Tag Archives: caff

The Rocket Four Motorcycle I built out of a non running CB750 Four Honda back in 2007

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
17 Feb

Time does indeed scream by at a pace that I really cannot fathom these days, but I am glad there are such things as you Tube etc that keep videos that I posted all them years ago.

Here is the “Rocket Four” Bike that I created out of an old non running inline four, I love these 500 pounders and this was a great build that none were around at all when I did this, so it stood out, I have no clue where the bike is now but hope they had fun with it?

Fun days and The seat I made for this bike came on to be a best seller for me, sending over 500 of these Rocket Four seats all over the globe, quite proud of that to be honest.

Harley 883 Caff Bike I am building to sell a little later.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
09 Dec

Well, I have had a stock 1993 Sporty in storage for about 10 years now and thought I had better make a start on this machine, it will be for sale when completed and thought I would make a little Caff bike out of it, its going to be a fun ride for someone for sure. Got it running now.

I have a RSD 2 into 1 Tracker exhaust on her with a Dyna jet kit and an Arlen Ness Air filter set up and she seems happy that way.

many people have told me I am wasting my time with a bike such as that as they are Cruiser type machines or simply Choppers, and I so disagree whole hardheartedly, they are fun bikes and affordable and have a lot of torque, so I have a ways to go but it really is looking pretty aggressive already and I am enjoying wrenching on this Sportster right now.

As you can see by the photos I have taken, the bike isnt a huge heavy machine, this is an 883 Sportster with a 5 speed and Torquey as hell, now, the trick to get the power out of these is sinply change the cams and the thing will be a rocket, so maybe later I shall go that route, but right now I wanted to change the styling and what I have done is fit a different bigger gas tank anddropped the fork tubes 50mm up through the tree’s just to lower the front end a bit.

I shall be changing the foot pegs and painting the bike a little later, as I am not sure what design to come up with yet but I do have a few ideas of Candy Gold, Candy Flake Blue or a White with a stripe, but- until I get the bike to look how I want, the paint will be last of course. This is a belt drive and a lot quieter than a chain version, these are small bikes and was astonished to how little they are compared to the big twins.

I am not sure what to do rear wise but thinking of frenching a tail light into the cowl, that way it keeps everything clean and the lines will flow well, the rear will be as uncluttered as the front of the bike, but will drill and chrome the chain guard next week to give that a more Sportier look.

For now I shall stick with the Factory shocks, as I want this to be a fun, affordable motorcycle and who ever the new owner will be, they can easily change out shocks to give their twist to it, but plenty to do as I go along on this Caff bike project and now with the RSD 2 into 1 it sounds a lot more healthier and not too crazy loud where you will get pulled over all the time or be that annoying Motorcyclist thats letting car alarms go off as you ride by.

She sits way better now and am pleased with this look, I need to fit Grips to the Clip on’s and fit a speedometer and that will all come in time, right now I am in two minds on the stock head light or use a Custom bigger one about a 5-3/4 version with internal LED signals etc. I will remove passenger pegs and change pegs for maybe some mid controls but that all depends on budget right now.

She has a New battery and fires right up, I have just removed the stock fender and am going to cut and shorten it and then put back on. Jenn sat om it and likes the way it sits and feels, this was going to be her machine originally but I bought her a Bonneville instead.

So, she is taking shape and wanted to share these progress photos I took with you on my Blog, this WILL be up for sale once it is completed and painted, so let me know if you are interested?

It’s available as is for $4,800 with title right now, but the more I do, the more the price increases obviously. 714-598-8392 if you need to know more or carpy@carpyscaferacers.com you can even text me on the number too.

As you can see I have changed the rear shocks but I am going to be making some rear sets later on so you can have better leg room on the bike, but it is looking pretty good now and runs well.

I will most probably Paint the gas tank and I am looking at frenching (Recessing) a Tear drop tail light assembly into the Seat Cowl for a more Custom Cafe look.

Its a fun project and I shall post more pics in another Blog when I have finished some more of the work OK? Thanks for watching so far.

I may fit a different headlight also, still having fun with this 5 speed Sporty and its starting to resemble something that I had envisioned from the start.

 

Christmas season is here, grab some great parts and deals this month.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
07 Dec

Christmas is almost here, you still have time to shop and find some goodies you may need, I can ship and also wrap in Chrismtmas paper if you so wish, drop us a line at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com or drop a dime or text at 714-598-8392

I shall be adding a few sales coming up too, so keep checking back for great deals on parts, Art, Apparel and Mechanical lamps, a great gift for Christmas time.

