...

For those with an affinity with café racer-style bikes of the 60's and 70's, the Triumph Thruxton 900 offers a truly modern package with the style and edge of yesteryear. It's a potent combination, and one that I'm sure will keep the café racer ethos alive and well for many years to come.

SPECS: Triumph Thruxton 900
Engine: 865cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin
Bore and stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Fuel system: twin Keihin carburettors
Power: 69bhp @ 7200rpm
Torque: 72Nm @ 6400rpm
Transmission: five-speed
Frame: tubular steel cradle
Front brake: single 320mm disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper
Rear brake: single 255mm disc with twin-piston Nissin caliper
Front suspension: 41mm forks, adjustable for preload
Rear suspension: twin shocks, adjustable for preload
Wheels: spoked alloy
Tyres: Metzeler ME33 Laser; 100/90-18 front, 130/80R17 rear
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1490mm
Claimed dry weight: 205kg
Fuel tank: 16.6L
Price: $13,990 plus ORC
Colours: Tornado Red or Jet Black
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres

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Cafe Racer $69.99 David Lozeau Cafe Racer - Stretched Canvas Print

Blue Cafe Racer $5.49 Blue Cafe Racer Patch Quality embroidered patch featuring a blue cafe racer motorcycle. Size is approximate.

The Cafe Racer Phenomenon (Paperback) $46.96 The Cafi Racer is one of the most enduring styles of motorcycle ever created, capturing the rebellious spirit of the 50s. From original Triton-building Rockers to modern-day Sunday riders on Thruxton 900s, there are thousands of enthusiasts across the world who aspire to own a road burner with old school class.  This is a look back at the glory days of the Cafi Racer, from Friday night dices on the North Circular, through the street specials craze of the Seventies, to the modern day revival.   This book includes interviews with some of the old school regulars at the Ace Cafi, and an in-depth look at the great British bike builders like Norman Hyde, Steve and Lester Harris, the Rickman brothers and Paul Dunstal, Featuring a huge, global Cafi Racer directory – listing specialist builders, spares suppliers, websites etc – alongside a unique mix of personal memories, unseen photos, iconic machines and chassis builders in profile, this book is a must for any ton-up rider.

Racer $10 Racer

Cafe Racer (Hardcover) $48.26 Description not available.

High Racer Leather Gloves $219.99 Racer High Racer Leather Gloves The High Racer is the evolution of the High End glove. Offering many of the same features but adding Knox palm armor and carbon on the back of the hand. The biggest difference though, is that it is cut for a wider hand. Product Features Perforated gauntlet and between fingers Knox armor pads on the scaphoid (palm) Keprotec abrasion-resistant insert Carbon Fiber protection on knuckles, fingers, and wrist bone Kangaroo palm Linked little fingers External seams on all fingers outside of impact areas Fitment Specifications The High Racer glove is cut broader across the palm and in the fingers compared to the High End glove Available in black or white, sizes S-3XL

Cafe racer Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable. Cafe racer Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

The Cafe Racer Phenomenon By Walker, Alastair $32.07 Author: Walker, Alastair Series Title: Those Were the Days. . . Publication Date: 2009/12/15 Number of Pages: 96 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 8.50 Height: 7.50

Toddlers Adi Racer Goodyear $23.97 The Adi Racer is sure to keep your little one on his toes! This shoe of excellence is a must have! Leather upper, detailed stitching and a textured pattern outsole for the perfect grip.

Umi Racer (Infant Boys') - Cocoa/Aqua Leather $59.95 High jinks, horseplay or just kicking back, the Umi Racer guarantee a smooth ride for renegades ready to cruise. Rubber outsoles absorb impact and create a steady grip, while padded heel straps and hook and loop closures provide an excellent fit. Available Colors: Black/Leaf Leather, Cocoa/Aqua Leather.

Umi Racer (Infant Boys') - Black/Leaf Leather $59.95 High jinks, horseplay or just kicking back, the Umi Racer guarantee a smooth ride for renegades ready to cruise. Rubber outsoles absorb impact and create a steady grip, while padded heel straps and hook and loop closures provide an excellent fit. Available Colors: Black/Leaf Leather, Cocoa/Aqua Leather.

