The Dream Takes Shape: Initial Planning (February 2024)
So, it all started last February. I'd always loved the look of cafe racers – those sleek, stripped-down motorcycles with a rebellious spirit. One rainy afternoon, while nursing a lukewarm latte (I know, ironic), I decided: I'm building one. I knew it wouldn’t be easy – I'm no mechanical whiz – but the challenge, the transformation, the end result… the whole thing screamed 'Amelia'. I started with a ton of online research. YouTube videos, forums, blogs – I absorbed everything I could find. And let me tell you, there's a LOT of information out there. This isn't about following some random recipe; its about a personal project!
Person sketching cafe racer design on notebook | Image: Supplied
Sourcing the Parts: The Hunt Begins (March - April 2024)
This was the most fun, and arguably the most frustrating, stage. Finding the right parts was a scavenger hunt across online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist, and local motorcycle shops. I hunted down a used Honda CB750 – a classic cafe racer base – for a steal! I also spent ages searching for the perfect handlebars, seat, and exhaust. There were so many options! I made plenty of mistakes, like buying some parts that just didn't fit, and spending way too much on some that didn't quite work out. But hey, that's all part of the learning curve, right? Looking back, some of the most memorable moments came from this stage—negotiating with quirky sellers, haggling over prices, and the sheer delight of finding a rare part that perfectly matched my vision. The excitement, though, was palpable!
Variety of cafe racer parts scattered on a workshop table | Image: Supplied
The Build Begins: Wrenching and Welding (May - August 2024)
This is where things got real. I teamed up with a friend, Miguel, who's a bit of a motorcycle guru. He was extremely helpful; guiding me on the more complex parts of the process. We spent countless hours in his garage, wrestling with bolts, battling stubborn wires, and learning a whole new vocabulary of tools. There were moments of sheer frustration – I almost threw the wrench across the room multiple times, but that's okay. We celebrated small victories–like finally getting the engine running!–with cold beers and greasy burgers. It was dirty, intense work, but the satisfaction of seeing my creation slowly evolve was utterly addictive.
Two people working on a motorcycle in a garage | Image: Supplied
The Finishing Touches: Paint, Polish, and Perfection (September - December 2024)
Once the mechanical aspects were complete, it was time for the aesthetics. I chose a deep, metallic blue for the paint job—classic, but cool. Then it was onto polishing every single part, carefully adding stickers and ensuring everything fit just right. I was a perfectionist, spending far too long on things, but the result was something I could truly be proud of. The process was rewarding, though not without its headaches. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, unsure where to start or even if I could finish. I'd ask Miguel for help, or my dad or friends. It turned out to be a collective effort, and it was magical seeing the bike coming together, part by part.
Close-up shot of a cafe racer's metallic blue paint job | Image: Supplied
The First Ride: A Moment of Triumph (January 2025)
Finally, after months of hard work, the moment arrived. My cafe racer was ready for its maiden voyage. I'll never forget the feeling of that first ride – the wind in my hair (helmet on, of course!), the purr of the engine, the absolute joy of seeing my vision come to life. It was exhilarating! It was a mixture of relief, exhilaration, and pure, unadulterated happiness. This is why I did this project. And it was worth every second. The ride was a celebration—a testament to all the effort and sweat and late nights in the garage. It was beyond rewarding.
Person riding a cafe racer motorcycle on an open road | Image: Supplied
Lessons Learned: More Than Just a Bike (February 2025)
Looking back, this project was so much more than just building a motorcycle. It taught me patience, persistence, problem-solving skills, and the immense satisfaction of creating something with my own two hands. I learned about myself—my strengths, my weaknesses, my resilience. It also showed me the power of friendship and support. This project wouldn't have been possible without Miguel and the endless support from my friends and family. I also learned how satisfying patience can be, but most importantly, how rewarding the end result of persevering through something so challenging can be.
