Cafe Racer Triumph Optics
Optics and lighting devices for cafe racers should be light, compact, fitting into the style of the project and with factory functionality, if the motorcycle is being built to ride around the city. We plan to actively ride the motorcycle, so we paid special attention to the quality, ergonomics and location of all the elements. Replacing the fork required a complete change of all the attachments with adjacent elements on the steering. The rear fender did not fit in style, so we also removed it. A large Russian license plate creates an additional problem, because it must be properly attached and not overload the tail design. Below you'll find more information about choosing and installing each item.
Headlight, front turn signals
On the stock bike, the ignition lock sits inconveniently on the left headlight mount, so we moved it to the frame. Instead of the standard headlamp, we chose the LSL Clubman headlight. At first glance, it is the same as the standard one, but the LSL Clubman is much lighter (aluminum body and plastic lens) and slightly smaller in size, which is why it looks better on the cafe racer. For its attachment, we used LSL lightweight aluminum holders with holes for turn signals. Installing these holders creates one problem: they meet the headlight mount at an angle, so you need to put washers or machine a special bushing (looks better), which we did.
We chose D-light turn signals with a bright diode in an aluminum case and a rubber damper, which dampens vibrations. Connectors from the turn signals can be hidden in the headlamp. Connectors have to be assembled from scratch. On the Triumph Bonneville, the turn signal rubber dampers are just extra insurance: the bike is well made and there is no vibration at the handlebar.
Rear fender, license plate, brake light, turn signals
The main problem of the tail is the mount of a large Russian license plate. We decided to use it as a fender and mounted it on an ABM plate holder. The ABM holder is a great solution because the turn signals and brake light with integrated license plate lights can be mounted on it — this solves all problems. LED optics in aluminum cases are compact and look good. To mount the ABM holder, we had to adapt the mount from the LSL kit for the Triumph Bonneville.
When building a cafe racer, we wanted to make it a better version of the factory one, but with factory functionality, in order to ride in the city without any problems. The new lights are much lighter and more compact than the factory one, while complying with safety standards!