Umi Racer (Boys') - Black/Leaf Leather $59.95 High jinks, horseplay or just kicking back, the Umi Racer guarantee a smooth ride for renegades ready to cruise. Rubber outsoles absorb impact and create a steady grip, while padded heel straps and hook and loop closures provide an excellent fit. Available Colors: Black/Leaf Leather, Cocoa/Aqua Leather.

Umi Racer (Boys') - Cocoa/Aqua Leather $59.95 High jinks, horseplay or just kicking back, the Umi Racer guarantee a smooth ride for renegades ready to cruise. Rubber outsoles absorb impact and create a steady grip, while padded heel straps and hook and loop closures provide an excellent fit. Available Colors: Black/Leaf Leather, Cocoa/Aqua Leather.

Cafe Racer Vintage Zip Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 whether your a Rocker or a Bird, and ton up boy or a teddy boy, you'll love these great shirts and gifts. Vintage Zip Hoodie dark Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester.

Cafe Racer Vintage Zip Hoodie by CafePress $45 whether your a Rocker or a Bird, and ton up boy or a teddy boy, you'll love these great shirts and gifts. Vintage Zip Hoodie Zip around town in style with this zip-up hooded sweatshirt. Made of soft fleece, it keeps you and anyone next to you toasty. Yet it's rugged enough for impromptu games of touch football.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester.

Cafe Racer Vintage Women's Tank Top by CafePress $22 whether your a Rocker or a Bird, and ton up boy or a teddy boy, you'll love these great shirts and gifts. Vintage Women's Tank Top Sporty and sexy, wear our women's tank top to beat the summer heat or workout in cool comfort. Our tank top is made of 100% combed ring spun cotton, and cut for a close, fashionable fit. Neck and armhole are carefully shaped to conceal a bra.6.1 o

Cafe Racer Vintage Organic Baby Bodysuit by CafePress $20 whether your a Rocker or a Bird, and ton up boy or a teddy boy, you'll love these great shirts and gifts. Vintage Organic Baby Bodysuit Protect your baby's tender skin with this ultra-soft organic cotton bodysuit. Free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, this comfortable, earth friendly creeper is made from 100% certified organic cotton.100% organic cotton jersey.

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Cafe Racer Vintage Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 whether your a Rocker or a Bird, and ton up boy or a teddy boy, you'll love these great shirts and gifts. Vintage Hoodie dark Stay warm on the inside. Look oh-so-cool on the outside. Don this comfortable fleece sweatshirt for that dress-down BBQ -- or your next dress-to-impress trip to the mall.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. Fleece-lined hoo

UP1373RC Cafe Brown Leather Recliner and Ottoman Café Brown Leather Constructed of Birch Hardwood Bonded Leather Foam and $499 UP1373RC Cafe Brown Leather Recliner and Ottoman Caf brown leather Constructed of birch hardwood bonded leather foam and metal

Barbie Speed Racer Gift Set $24.99 Go Speed Racer, go! Barbie and Ken make an absolutely adorable couple as Trixie and Speed Racer. *Short bobbed brunette hair, a super cute pink and red outfit, and delightful accessories including pink binoculars and slinky heels complete Barbie's look. *Ken doll looks super stylin as Speed Racer, wearing a white racing jumpsuit, leather jacket, red racing scarf, and helmet. Only time will tell if he wins the big race! Brand: Barbie

LeDonne TR-428 (Women's) - Cafe $52.45 A genuine full grain leather handcrafted shoulder bag with an interior zip pocket and cell phone holder. Available Colors: Black, Cafe, Tan, Red.

LeDonne H-05b (Women's) - Cafe $57.45 A genuine full grain leather tote that has a top zip closure and an interior zip pocket. Available Colors: Black, Cafe, Tan.

LeDonne T-783 (Women's) - Cafe $38.95 A genuine full grain leather handcrafted flap over bag with an interior zip pocket and zip closure. Available Colors: Black, Cafe, Tan, Red.

LeDonne AC-57 - Cafe $51.45 A genuine full grain leather handcrafted travel bag with an interior zip pocket, an adjustable belt, and a glasses zip compartment. Available Colors: Black, Cafe, Tan.

LeDonne H-04b (Women's) - Cafe $45.45 A genuine full grain leather tote that has a top zip closure and an interior zip pocket. Available Colors: Black, Cafe, Tan.