 

carpy christmas

Need YOUR help get funding for New Movie ” Caffeine and Gasoline”

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
21 Jul

 

Ok people, when I see something I think is good, I let people know about it- When I see something that I Know is going to be Great- then I jump on my website and try and tell the world about it.

On Thursday I had the opportunity of hosting Steve Maes at my Motorcycle shop for his filming his newest project “Caffeine & Gasoline” Evolution of the American Rocker.

Many of you know the passion I have for my Motherlands birth of the Cafe Racer, and many of you have taken an interest in the History of the Cafe bars of the day in Great Britain back in the Late 1950’s and early 60’s.

Britain’s very own Coffee Cowboy evolved from Transport Cafeterias of the day and now some 55 years later, there is a huge interest in that era in the United States of America and somebody needs to  engrain this on the silver screen to let the rest of the world know how a half century old lifestyle has had a massive resurgence and become a huge part of the Motorcycle fraternity.

There has not been a good ,documented film about this “Sub Culture” in the US like this, and now that Steven Maes has taken it upon his self to sit on a saddle, go out to like minded Ton Uppers and record what they have to say about this Lifestyle, well, I just want to help out the best I can.

If ever there has been a time to help out- now is the time.

I give to charities all the time and as the Rocker who runs the 59 Club O.C. section, we are a charity event and like to help where ever we can, I am not saying this is a charity cause but what it is to me and to many others is a personal encyclopedia of informative people over the United States who love the “Cafe Racer” style.

So, I am asking you to spare a little change and help Steve be able to make this project a total reality, and get this funding up and running fast, so that we can see this on the one eyed monster as soon as we can.

If you are reading this, it truly means that you have an interest in the Cafe Racer Lifestyle, and how ever big or small that interest is, it is great people like you that can help to make this film happen.

Lets all try and help, and donate to their cause, no matter how small the contribution, I would love to see the amount grow and this movie come to a full fruition and get to see this played all over the globe.

 

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Personally I think it will be interesting, intriguing, informative and above all, it will show people around the globe “What makes us Tick”.

If you can pass the word I know that Steve will be forever indebted in gratitude to you for this, as it means that you care and would like to see this project completed and ready for everybody to watch and enjoy.

Also,I for one am so glad that someone is taking on the challenge and making this project happen and would be stoked if you could help with this funding.

carp1

 

I never ask for anything but feel this sums all of us up that are into the Nostalgia side of Motorcycles, something with history and of course now making its very own History in The US of A, how cool is that?

Here is the link for the gofundme page and hope you can do your best to pass it around to everyone you know, as YOU are our voice!

Thanks alot and I will be watching with baited breath at the totals to get Steve to achieve his target and complete this great movie that I think will receive awesome reviews.

Without help from the likes of like minded folk – Steve could not achieve the goal in the allotted time, so please help out where you can as I know I know I will.

Here is the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/caffeineandgas

 

Just a quick run down of Steven Maes below:

 

caffiene1

SILVER CITY — Silver City native and New Mexico Filmmaker, Steven “Fenix” Maes, known for his iconic design work on cult series Breaking Bad, is hard at work on a passion project about cafe racer motorcycles and rocker culture called Caffeine & Gasoline: Evolution of the American Rocker.

The film looks back at the American-inspired 1960s British greasers and their bikes, immortalized in the classic movie Quadrophenia, and then aims the camera at today’s home-grown rockers in America and beyond.

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“From their earliest roots in the East Side of London to the growing vintage motorcycle enthusiasm around the world, rocker culture has made its way across the globe,” says Maes. “Motorcycle culture is always evolving, writing its own mythology and leaving tread marks across America. The rockers with their cafe bikes are a subculture within a subculture. They’re the real rebels in an increasingly conformist pastime.

“I really want to show the spirit and community within the culture, as well as, the design” Maes continues, “there’s such a passion and individuality put in to each bike.”

Caffeine & Gasoline talks and rides with such motorcycling icons as Antoine Predock, Albuquerque’s famed resident architect. The film features New Mexico’s only cafe club, the Duke City Rockers, whose rockabilly-styled members take viewers for a ride on their hand-built motorbikes and explain their attraction to the British iconoclasts.

