The Vintagent Press Release:
Lucky number 13 for the annual “Motorcycles as Art” exhibition at the legendary Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this summer is titled “Ton Up! – Speed, Style and Cafe Racer Culture,” focusing on the origins and continued popularity of the Café Racer movement worldwide.
Co-curators Michael Lichter and Paul d’Orléans have assembled a comprehensive display of 32 machines from 12 makes and 6 decades, plus never-published photography – from the original café racing scene in 1960s England to the present, paintings by Triumph ‘resident artist’ Conrad Leach, images from the Ace Café Collection, vintage leather ‘Rocker’ jackets from the Lewis Leathers archive, the “One-Show” 21-helmets display of custom painted helmets, painting by Andrea Chiaravalli and photography by Erick Runyon with other artists to be announced.
The 30+ confirmed bikes for this exhibit include premium examples of 50s/60s Café Racers (Gold Star, Norvin, Triton, Dunstall, etc) from Herb Harris (Harris Vincent Gallery), Yoshi Kosaka (Garage Co), Mark Mederski (National Motorcycle Museum), Gordon McCall (Quail Motorsports Gathering), plus Willie G Davidson’s #0001 1977 XLCR, and machines from Alain Bernard, Arlen Ness, Bryan Fuller, Brian Klock, Dustin Kott, Giuseppe Carucci,  Greg Hageman, Jason Michaels, Jay Hart, Jay LaRossa, Kevin Dunworth, Ray Drea (Harley-Davidson design director), Roland Sands, Skeeter Todd, Steve “Brew Dude” Garn, Richard Varner (Champions Moto), David Zemla (Burly Brand), Steve “Carpy” Carpenter, Thor Drake, Vincent Prat (Southsiders MC) and Zach Ness. Included in the show are original or modified machines by BMW, BSA, Ducati, Honda, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, Norton, Rickman, Triumph, Vincent and Yamaha.
Each year, the “Motorcycles as Art” exhibition garners tremendous media coverage from around the globe, and thousands of enthusiasts in person. This year’s exhibition will get even more recognition as it will live on in the coffee-table book “Ton Up – Speed, Style and Cafe Racer Culture,” published by Motorbooks International. Michael Lichter will photograph all the motorcycles in his Sturgis studio for the book, which will also include the jackets, artwork, and photographs from the exhibit. Paul d’Orléans’ is writing a comprehensive history of the Café Racer movement for the book; from its deep origins in speed-modified road bikes from the ‘Teens, to the ‘classic’ period in England in the 1950s/60s, through its various resurrections in the 1970s, 80s, and especially, with the advent of Internet motorcycle blogs, TV shows, and ‘Café Racer’ magazines, the explosive popularity of the style in the 21st Century.
“Ton Up! – Speed, Style and Cafe Racer Culture” sponsors include GEICO Motorcycle, Handy Industries, Hot Leathers, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys and Spectro Performance Oils. The exhibition will be open August 3rd – 9th 2013 and is located next to the east gate of the Buffalo Chip and offers free admission to the public, and Buffalo Chip guests.
The ‘Motorcycles as Art’ exhibitions are hosted each year by the Legendary Buffalo Chip, this year celebrating its 32nd consecutive annual concert series, which attracts the music industry’s hottest stars to their famed camping resort every August during Sturgis Bike Week. The “Chip” is set on 580 acres 3-miles east of Sturgis.
For more information: www.buffalochip.com

2nd Annual Bikes and Bombers Event Lyon Air Museum

A great looking scoot and all ready to just sling your leg over and go and have some fun.

If you are looking for as cool set of wheels to have fun on this summer, well this is staring you down to buy this, I think its a super ride and I would have no issues having a burn up with it on the tarmac.

Very clean and had much work done to it, that means all you do is put gas in it and hit the loud button.

I have made these photo’s as big as I can for you, that way you can have a good look and see if this is what you are looking for.

