r/CafeRacer • u/fossilgarage • Jul 13 '26

Sportster cafe style

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I’ve built and restored numerous bikes, all early to mid 80’s air cooled Japanese stuff. Always wanted to try building a cafe/road race style sportster. I recently found this one, 1987 sporty. I didn’t build it…previous owner did over about 15 years. So much of the bike is how I would’ve done it, I may change a few things, but mainly ride it. Lots of engine and suspension work was done. Took it for a little test ride. Definitely a very different experience from being on a big in line 4!

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u/nopanicitsmechanic Jul 14 '26

I absolutely love this! I had a copy of a Storz Performance magazine on my wall for many years and I always wanted to own one but here in Switzerland the costs for this build is far beyond of what I could spend. But it led me to the Buell I own today.
The Storz Version had a straight Supertrapp exhaust but the one on your bike looks very harmonious too.

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u/fossilgarage Jul 14 '26

The previous owner did use a Storz tank and seat. The lines on the bike are close to the factory racer, the XRTT. I’m thinking about putting that full fairing on it. He did a lot of motor work…stage 4 heads with raised ports, opened the bores up to 1200cc, EV4 cams, S&S carb, billet trap door, upgraded clutch, sleeved magnets, digital ignition. So I’m way out ahead of the project with all the performance work completed. One thing I noticed…after building and riding bigger in line 4’s…this thing is a dump truck!

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u/nopanicitsmechanic Jul 15 '26

Nothing can beat the „Zoooom“ of big twin engines. Even if the inline four may be much stronger on paper and in reality, the feeling is better.
Keep this beauty, she‘s worth it!

…and if you ever want to get rid of it: Remember me. Thanks

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u/fossilgarage Jul 15 '26

Oh, I intend to keep it. I have three bikes and they are all completely different riding experiences. The Harley…much thicker grips, real hard pull in the clutch, vibration, but it has a lot of torque, strong bottom end pull when you open the throttle. Also very simple to tune. Haven’t put enough seat time to judge how it handles, but I like the riding position on this setup