Cafe Racers of the 1970s

The 1970s was the era of the cafe racer in its second phase, that of the specialist manufacturers. Certain mainstream marques such as Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Laverda and Yamaha also catered for this emerging market by producing production factory cafe racers such as the 900SS [Ducati], Le Mans [Guzzi], Mongich [Laverda] and RD Series [Yamaha] . Among the names which flourished in this environment, and which are the subjects of this book, were Dunstall, Gus Kuhn, Seeley, Rickman, Bimota, Magni, Dresda, Munch and Van Veen ... and others whose names are perhaps less well remembered, but who were just as dedicated to the ideal of personal creativity. Famed motorcycle author Mick Walker graphically recreates the era of the cafe racers. Numerous contemporary photos are featured, with captions explaining the history and technical features of the machines and describing the men who made and rode them. AUTHOR: Mick Walker is acknowledged as one of the world's leading motorcycle authorities. In a career that has spanned almost fifty years, he has written over 110 books. He has also been a successful racer, tuner, team manager and talent scout. Mick has been involved in virtually every aspect of the motorcycle industry, even acting as the British Importer for several Italian marques, including Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Cagiva. During the 1980s he was editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast magazine. Most recently in 2010, he was made president of the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club. SELLING POINTS: ? A pictorial review of the 1970s café racers, the machines, riders and lifestyle ? Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Laverda and Yamaha all produced production factory café racers in this period ? Mick Walker is one of the world's leading motorcycle authorities and has written over 110 books ILLUSTRATIONS: 115 b/w photographs *