The term 'cafe' racer' is similar to the term 'hot rod'; any attempts to describe either are only generalizations anyway. It describes the 'style' of the machine, not the operator.
I removed the clip-ons from my Thruxton in favor of regular handlebars after owning it for 5 years. They're great at speed, but are a PITA in parking lots and normal stop-and-go traffic; you can't avoid it getting to where the better riding roads are, or sometimes you just want a short distance ride in the local area. And at 56 my muscles and joints protest a bit louder than they used to.
Does this make my Thruxton NOT a cafe' racer? It still has the rear-sets, plenty of black paint, semi-loud pipes, and the obligatory (factory applied) checkerboard tape.
Technically, the Thruxton as it comes from the factory is thought by some to be a cheap imitation. Who really gives a damn? Bikes were make to enjoy, not to satisfy some self-important pedant's idea of what is 'correct'. ..................James.