Many people as me about bikes for sale and, if I do not have up for grabs, I have no issues showing somebody elses ride to let another person out there enjoy the cafe racer scene as much as we do.

If you need any more info, check the bottom of this page as I have copied and pasted his info on this CB650 Cafe.

Gas is getting expensive, so this CB650 could be just the ticket for you, easy to start and maneuver in and out of traffic and cheap to run as well.

Plenty of photos on here for you to look around at and I know someone out there will snap this right up as the price is right for the work that has gone into this machine.

Here is the information you want to read about on this Cafe Racer.

Subject: Re: HONDA CB650 1979

Description::

I have owned this bike since 2011 and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately my conditions have changed and I cannot use this bike any longer. Instead of it collected dust and suffer from not being used regularly, I figured it was time to sell. I used this bike a lot when I did ride, at least twice a week from Orange County to Los Angeles, without any problems. And at least once a weekend for a long joy ride.

It is a beautiful and enjoyable bike. When I first got it, I was having issues with the power, it wouldn’t hold a charge. I read blogs on this particular model and found it to be the electric rotor. I replaced it in 2011 and haven’t had a problem since. It being my first bike, I did drop it a few times, but never at any kind of speed. Always in my garage. Since my owning it, I’ve had about $1,000 of maintenance work and upkeep. Replacing some wiring issues and tires as well.

Cons:
The front tire, as you’ll see in the photos is cracking a little bit, but nothing horrible. The back is still very new. All lights work expect the brake light is out, and the left rear turn signal is not working correctly.

I have never been able to figure this out. The bike does leak a small amount of oil, but this isn’t something that you or a shop would have a hard time replacing. Like I said, I have dropped it, so the side is scratched. You will see this in the pictures. The gas gauge has never worked, but this is really just a wiring issue.

Nothing major. Last thing too, the choke lever doesn’t work, but I’ve never even had to use it. Really, doesn’t matter, but I should mention that. The bike is from ’79. It is older. But for an old bike, I love it. Pros:

The bike starts immediately, never an issue with its cold starts being a California bike. The speed and cruising on this bike are fabulous. The gears all shift fine, neutral is easy to get to, the tranny is great. The bike was converted to a Cafe Racer by the previous owner, and he did a fabulous job.

The paint is gorgeous, the engine clean, he did bore it out then, and the bike is just amazing. I really can’t think of anything else to put here, it is a great bike that I miss I could keep as a showpiece, but I don’t have the money or time for it. Please ask any questions. I cannot personally ship, if you want to pick up or provide your own shipping arrangements, please contact me first. You may come see the bike first, but please make appointments.

My price is very firm, I don’t want to let it go. Payment expected in full via PayPal or cash. Money order or cashiers check may be accepted under circumstances. Enjoy.

14k MILES to date
BIN: RC03213400
I do have registration and title in hand.

This is always a classic place to meet and has many cool shows and events going on in Toluca lake of which the cruise night on Fridays gets really packed.

I have been coming here since I first moved to these shores in 2000 and always have a great time at the restaurant.

Just wanted to share some of this place with you, in-case you had not been down this way.

The iconic figure in the Burbank area, this is one cool eatery,  that has been around for many many moons and is a great part of So Cal history.

A great sign that just screams Nostalgia.

OPENING

This Bob’s restaurant was built in 1949 by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, and is the oldest remaining BOB’S BIG BOY in America. It was designed by renowned architect Wayne McAllister, incorporating the 1940′s transitional design of streamline modern style while anticipating the free-form 50′s coffee shop architecture. The towering Bob’s sign is an integral part of the building  design and its most prominent feature. The restaurant was honored in 1993, receiving the designation as a “STATE POINT OF HISTORICAL INTEREST” by the state of California. The current owner (the MacDonald Family) acquired control of the restaurant in 1993 and began to restore it to its past glory.

The Bob’s Big Boy and sign ensemble is significant to the history, culture, and architecture of Los Angeles and merits recognition and preservation.

