Cafe racers, custom motorcycles and classic motorcycles

I can relate and have the utmost respect and admiration for Mr. Klein’s work. Its not a Ducati. Its a Klein. He went into his “parallel world” and dreamt it up, but beyond dreaming, he put it into metal so that when he was able, he could propell himself down a twisty road and revel in his work. The self-satisfaction must be nervana.

He made some sketches, then he made some more formal drawings and then he found his stock and then he made innumerable set-ups. The combination of engineering and dreaming… the imagineering that went into this is amazing. He probably found himself thinking of it while at work, while walking the dog, at a dinner party. He probably was a bit more than obsessed. Every time he went into his familar shop surroundings he went into the present; no past, no future, just singleminded work in the moment. He solved engineering problems, created forms and finally had to make something. Can you imagine how many iterations on some of the parts? You only assume he’s finished with the bike. Its an outlet for his obsession and staying in the present for as long as he can.

Those who must to do things like this know what I’m talking about. The naysayers and nit-pickers can’t be heard by the likes of Mr. Klein. Its like the din of noise at a dinner party while he’s thinking of making a set-up to position the eccentrics on the swingarm. Its a culmination of all that time spent in the present and we’re given the opportunity to bask in it… I can’t imagine standing in the presence of this bike and Mr. Klien and making some of the asinnine comments I’ve read here. But that’s the internet for ya. Thanks Chris for bringing this bike and this artisan into my home.

Sorry, but it must have a different seat. The rest of the build, design and workmanship are incredible.

Not sure how the seat got through the design commitee.

My favorite build on this site for quite awhile now! Beautifully executed. Fenders aren’t an issue since who the hell would ride this bike in the rain? I have a motorcycle specifically for commuting and I still think twice before I ride it in the rain. The bikes I’m building will never be taken outside when it’s wet. Why take a fun bike out for a fun ride when it’s pouring down rain or you’ll be going through puddles?

I’m not fond of the riding position; the seat could be at least level with the bars instead of above it. But then I find most stock sport bikes uncomfortable for longer than an hour at a time, not to mention Ducati makes production bikes that are setup like this and no one seems to flame them.

Oh, and the speckle finish powdercoat or paint is a nice touch that I usually think looks cheesy but am now considering for my old Yamaha. It’ll probably still be cheesy on my bike though.

@ john T

Well said, its posts like that which even a beginner can understand and appreciate. All good.

All in all, its a cool bike, and frankly I would like to own it/ride it given just based on the powerplant alone. Keep in mind living in Socal we see all kinds of innovation and recreations, some good, some bad, regardless of the skill level in the execution. Genres in Socal are liberated based on typography; Mark Drews bike in Huntington Beach or the Klein bike on Latigo Canyon. sometimes they cross over and work, sometimes not, but they all have there place. IN my minds eye and based on what we see here, its a hollywood hills canyon cafe racer with high style. However we also have on a daily/weekly basis extreme versions of cafes, sportbikes, choppers, etc. To see an NCR Desmo isn’t shocking out here.

In summary, your explanation on your POV allows me to look though a different lens, so it much appreciated.

Oh and @Deez, if you spend anytime in the motorcycle world, you’d know the poking and prodding is all part of the good fun. Lighten up.