Keeping various media cats in their respective bags is a vain endeavor these days, so let it be known that the new season of Cafe Racer TV is nearly upon us. We’ve been hinting at the release date of the fifth season of the global hit Discovery Velocity series in Cafe Racer magazine for several issues, and it’s been only recently that we’ve been permitted to detail the when and how of the new season. It looks like six all-new, one-hour episodes of the show will begin airing on Wednesday, January 28 at 10 p.m., following the car rebuild series “Wheeler Dealers.” Yep, we’re dovetailing on the back of Velocity’s most popular series as the suits at Discovery feel the re-formatted series is fielding its strongest episodes yet. If you’re programming your DVR to record new “Cafe Racer” TV episodes, however, you’re unlikely to find any on the old cable menu. That’s because the show has been re-named “Naked Speed,” a decision the folks at TDC feel more comprehensively covers the overall concept of fast, stripped-down streetbikes. Rest assured, the new title doesn’t mean the riders, builders or hosts will be appearing on-camera sans leathers- though I wouldn’t put such a show past craven TV producers- but it does leave the series open to all sorts of machines, from bobbers to streetfighters and motorbikes that defy classification. After having spent the better part of the year on the road filming the new show, I can say the new season holds some incredible stories of the two-wheeled variety, as the selected teams of custom motorcycle builders represent just about every style of quick, unique streetbike currently being built. I’ll be joined by a genuine talent, hot road master-turned cafe racer enthusiast Bryan Fuller who will, be appearing in each episode, lending his skills, insights and unique approach to the process. Fuller must be the luckiest S.O.B. on the planet, having scored a pristine Vincent Rapide last fall for a fraction of the current going price. These bikes are rarer than honest politicians and just as expensive to buy, and I’m willing to bet the Vinny will end up benefiting from Fuller’s skilled hands in the months to come. Fuller has also organized a few open launch parties for the new season of “Naked Speed,” the first to be held at his Atlanta garage on January 22 with events in Dallas and Portland, Oregon to follow (there’s more info at www.fullermoto.com) We may even stage a shindig at our Sewickley, PA. HQ if we receive enough response. In the meantime, we’ll be posting some video clips from the new season shortly so stay tuned.