——-Barbara A. Hoff, LA Conservancy

An exterior patio was added; the tower sign was rehabilitated; the dining room was remodeled; “Car Hop” service was re-introduced on Saturday and Sunday nights; and on Friday nights a classic car show reverberates in the parking lot. Many resources were spent to restore the quality of food, service and hospitality which made BOB’s a Southern California tradition. We, the owners, managers and employees of  Bob’s thank each and everyone of our guests for their patronage, and we pledge to continue to strive to provide you with the very best food, service and hospitality at a fair price. Our goal is to constantly improve and make your meal the very best value in Southern California..

CAR HOP SERVICE

Back to the 50′s style
Every Saturday & Sunday from 5-10pm

Greg Harvey had heard stories about the carhops at the Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank. His dad was a regular here in the 50′s, spending his weekends in a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Greg’s wife, Jill, frequented the Burbank restaurant, too, but she was 10 years old and came with her parents. When Greg learned that the carhops were back, he took a trip down memory lane, Borrowing his dad’s 1969 Copo Camaro, he pulled into Stall 15 on a recent Saturday night. Greg ordered a Big Boy Combo with blue cheese dressing, his childhood favorite, while Jill chewed on a burger with fries. As music of the Beach Boys played in the background, the Harveys basked in nostalgia. “It’s the same as it was when I was a kid,” Jill says. “But back then it was more crowded. There were people and cars everywhere.”

Opened in 1949, Bob’s Burbank is the oldest restaurant in the nationwide chain. When the City of Burbank declaired the restaurant a historical landmark last year, the ’50′s diner underwent a face lift to re-create the ’50s style. Managers agreed that the restoration wouldn’t be complete without the revival of the carhop. “We wanted to bring the historical ’50s style back,” general manager Mike Lopez stated.

They have super car shows and cruise nights here and if you are ever in the area, its a must place to go and check out.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Fridays from 3-10pm

“It is the oldest Big Boy in the country and classic car lovers from all around Los Angeles gather there every Friday for a trip down nostalgia lane.” – The North Hollywood-Toluca Lake Patch

SERVING IT HOT

For our friends age 55 and over, we offer a Senior Savings of 10% off the total check. 

BREAKFAST

Breakfast at Bob’s is served anytime you want it. If you’re in the mood for breakfast – morning, noon, or night just ask your server for our Breakfast Menu to make your selection.

 

BURGERS

The “Big Boy” is our original double-decker hamburger. It’s two all-beef patties on our grilled sesame seed bun with crisp shredded lettuce, American cheese, dressing, and special relish.

See All Burgers and Sandwiches >

 

DINNER

All entrees served with soup or salad, choice of potato and vegetable unless noted.

 

DESSERTS

Our milk shakes are made 1950′s stlye – in a silver tin goblet that comes with your order. They are without question, the best milkshakes in the world.

 

 

Classic Cokes

Back to the 50′s Style Fountain Drinks.

BOB’s BIG BOY
4211 W Riverside Dr
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-9334

 

This photo was taken at Bobs back in April in 1957 and made the cover of LIFE magazine, Norm Grabowski is sat in his T bucket, and this Hot Rod was as famous as bob’s place, as it was the car featured in 77 Sunset strip that kookie Burns drove.

I hope to have a meet up there some time in the summer as its a cool place to hang, great people and fun food.

 

if you ever get a chance, get down there, especially on a Friday night as you get many Stars pop in from time to time.

Ashley Tisdale

Miley Cyrus

Jessica Simpson

 

 

 

 

Come on down, you will really enjoy this place.

 

 

 

 

 

Bob’s Big Boy

4211 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA

(818) 843-9334 ‎ · bobs.net

 

 

Text me on 714-598-8392 if you need more info or you can email me at the website    tonup@att.net

Hey Gang

Here we are with a super cool project, how about this 1976 CB750F Supersport project Brat style machine?

