Jamesville's Harley shovelhead cafe racer is just perfect

James Roper-Caldbeck is one of our favorite Harley builders. Mostly because his creations are a million miles away from the metalflake baggers that populate the mainstream magazines. James is famous for his clean, stripped-back bobbers, but that might change soon. “Last year, I got a rather sheepish email asking if I would ever build a café racer,” he tells us. “It’s sometimes a little monotonous building just bobbers and choppers, so I quickly said yes. I’ve always loved the late 70s XLCR 1000 too, and that became my inspiration—even in the way the bike has been photographed.” James decided not...