The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

CR&S Duu S&S X-Wedge Powered Cafe Racer

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CR&S X-Wedge powered cafe racer
CR&S X-Wedge powered cafe racer

We just got word that the Italian builder CR&S (Cafe Racers and Superbikes) is working on a cafe racer type motorcycle to be powered by an S&S X-Wedge engine with displacement in the range of 2 liters. Although these images are early computer models, the basic outline is apparent, with a single tube backbone frame and single sided swingarm.

Net weight will be close to 410 pounds. Wheels are from Marvic, brakes by Brembo and large diameter inverted fork by Ceriani.

The French have been doing some interesting things with big V-Twins from the US, like the Wakan, for instance, this Italian machine could be interesting by the time CR&S is finished. Early computer images like these show promise but the final execution will be what counts. France and Italy like the big V-Twins in cafe racers and sportbikes, the ACE Cafe, too, maybe a few more US builders should get on board.

Thanks to Charles from Moto-Station for the tip!

Link: Moto-Station
Link: CR&S

Related: Vun Rotax Single by Cafe Racers and Superbikes

CR&S X-Wedge powered cafe racer
CR&S X-Wedge powered cafe racer

Comments

  1. I think the term “Cafe Racer” keeps evolving, like the term “streetfighter” and lots of others. I guess there are lots of terms you could use to classify a “non-cruiser” V-Twin built along slightly more sporting lines.

  2. I don’t know…this is called a “cafe racer” but really it’s more a streetfighter-style bike, like Buell’s “Cafe Racer”, imo. Still, it’s an interesting design. Not sure about that really high…tank? Shroud? Or the gigantic logo air filter, but otherwise it’s pretty cool.

  3. Shame they didn’t study the Britten when they were racing them… That thing’s a styling nightmare.

  6. I also wish more U.S. builders would work on Cafe Designs, Is there a market here for the style? The builders will follow the Money,Just like any other bussiness. I will say that the progressive U.S. builders are doing a lot with the Board Tracker look lately and the Cafe style seems to be getting some traction at last. What will be the next BIG thing?

  9. *Sigh*

    What is the fascination with old-tech, 45-degree pushrod v-twins? I really don’t get it.

  11. Ogre –

    This is not a 45 degree motor. It is a 56-degree motor for various reasons (lots of good reading about this development).

    There are many riders that still prefer the look, sound, and performance of air-cooled pushrod motors. The best part? We are not missing out on performance…it is just different performance, especially depending on what kind of road is involved.

    This motor happens to be very well designed and built, not only from a consumer perspective, but from a manufacturing perspective as it uses many of the same parts throughout to reduce complexity and cost of manufacture.

    Making a motor that pumps out 113+ ft lbs of torque, is Euro3/Cali compliant, and is still air-cooled takes some clever engineering regardless if it meets hyped-up modern tech spec sheets.

    This engine is killer and I’m glad it is being put into a cafe chassis. I suspect more of this to come on both sides of the Atlantic.

    If Victory only sold their motor has a crate motor…..Victory, how about it?

  13. *Sigh*

    I dont get why people keep making the same old antique comments about pushrod motors? What is the fascination with dogging a tried and true motor? Even when it is obviously not the same motor pictured?

  14. NOOOOO!!!!! damn – CR&S was a really cool company for a while, there…. just imagine if they started with a tuned 800cc bmw parallel twin for their “twin” model…. 325lbs and 80-100hp? let’s just hope they return to the avant garde roots with a triple next.

    not that there’s anything wrong with a lightweight (ish) bike powered by an american style twin… but I’ll moan if companies like bimota stop building thier own style of unique bikes to add another big twin cafe to the pile.

  15. I’m tired of that whole configuration to tell you the truth, it’s been done to death, but if that’s the last one, I’m OK with it.

  18. Why the big backbone frame? Wouldn’t a truss or twin spar frame be lower, and stiffer.

    Oh, I get it. Then you couldn’t see the engine.

  20. Mmm…Transparent aluminum, how quaint. Whale tank anyone?
    Well if you want the affect there are people doing the plastic (acrylic I think) spoke analogue. As for transperent aluminum the closest you are going to get is a ceramic called aluminum oxynitride (AlON). Cool stuff. Not aluminum and not really good in tension, but rocks on compression strength, ballistic impact resistance and of course you can see through it. People are trying to use/using this for armored windows.
    P.S. hoyt: Schlock mercs?