This would be superb for a new builder as not only does this run and drive well, it has a titled and currently tagged and registered.

For the right person, this could be right up your alley as its fun to ride as is and everything functions.

A few bits I can tell you about it:

This has a New non maintenance battery with a tender strap, also, this has a New Chrome headlight with halogen bulb, this has Original NOS Blue flake GT grips.

A old style 4 into 1 header with our ” Scorcher” muffler added.

We fitted new 130 jets to this machine too.

This has 1974 Alloy Velocity stacks too.

We also fitted a new polished Alloy front fork brace to stiffen the front end up, this is fun to ride and I am sure you will be into it for the price.

This has a bobbed rear end and a shortened rear fender with a Small Chrome tail light, as well as one of our license plate frames with a chrome led illuminated light all attached.

The kick starter works fine and as does the starter button, check the video below for just a quick run down on the this machine.

It would make an awesome Cafe Racer or Brat bike, the coice is only up to your budget and of coursde, imagination, a very very good platform to work with.

Info:

OK- here is the VIN CB750F2007114

Motor is CB750E2522720

This matches the title and as I said is tagged until Nov 2013.

I can ship to the lower 48 but you would have to call Larry on 1-209-495-3729 for shipping prices, but I ship all my bikes out of state with him and have done for years, he ships door to door too.

So there you go, have a look at the photo’s and you decide if this is something you could have a go at and have fun this summer.

This is a fun ride and I hope someone have miles of smiles with this machine.

I just came back from a bit of a ride, just to stretch its legs a little bit as the Sun was out and thought ” Why the Heck Not”

For the money , this really is a cool deal, plenty of other Snotters on the net right now and many do not even run, or have a title for that matter.

So enjoy the photos and hope you enjoy what we do here at Carpys Café Racers.

Motorcycles have always been a huge part of my life and it takes all sorts in this and other industries, what we may not like, some one else may love, so here are just a few pictures I thought I would share with you on this Hot Tuesday morning here in California.

I am sure you will like some of these and others you will laugh at? As I am having a ball with these today that’s for sure.

Now you cannot go wrong with out and wild and crazy chopper build can you? This is nuts but would of loved to have seen this coming down the road, or attempting to get around the roundabout in Orange County.

Anyone need a Motorcycle stretch limo for a prom night?

Another head scratching Mono-cycle that is all balance I guess?

Well, at Big Bear in the winter this would be awesome to get about, if it had knobby tires on it.

 

Some rather clever people out there that can produce a motorcycle out of an old Zippo lighter and a Schwinn bicycle.

Here is one for all you John Deer Tractor lovers out there, a lot of work gone into this monster, see through fenders are unique.

This must of been designed and created by a Rolex Watch maker?

Ozzie Osbourne’s Brother or what?

I’m a little lost of this one but if it gets you about the place, then more power to you mate.

Yeah, we are all kids at heart I guess.

This bike lets you carry a spare.

3 wheels on my wagon, and I’m still rolling along !

This has to be the shortest motorcycle out there?

 

Now, this is very cool, great engineering, unbelievable amount of work and this is a stunning head turning machine.

Pretty clever photography, it had me fooled for a minute.

I wonder if this really does go like a Bomb?

Cave man Cafe Racer.

Somebody has way too much time on their hands here.

When I asked for a Seven Up, I meant a clear fizzy soda !!!!

Easier to change a boot than a tire!

Journeys end I suppose?

I am going to be producing many more parts and apparel over the coming months, not only that, we shall be having a New website with more options and of course some cool stuff for you to be part of, for instance a readers rides section, so you can check out all thats being built around the globe these days.

I shall try hard to design more apparel, as many of you ask me about my shirts and of course, bring back some more of the old favorites if and when i think is a good time, but they will be all good and these ones you see on this page are my latest design thats i have completed and are now up on the website to purchase.

