In Cafe Racer magazine’s upcoming December/January issue, we revel in the full-bore enthusiasm for classic British bikes and riding fashions among ton-up riders in Shiga, Japan. Our man on the scene, Hiro Madea, is a longtime vintage Britbike rider and hard-working organizer of motorcycle events in his native country. After spending years as a pattern-cutter at London’s Lewis Leathers, Hiro relocated to Tokyo and began his own Rocker memorabilia line Mode By Rockers, selling handmade leather products and motorcycle badges.
He’s been busy organizing a regular meet for the region’s cafe racer riders at a very authentic-looking, western-style transport cafe known as Rider’s Cafe MMN. The place is located adjacent to a scenic waterway and is ringed by some of the twistiest motorbike roads in all of Japan.
Hiro’s brilliant images illustrate these rider’s dedication to maintaining not only the original Triumphs, Nortons, BSA’s and other brands made popular during the post WWII period, but the studded, highly decorated riding leathers as well. It’s a blast to see motorcyclists, many of them born in the 21st century, showing a deep appreciation for the styles of a bygone era, especially when most twentysomethings shy away from anything that smells of history or mechanical complexity.
Most of the motorcycles ridden to MM Cafe come from private garages hundreds of miles distant with the individual riders maintaining their classic machines themselves. That’s no simple task in a country where British motorcycles are considered something of an historical oddity, especially when homegrown machines from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and the like are widely revered. Parts to keep these bikes running are swapped and bartered for among dedicated brand and model loyalists, while ordering bits from overseas suppliers is a must, given the small number of British motorcycle specialists in Japan.
The new issue with this and plenty more cool images and features goes on sale December 10- don’t miss your copy.
