In an era where everyone seems to be chasing their own internet fame, it’s interesting to find someone actively pursuing anonymity. Allow us to introduce Sally (not his real name). His web presence is little more than a meager website and an Instagram account with a handful of posts — but his work speaks volumes.
This slender cafe racer is the latest machine to roll out at Sally’s workshop in British Columbia, Canada, known simply as Sally’s Speed-Shop. And if you can’t order a sponsor’s bike, that’s because there’s not just one. Breaking it down, you’ll find an electric motor, homemade battery, composite bodywork, and some custom Honda and Suzuki parts.
Sally’s Speed-Shop is more than just a motorcycle workshop. Sally also creates art, furniture, and surfboards, so his skills are broad and his tastes are eclectic. This project started out like most — with a basic concept that sounds great, but needs to be worked on.
“The idea was simply to create a vintage-inspired electric racing bike,” explains Sally. “It started with a full size drawing on the wall, then I made the mold for the bodywork. I basically built it from the outside in.”
Inspiration for the design of this electric cafe racer came from all over the world. Sally references everything from the iconic Honda CB200, to the ’60s fighter jet; it was a mash-up that didn’t sound like it worked, but it did.
Working from molds he’s built, Sally shapes each part using a mixture of carbon fiber and glass with epoxy. The car is equipped with a large crankcase with spacious air intakes, a monocoque tailgate and fuel tank, and side covers that conceal the inner workings of the vehicle. The only visible metal part is the specially crafted ring that holds the headlights in place.
The influence of climate is evident in the way the front end is tapered, while classic Honda vibes are reflected in the upholstery. Leather goods are skillfully handled by Randi Obenauer.
But the real genius here is how misleading the design is – blink your eyes, and you’ll mistake it for a gas-powered bike. There’s even a bit of bulge on the right side of the crankcase, which looks like it’s been placed there to make room for a ‘regular’ engine.
There are a few Suzuki logos that also make you feel uncomfortable, but they have some meaning. Sally used the pressed steel frame and swingarm from a 1968 Suzuki B100 as the basis for the wheelchair frame of her creation. The front forks are taken from a classic Honda Cub, but they have been shortened.
An adjustable nitrogen-filled die-cast aluminum shock absorber provides rear support. Custom-made wheels, featuring Honda CD125 axles, 18-inch rims and twisted spokes. Sally has also added the CD125’s brakes, but upgraded them with carbon-kevlar shoes.
As for the motor, it’s an air-cooled 18,000 W electric motor that works via a Bluetooth controller and connects to a traditional chain drive. Sally sourced the motor and controller separately, then built her own Lithium-ion battery packs. Everything is hidden inside the body of the car, not a single wire can reveal the secret of this cafe racer.
Even the controls maintain the illusion of a gas-powered bike. As standard, the rear brake is operated via the foot pedal, but the front brake lever is located to the left of the handlebar. So it simply gives the impression that this bike has a clutch (but no front brake).
Sally’s electric cafe racer is not only sophisticated, but well-balanced. Finished in an elegant monochrome paint job with minimal graphics, it cuts a classic look perfectly.
Sally also evaluated its performance and it’s amazingly quick for a bike with thin tires and drum brakes. “The engine hit 200 Nm of peak torque,” he told us, “and it hit 110 mph during testing. The range won’t be much, as it’s made for speed, not range. “
The best part? No one hears you coming.
Sally’s Speed Store | Instagram | Photo of Fraser Evans
