It was during the very first season of Velocity’s “Cafe Racer” TV series that one of the producers happened upon the idea of a low-buck build-off challenge episode. Me and my then co-host, rockabilly singer Ben Frideman, were taken to the AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days weekend at Mid-Ohio and each given $1,000 cash. Our mission? To build a running cafe racer in just 24 hours, using whatever tools we could find in the paddock and our wits. On my team was the skillful New York team from XPO Streetfighters, A.J. Fulgado and Frank Ford, both of whom pitched in with imagination, sweat equity and loads of patience to build, a well, a not-too-groovy-looking motorcycle seen above. Once the show ended, Fulgado asked to take the 1978 Suzuki GS750E back home to further customize it, but some two hyears later, he still hadn’t found time to complete the job. CRM’s editor at large Blake Kelly and I retrieved the Suzook and returned it to our HQ where, over a series of issues, rebuilt her into the stunning, roadworthy custom you see here. Unfortunately, limited garage space means the GS has to be sold off and she’s awaiting your bids on Ebay as this is being written. Check out the details on ebay, profiling a laundry list of upgrades from the Gazi rear shocks to the Dyna 2000 electronic ignition, Roland Sands lighting equipment and custom subframe and fiberglass bodywork. There’s even a set of Keihin CR carbs dyno tuned for perfection. Own a piece of cafe racer history with this quick, beautiful piece of metal that you can simply gas up and ride everyday.