Maes expects to wrap filming in fall 2016, and to release the film theatrically in 2017.

Good luck Steve and Hope to Ride up to Albuquerque to see you lot on my Triumph Cafe Racer.

Peace and Grease as always

carpy5

CARPY

 

59 Club Meet Up is always fun!

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
25 Apr

Well, it was that time once again for us to sling our legs over our machines and head on out to Roscoes deli and Bar in Downtown Fullerton for our Monthly meet up, seeing as it stays light in the evening now, this was our first meet up here since last year, and what a cool turn out it was too.

Not only did many of our members turn up, the Brand New 2016 Triumph Thruxton R that I test rode earlier in the day from Southern California Triumph in Brea ,who kindly offered me the opportunity to have a blast on the 100 HP Beast, thundered into the parking lot, to the amazement of many.

The weather was perfect for our meet up and the bar was busy too, with superb Sandwiches to scoff on and beer in massive Glass Trophy style Goblets to partake in liquid refreshment.

It was a great evening and 18 Motorcycles showed up and enjoyed the camaraderie amongst everyone at this cool venue in Fullerton.

That’s my girlfriend “Jennifer’s” mean machine and her mum made the cover for her T100, looks wicked eh?

 

Plenty of people came out and had a look and, as the evenings are lighter now, we shall continue to have a meet up here at Roscoes.

Corey’s Custom Bonny is at the top of the parking lot and Very Hot Roddy along with pinstriped Skid lid.

Even a New Speed twin attended of which I shall be making Megaphones for and should give it a more aggressive growl.

Plenty of eye candy to take in at this great Bar and grill and if you can make it out one of these evenings, you will enjoy it for sure.

 

Nice to have this cool group with no attitude, just a passion for Motorcycles and its lifestyle with the 59 Club O.C.

We had a Plethora of style, Cafe, Scrambler and Bonny all on parade.

James O’Donnell Rides his Thruxton all over the place and got the Trophy for best attendance a few weeks back with the club.

This guy is a True Iconic Fellon, but thats just his last name. No not iconic.

Above, a good mate Steve Martinez and his stunning Black and Silver  Thruxton of which he rides regularly.

Plenty of things to look at at Roscoes itself but tonight it was the parking lot that grabbed the attention.

My Girlfriend Jennifer rode up on her T100, she loves this machine and is a New rider and gets more and more miles under her belt when she can.

Above, Steve Fellon with the “Slave Master “club hat, enjoys our buddies 175 Honda and brings back good memories.

Above, Amanda talks to Jennifer on how she likes to Wheelie where ever she can on her way to work each morning. LOL!

A great amount of British iron here tonight and we all had an awesome time, try and make it along to a meet up of ours sometime.

Fellon having relapses of jumping off curbs and running across farmers property back in the day.

The lads from Southern California Triumph Motorcycles came along and bought the New Thruxton R to show it off to all. But they had to have a few Beers first to settle their nerves.

Barry- AKA- “Bare” found a short cut to our meeting, great fella and his Guzzi Racer was sat all proud.

Above, Michael David Smith arrived on his trumpy, works many hours but always makes time for the club meet, thats dedication for you.

Some of the Lads chewing the fat, whilst I was chewing on a Sandwich!

Julie jumps on the New Thruxton R and that 1200 cc feels appealing from her 175 Honda thats for certain and she fits the bike very well indeed.

Corey and his lovely wife Julie admire the New Thruxton and Corey contemplates his Mrs blowing the doors off his Bonny if she bought it.

Fits this Thruxton R like a glove, its a fun bike as I rode it this morning and has bags of Torque.

Every digs the roar of the Stainless Steel megaphones as Julie hits the loud button and her old man comes to investigate.

So many bikes and a warm evening made this meet up very memorable and nothing to do with Kobe’s last game on the tv either.

I always enjoy our 59 Club events and people all seem to have fun, swap stories and genuinely  enjoy the evening with everyone.

 

There is Julie again on that Thruxton, its a wicked machine and Id love to have that in my own stable.

I can see the figures running through her mid if this is a plausible deal for her, this is truly a 100 Horse Torque Monster.

The Girl of my Dreams Jennifer, rides me me as much as she can, and enjoys organizing 59 club events.

More Trump here than Donald!

My 2013 Thruxton sits patiently, I truly love riding my cafe, its all dialed in and I enjoy the Canyons when I can.

