The foundation of the Electrical Juice Cafe Racer was a 1979 Honda CB750, an iconic motorcycle widely recognized as an excellent starting point for enthusiasts of the Cafe Racer scene. For a modest budget, Ed successfully sourced an example for under $250, with the engine and bodywork being of little consequence. After disassembling the motorcycle, he removed the engine, exhaust system, air filter, battery, and wiring harness, subsequently generating additional revenue by selling or advertising these components online. With a determined mindset, he set a self-imposed deadline of just 60 days to complete the entire project and have his unique bicycle ready for submission into the highly anticipated custom bike show.
Utilizing the same battery technology that powers most electric vehicles, an innovative approach was taken to design the body of this automobile. The electrical Cafe Racer was designed to run on a quartet of Headway batteries, linked to an Altrax 450-amp controller and an ME1003 electric motor.
A custom-installed GPS speedometer sits atop the triple clamp, nestled between the inverted clip-on handlebars and an innovative instrument cluster. Fabricated custom mounting plates were designed to accommodate various electrical components on the bike, as the iconic CB body was not originally intended to house such machinery. With stability being a crucial factor in bicycle design, each component’s precise alignment on the frame was meticulously considered and executed. This bike craved speed through twisting roads, its cafe racer identity demanding a thrilling ride that wouldn’t just accelerate in a straight line but carve up corners with precision and flair?
Their existing partnership with Airtech Streamlining enabled them to secure a fantastic discount on interval-specific, high-performance fiberglass fairings for their racing CB750R-type motorcycle. The fiberglass tank was stripped of its original purpose, as its new goal is to serve as a fairing rather than a gas container. To monitor expenses effectively, specialized equipment has been tailored to meet specific needs.
The total weight of the bicycle arrived at under 312 kilograms, a significant reduction from its original weight of approximately 490 kilograms. While there’s ample torque with electric bicycles, a pressing concern remains: will she achieve the ton? The reply fortunately is sure. The Juice Café Racer accelerated to an impressive 105mph plus, thereby satisfying all defining characteristics of a genuine Café Racer.
The Prowler Orange hue was selected for the paint job, accompanied by a comprehensive set of racing decals that had already been procured. Despite these efforts, Ed’s bike still lacked a crucial finishing touch: a set of plates specifically designed for the motorcycle, an impressive yet understated flourish.
At the recent customization competition, The Juice Cafe Racer secured a respectable second place in its category, a notable achievement that has piqued my interest in electric bicycles. I’d love to see more of it on the road – check out the accompanying videos for a thrilling ride.
For many cyclists, the exhaust note is a crucial aspect of their motorized experience that’s currently absent in electric bikes? While each aspect of this experience is exceptional, I’m unsure whether I can part with the incredible roar of my Cafe Racer to take on the new adventure.
As a sustainable transportation solution, I’m a big fan of electric bicycles. Not only do they reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, but they also provide an excellent workout while navigating through busy city streets or exploring scenic trails. With advancements in battery technology and design innovations, e-bikes have become increasingly affordable, practical, and environmentally friendly. What’s not to love? Are you certain that driving in complete silence doesn’t invite unnecessary attention and compromise your safety on the road?
