Cafe Racer

by Colleen
(Kent, OH)

Hello everyone,

I have been riding some sort of motorcycle since I was 17 and don't see myself ever without a bike.

Last fall I bought a 1977 Kawasaki Kz 400 and have spent the winter and spring restoring it and transforming it into a cafe racer. It is a peppy little bike and it will look great when finished, but I am concerned about the new riding position.

I bought a pair of clubman handle bars that sit very low and also had the foot controls moved back to accommodate the lower riding position. Does anyone have any experience with these handle bars or riding cafe racers? I've always ridden older Honda's which have you sit up pretty high and tall. I'm not sure how comfortable I will feel hunkered down and stretched out. Any tips or tricks to ease the transition to the new riding position?

PS: the frame, tank, and tailpiece are currently at the painters and once they return my bike will get all put back together! So excited!