The current craze for vintage motorcycles is not without good reason. Ask any real biker, and they'll tell you that the best part of owning a motorcycle isn't just riding it but also spending hours upon hours perfecting it in the workshop.
Due to the recent popularity of these motorcycle designs, purchasing a "vintage bike" is now possible without ever having to leave your house.
Over time, the distinctions between the various types of vintage motorcycles grow increasingly blurred, making it difficult to identify them. One needs to have a trained eye to be able to tell the difference. So let's get you up to speed on vintage motorcycles by highlighting some important distinctions and providing a brief overview of their fascinating history.
Scramblers Vs. Café Racers
The location of the exhausts is the primary distinction that can be drawn between an electric cafe racer and a scrambler. The phrase "cafe racer" was coined in post-war Britain in the 1960s, when young people known as "rockers" rode these motorcycles to travel quickly from one hang-out cafe to another.
Scramblers have their roots in the same place that Cafe Racers do, but whereas Cafe Racers would follow the traditional road course from cafe to cafe, Scramblers would take the path that was the shortest and quickest between the two sites. Even if it meant going through muddy fields with tall grass and driving across them, because of this the exhausts are mounted higher, making it simpler for the user to switch from road riding to off-road terrain. Consider them the pioneers of the dual-sport riding genre.
Scramblers are now more of a style than a purpose-built bike because off-road bikes have become more popular, and as you can see from the picture below, they still look pretty darn awesome.
Café Racers vs. Trackers
It should be much simpler for you to identify a Tracker now that you are familiar with the distinctions between a Cafe Racer and a Scrambler. The Tracker has a long and illustrious history that can be traced back to 1910 and is less durable than a scrambler yet lighter than a cafe racer. Imagine a Tracker to be the first dirt bike that ever existed. Because of the lightweight frame, riders could retain their pace while sliding sideways around the tracks. Because of this, the exhausts are positioned high, just like on a Scrambler.
Modern Classic Vs. Café Racers
These days, you may find a lot of modern classics among the old bicycles that are available. Alterations were made in the early years of these bikes while they were still getting their bearings (wheels). These bicycles have a somewhat more rounded profile for improved aerodynamics, and they emphasize certain practical features such as long fenders for the front and the back, a seat for additional riders, and a more powerful front light. These motorcycles are still stunning works of art, as they take design cues from various older models to create the timeless appearance of a traditional motorbike.