By now, the phrase jumping the shark has become common vernacular. It originated, folks say, in the wake of an old “Happy Days” TV episode where the series resident biker, Arthur Fonzarelli, jumped a Great White shark, a move so cheesy, many viewers and critics felt it forever sacrificed the integrity of the show. The current issue of Cafe Racer magazine features my regular editorial which covers how the current custom streetbike scene is in serious danger of following Fonzie’s lead. How? Well, in my humble opinion, by proffering a succession of customized cafe racers, trackers and other machines built not for speed or even rideability, but for the bragging rights of the individual builders. Sometimes called Instagram Bikes, these are the sorts of motorcycles on display at indoor custom shows where oil stains beneath the entries are rare, but ornate custom touches like wooden bodywork, brake-less front wheels and paint jobs that resemble the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are common. In the two weeks since the column was published, we’ve received quite a few missives from readers about the subject, most being passionate agreements that, once a streetbike ceases to be functional, can it still really be called a bike at all. Below you’ll find one of the more interesting e-mail’s we’ve received and if you have thoughts on the subject, please send ’em along to us at rockersrule@caferacermag.com
Hi Guys. Just got done reading the new Open Mike and had to give a big thumbs up to Mike for his editorial about bikes being for riding. I can’t agree more. His reference to choppers coming and going was spot on, but not entirely correct. Honda did a fair job of making a functional chopper with the Fury, which to me was a slap in the face to all the “artists” that made big gaudy “works of art” with hard tails and fat tires, only to keep the local chiropractors in business with all of their back problems. I think you guys do a great job with the mag, and it is refreshing to know that rideability is king in you builds. I only wish my back would still allow me to ride café bikes. I was at Kissel Motorsports in State College recently and Josh tried his best to get me on an RnineT, but I couldn’t sit on it hunched over for more than a few seconds without back pain. Donnie at Westmoreland Moto Guzzi tried his best to sell me the V7 Verde Legnano he had in his front window a few years back, but I couldn’t take the riding position. I went for the Stornello when it came out because I could ride it comfortably. I have been riding, working on, and customizing bikes all of my life, and I tend to find the articles in Café Racer to be very enlightening and very informative. It is very comforting to know that all of the bikes featured are rideable I like the way you always describe how the bikes handle and ride in the articles. Very important to those of us that put on a lot of miles. Even though I can’t comfortable ride café bikes any more I still love the style and culture. You guys can make fun of me for riding a scrambler, but at least I’m in for the entire day! Keep up the good work.
Lou Casadei