Big J sits on the New Thruxton R and is surprised he can touch the floor- Barley!! LOL

This sure would get him to work a little faster, but he has a Thruxton 900 and thats so much fun anyway.

Maybe if the Lotto numbers come up he can grab this and keep both machines and teach his Girlfriend Carole how to ride?

Our mate Eric Dye has a Trumpy that you can never lose in a parking lot, this tangerine dream is a sweet ride.

Oh Oh- Is Corey working out what the Payments would be on that Thruxton R?

Seat comes off with a flick of the key on the New Thruxton R.

The Triumph Seat now a concealed compartment for all things you need with you, Registration, Glock, etc.

Our members all having a great time as we enjoy the now lighter nights and some fun rides coming up on the calendar.

 

Love all the old signs and memorabilia at Roscoes, it really is a great place to meet up with friends in Fullerton.

The Night is drawing in but the fun continues as we all eat, drink and enjoy a fun evening of laughter.

Carlos pulled up on his Thruxton with his New fairing attached.

With More Fog Lights than a East Anglian British Sea Side Light house, this bike gets noticed.

Carlos will be painting this Black with checkers, s stay tuned for more.

Off goes Carlos  with more wattage than a nuclear power plant.

This 2016 Thruxton is all machine as I rode it and took it into the Canyon, it is responsive, Torquey and boy does it Growl!

 

Looks great as the Sun was going down, if you can get a chance to take this for a test ride, do so as they are a fun machine but- watch the power in the first 2 gears and she will lift up like a Cutter through an Ice pack!

Getting ready to go and another fun evening was had by all, thanks for coming.

Ode and Michael David Smith get suited and Booted and get ready to jump on their steeds and head home.

Amanda gives us the secret Cringe as she struggles to pull her Scottish wallet from her Jacket, whilst Jennifer smiles.

 

 

L.A. MODS VS ROCKERS #10 This Weekend.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
10 Jun

mods-vs-rockers poster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Well here it is, the next chapter in L.A. and for me this will be the first time I have seen this shin dig and am hoping it is going to be a swell turn out at the event as it would be great to see as many people as possible turn up for something like this.

 

Jesse Workman aka DJ Astro will be spinning classic tunes!

 

Shirts will only be for sale on Saturday. No meet and Greet Friday, sorry guys. Please bring cash, no ATMs in the forrest. Remember Camping is a donation of $10, plus there will be a raffle!!!! $1 tickets! and $10 Shirts!

 

 

Food Update: Pagan Feast will roast a pig!
Pre Buy Now!!!!!!!!!!
Menu: Free Range, Wood Fire Roasted Pig with Collard Greens, BBQ Beans and a slice of bread for $14 a plate
To purchase tickets in advance and get your name on the list please paypal us at: kelly.kelaen@gmail.com for $14. We will be taking prepaid orders and reserving plates until the end of the day Thursday June 11th. After that the rest will be on a first come, first serve, cash basis at the campground. We only have 75 prepaid plates available so get yours now!!
For any questions please contact Kelly Lopez via facebook.

 

 

 

Lots of fun stuff to do! Mods vs Rockers tug of war! Slow race, horse shoes etc!

 

 

 

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Try packing light, no guarantee of chase trucks this year. Please organize with local riders, friends etc.. We got stuck with way too much stuff last year. Pack some food, drinks, etc. We’ll have a communal BBQ, so you can cook your food! Bring some water!!!!!!!

 

!!!!!!!!RIDING TIP FOR SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!
If both meeting spots are out of the way for you, BOTH rides will stop at the (Shell Gas Station 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011) before going up to the Bandido Campsite! Be ready at the Shell station at 12;30pm and wait patiently!!! This is the last gas station for 28 miles!

 

59 club meet

SATURDAY June 13th Scooter and Motorcycle Rally/Ride to campgrounds

-MOTORCYCLES: Meet at Atlantis Motors Inc
3300 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Ride Leaves 12noon sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will probably be a fun and huge ride.. This includes a short hop on the 2 fwy/ 210 then hwy 2 exit! . If you think yer bike is too small or you want a slower scenic ride, join the scooters.

-SCOOTERS: Eatz Cafe in Los Feliz!!!
3207 Los Feliz Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039
Leaves 12noon sharp! Lead by Bar Italia Scooter Shop!!
Scoots will cruz streets through Glendale/Pasadena before going up the Crest.. NO FREEWAY!

