BMW Cafe Racers

Just received my copy in hardcover, which I don't see being offered currently. (I pre-ordered mine)I work as a color prepress specialist in print, and I would be proud of this book if I had prepared it myself. All the imagery, the layout, design, and the writing are all top notch. The photography was shot by various people from all over the world so it varies in quality a little, but overall I'd say this photography is as good as you'll get from this type of book where many of the bikes are shot by local photographers or the owners themselves. There are many bikes I have never seen before even though I am active in the BMW café scene, and the book goes beyond the typical BMW café racers covering BMW race bikes, bikes from the past, and also modern concepts and street fighter-type BMWs. It was nice to see some of the bikes built by people who are now friends of mine. At least, the type of friends that you've never met in person but you speak to often over the internet. There are a few top quality airhead cafés from the USA that are even better examples than some which were chosen to be in the book, but that must simply be because the writer Uli Cloesen lives on the other side of the world from the USA so he would not be as familiar with the USA cafés as I am. He still managed to find specimens from the USA anyway as well as from Japan, Germany, England, Netherlands, and other countries.Anyway, if you are on the fence about buying this book, I'd say get it. If you are a fan of BMW café racers, this book is a must. Well worth the money.

My BMW cafe bike was at the very forefront of the trend and probably one of the most influential BMW cafe bikes but it was way ahead of it's time. Some of my disappointment is just the historical omission as my bike was an inspiration for the Ducati Sport Classics and the R90T whose designer, Ola Stenegard, called my bike, "one of the most important BMW's ever" which I consider the greatest compliment ever.Sadly it wasn't included in what is a very thorough collection of BMW cafe and race bikes. I've written Uli and he claims to have written me to include my Team Incomplete Boxer but I find that surprising since I'm very easy to find. Despite my disappointment the book is great and a very nice addition to my library.

Nice pic. but and expensive book, I bought because I wanted ideas for my bike I was building, get it from your local library instead.

Many nice pictures of some beautiful BMWs. Short on technical writing but full of great ideas on building your own Beemer cafe.

Brings back memories...my husband had two of these...and made the mistake of selling them. I gave him the book and made him regret it all over again! Thank you !!!

good book

I liked the high quality pictures and the fact that it showed the older style (50's) all the way thru to the present day boxer engine. A good eclectic mix of periods.

Unfortunately this book was already outdated by the time of publication - such is the fast moving world of custom machines. There are a few interesting machines but most of them are very similar. A quick internet search will come up with much more varied designs.

Good photos but not enough technical information - really just a collection of café racers with a few comments. As a café racer builder I wanted more tips and advice

was crhistmas present - think it went down well....... it was in the loo for a long time; so was read! :)

Husband loved this gift!

interesting

Great!!