We enjoy what we do here at the shop and hopefully later in the year will get to some of the shows out in the lower 48 and beyond.

These shirts are long lasting, and you will get many comments on them as I have all the time, some of my shirts have washed well for over 4 years too.

So keep checking back on here as we shall have all sorts of cool goodies, more inventory and some bikes coming up shortly too.

I know this will be a fun time and getting back to basics is always more fun and, I get more time to meet and chat to you all.

Incredible detail and paint as smooth as a babies back side.

This is a really top class Custom Bubble top and the color just jumps out and grabs you.

You could be cruising the strip in this 1961 Olds and having the time of your life.

Look at the sleekness of this ride, the Chrome is awesome, and the stance says it all to be honest.

The rims are all laced and really do set this vintage machine off. Fresh 80 Spoke Daytons.

The lid has the old school fade away to give it that 60′s flavor for sure.

If you want something that has all the bells and whistles in this era, this is the ride to own right now.

The interior of this Super Eighty Eight is unreal, something you would want in your front room.

Have a good long look and then drop a dime and come and have a peek at this lovely ride, you will be glad that you did.

Tom Karp Cell 562-505-2715

Well, WELCOME my friends to:  Carpy’s Cafe Racers.

I am now in another shop, this time I have 2 units back to back, so I can concentrate on a few things, one area will be R&D, whilst another area will be fitting, I will have a dispatch area and a little store front/will call at the front.

I like getting back to basics and now feel like I am on the right foot once more, getting 10 pounds of gear into a 2 pound bucket was no small feat, but somehow we managed it and now we are in the shop.

I shall be adding signs and cool banners as I go along and of course, every day we shall be processing orders and making sure that these get out to you, but wanted to show some progress that is happening, as many of you email me asking how things are going along these days.

We have a NEW and very cool Website coming out soon and will be more interactive, showing you many more cool things, we shall have a tech side, a parts side and also a readers rides page where you can send us cool shots of your ride and what you did to it.

Well, here is a great old Cafe that was around in 75 and then stored away in 78, so I have revamped some of it and now she runs and has a number of cool parts on it.

A step back into yesteryear and this will be a fun ride for someone as this really has some cool parts from back in the day.

For instance, these are Original Borrani Alloy Race rims, the super thick deep dish models too, Hard to find these days.

It also has the Big drilled front Rotor that was a great set up back in the day, the rims were anodized gold in 1976 but have faded over the 30 odd years

But a step back in time and I have changed a few things to make this a great ride once more and I am sure you lot will dig it?

This DOES have a title, the Original pink slip in fact and I got it from the Original owner.

I have added a Glass F style Gas tank with new alloy flip top Monza style Gas cap, New petcock and of course New paint.

I wanted the colors to reflect the era and the old anodizing on this machine and I think it looks bloody great. yes I named it the little Bean as I got it in a storage yard in Santa Ana and is a very Hispanic area and thought it would be a good name for this machine.

But you decide and see what you think. As a lot of work had to go into this to get it running again, as I had to rebuild and polish the back brake.

Also I added one of our NEW 4 into 1 Yoshi style exhausts and this will be a good thing, as this has a cool original Lockhart Oil cooler kit on it from 1976.  BUT… I am stripping the Original YOSHIMURA 4 into 1 and re coating it black and this will be on the bike as it was originally.

This has a New seat that’s Just been painted and upholstered too and has a New non maintenance battery with a battery tender too.

New turn signals as well as a New L.E.D. rear tail light to make sure people can see you.

I also added a brand New Chrome Headlight assembly and all this works fine and dandy too.

I fitted a New 530 GOLD chain to the bike as the other one had sat for over 30 years, I think I shall remove the stator and clutch cover and polish them to a chrome finish.   As the anodizing has tarnished over three decades of storage.

I will add some more photos as I have to go out and to a show tomorrow but if you want it, she is ready to go.