 

 

Sunday June 2nd; Ride home, breakfast at Newcombs Ranch! Your on your own or follow a group home!

Remember!!! The Bandido Group campground is just 2-3 miles past Newcombs Ranch restaurant!! We’ll post a yellow sign at the turn, on the 2 highway, keep your eyes open!!!!!!!

 

 

MAP TO CAMP GROUNDS FROM SHELL GAS STATION (JUST COPY PASTE YOUR STARTING POINT):
Name of Campsite is Bandido Group Campground, it’s just before Horse Flats!!!!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bandido+Campground,+Pearblossom,+CA+93553,+United+States/@34.346204,-118.003678,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c2e3eef743e995:0x65e03aab4ac37c2c?hl=en

QUESTIONS: MESSAGE ME OR CALL 818-489-4579 EDDIE (11am-8pm M-THurs) (Anytime Friday) (Early Saturday,GOOD LUCK after 11am)

 

Camp Grounds
EVERYONE IS SUBJECT TO CAMPGROUND LAWS! WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANYTHING STUPID YOU MIGHT DO to yourself! READ CAMPGROUND LAWS/RULES NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAMPSITE, THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!!! YOU COULD BE FINED!

 

 

This is a really cool camp ground that holds 150 campers+. The site has 4 bathrooms, but no running water! Even though we will have bottled water , it’s a good idea to bring a quart of water for yourself and extra food, we’ll provide a grill and coals! . If you need a bathroom with running water and a cooked meals, Newcombs ranch is open till 10pm and a 3 miles away!
We’ll also provide firewood for the main camp fire and power for music! After that your on your own! But bring logs if you can!!

 

WEATHER AND WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING!
At 5840ft elevation, it’ll be hot during the day and freezing cold at night! For camping you’ll need a tent, sleeping bag and warm clothes! A small bottle of water, flashlight(!), some extra food(freeze you perishables!) then you won’t need a cooler(put in backback)! Travel light!

 

 

If the weather is cloudy in the city. by the time your half way up the 2Hwy(Crest) you’ll break passed the cloud line and it’ll blue skies and bright sun! You will not be disappointed.


Website Directions:
From La Canada at the junction of the I-210 and State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), exit I-210 and turn north towards the mountains on State Route 2. Proceed 28.5 miles to Three Points (two miles past Newcomb’s Ranch Cafe) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road). Continue west 2 miles to the entrance; gate is on the left.

New, Stainless Steel Slip On Muffler for 2.5 inch header.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
25 Jan

Here we go then, many of you ask about my products and what may be the next item I shall produce.

Well, this time I thought I would offer this unique and mandrel bend 049 Stainless steel Slip On exhaust tail pipe, that comes not only polished to a chrome like luster, but has a great baffle and end cap that finishes the end of the exhaust off very well indeed.

At the other end, this is opened up to accept the good old 2.5 inch header that CB750 Honda’s use and many other Japanese machines and this then simply pushes on.

What then? I mean what holds it on?

Well we have used a t-Bolt Hose clamp that’s ample enough for the job, but also is stainless too to match the look and style of this slip on.

This is a really nice set up and if you want that little more aggressive sounding bark from your header pipe, then this is the way to go, the Mac’s are OK, the kerkers are not bad, but lack that bark and you can change the bark with ours by removing some of the glass packing that we have on the baffle.

This is 12 inches in length and is ample for the look that you desire, but if you want you can always cut it down.

We bent these at 25 degree’s so just aggressive enough to look snarly and I am sure you will like this.

 

We hope that you look at the photos and see for yourself that this is a nice bit of kit and NOW available to you, we of course will ship around the globe, as we do all our parts and we feel that we need to cater for a few more cool items for the bikes we create and people ask us about.

And now, we have these in stock and ready to ship off to you.

 

T-Bolt Hose and Tube Clamps

The T-bolt design provides high strength and a 360° seal. The band is 3/4″ wide and 0.025″ thick. Clamps are reusable. The lock-nut has a nylon insert. Temperature range is –100° to +250° F.

300 Series Stainless Steel Clamps with Zinc-Plated Steel Bolt—The T-bolt and lock-nut are yellow zinc-plated steel, which has fair corrosion resistance. The band has rolled edges to protect soft hoses and tubes. Tighten with a 7/16″ wrench. Torque is 90 in.-lbs.