What is your dream job? A flippant question that seldom requires any thought to deliver an equally flippant answer. Me? A Motorcycle Racer. You? Probably the same. Or potentially a pro bike builder. Meet Johnny Angel, Ex Racer, new Pro Builder. In his 2 and a half year racing career Johnny achieved 64 podiums in 70 races, claiming top spot on the podium 37 times. If you were amongst the 40,000 spectators at Snetterton for the 2007 British Superbike meet you would have witnessed his greatest victory, 1st place in the Superstock class. Now he builds custom motorcycles. Legend.
When financial circumstances curtailed Johnny’s Racing career it was inevitable motorcycles would feature prominently in his next venture. He teamed up with his father who like him was a graphic designer by trade (any other skills Johnny?) to form Johnny Angel Customs. Here they present their third project, hot on the wheels of a pair or XS650 Bobbers, a BMW R80 named GARA AL CAFE.
GARA AL CAFE translates as “race to the cafe” and hints at Johnny’s racing pedigree which the pair aim to instil in their bikes. Based in the Kent village of Hawkhurst the duo set to work on redesigning and improving the venerable R80. The frame, wheels, and shaft drive were stripped and repainted and the existing good condition of the engine was refreshed with a service.
The rear frame was modified and delugged to accommodate the new seat unit that features a removable cowl that hides a pillion pad trimmed to match the white piped brown leather of the primary perch. Repositioned custom pillion pegs hint at the tail sections secrets. Dropped bars provide the cafe racer stance and are finished with classic low slung mirrors.
The new seat along with the tank, battery box, shortened mudguard, headlight mounts and clocks received the full benefits of the graphic design wing of the company, Angel Design & Print. Royal White was the chosen colour, combined with orange and gold flake graphics topped with a coat of lacquer. The white and orange livery and race number 4 recall the bike Johnny rode to victory at Snetterton that glorious day.
Here at the shed we love welcoming a new builder to the stable and wait eagerly to see the development of Johnny Angel Customs. The Ducati Monster concept displayed on their website www.johnnyangelcustoms.com shows that like in his racing career, Johnny is anxious to get to the front of the pack.
You just know if Johnny was riding, this is the only the view you would get of Gara al Cafe…
from PIPEBURN