 

OK, I have just had Dakota remove the stator cover and the gearshift cover, as they are tarnished, due to sitting in the sun for 3 decades and of course, the chap that owned this ere contraption, anodized the covers and that’s why they turned Yellow, as they were Gold when he first coated them.

So, the covers were taken off the bike, I then removed the stator winding and infield coils and then I have a freshly polished Stator cover ready for this bike and fitted the stator back etc and fitted new Genuine HONDA gasket etc with some HONDA bond.

The cover is now on the bike and it has new polished stainless steel Allen head bolts to really clean this bike up.

Alas, I had to do the same with the gear shift cover, so this was removed, new gasket fitted to a freshly polished cover and then new Allen head stainless M6 bolts applied and now it looks great.

The old covers were anodized so I had to take that all off.

So, the conundrum continues and I think that the sprocket cover is in need of my drilling capabilities to give it that Cafe Racer look and I can then polish it to a chrome finish, one of my signature styles I really like to do.

There a few things I might just do on here too, as I have a spare set of forks, so may polish them and fit new seals and fit those to the machine, and I may even polish the caliper bracket too, but we shall see.

As I type this, the Original Yoshimura exhaust system is now at the coaters, being media blasted and then high temp coated Black, and I should be able to fit it to the bike tomorrow and fire her up again,

Now she is looking great.

I think I shall add a polished front fork Brace that we make here to stiffen the front end up and a cool Cafe Racer part.

That’s a lot better now and like the way this bike feels on the front end.

Also fitted New clutch Lever and bolts and adjuster.

I may also remove the top triple tree and polish that to a chrome finish and fit new bar clamps with Allen head bolts.

 I have removed the side stand and powder coated it gloss black, have just fitted it but am waiting on a New spring, so am using old spring until it arrives.

I am going to wire up the rear LED tail light today and maybe over the weekend, I shall rebuild the speedometer and have a Custom face on it.

The more I do on this machine, the more the price goes up as I will be spending more money on it.

Now it has the Yoshimura back on it I will be changing the price.

Today the front end was removed and the forks were polished to a chrome finish, this looks pretty darn cool now, so I thought i may as well fit a BRAND new GENUINE HONDA , CHROMED front fender.

This was over $365 and it makes the front of the bike stand out now and you must admit it looks pretty cool?

Whilst we were there, we removed the upper triple tree and polished that to a shiny chrome look with a set of new polished handlebar clamps and this is now all back together. I have ordered New Honda fork top nuts so I can replace the old rusty ones on there at present.

I shall also be taking the speedometer apart and making a cool face plate to sit inside the gauge to finish that off.

 OK, I took the speedometer apart and, as usual, this was rusty and damaged, so I used three old ones to make one good one.

This turned out pretty cool in the end.

The lower case I had just purchased New old Stock from Japan and figured I would use it.

I used my own design faces, something I started in 2000 before anyone made these and thought I would add the Tiger design to give this a great layout.

I repainted the needle so you can easily see where the tip is pointing, as it had faded to a light Pink color over the years.

I then put all this together, cleaning the glass and making sure no crap got inside the housing.

Then after I put this all together, I polished the lower part up and then added an original Chrome cover I had here on the shelf to embellish this cool Speedometer set up.

I just fitted this to the bike, using Stainless steel Acorn nuts and stainless flange nuts and this is a great addition to the bike, I also cut the wires and extended them and then heat shrink-ed them and will wire this into the headlight today.

I will fit a New Speedometer cable as I just ordered one and that should be here tomorrow, but I am sure you will like what I have done to this machine over the last few days?

I am still adding parts to this machine and people seem to like her, so thought I would add some more photo’s.

Here I have taken the Old shocks off and fitted New piggy Backs that give it a better stance I believe and I like the look of these.

As you can see, a very cool looking Cafe racer and this is a great addition to anyone’s collection or just for their own personal use.

Just some more photo’s for you to have a look at and see what you think.

I may add more over the weekend, unless this sells of course.