OVER recent years there has been a noticeable increase in new Cafe Racer style motorcycles parked outside coffee shops from Byron Bay to Burleigh.

These aesthetically pleasing machines with their low slung handlebars and minimalistic body work are very pleasing to the eye.

Maybe not the most comfortable of bikes to ride, the cafe racer is perfect for the weekend warrior, someone who can afford to have such a machine in the shed purely to go and grab a coffee or pick up a paper on a Sunday morning.

But if you want something a little more authentic, you need to go back to the 1950's and 60's when bikes like Tony Bruggy's AJS were the fastest thing around.

These vintage plated classics are still a comfortable bike to ride today, with a cushy seat and reasonably positioned handlebars.

The 1955 500cc single cylinder classic was once regarded as a bit of a rocket.

Mr Bruggy, a foundation member of Tweed Heads Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club said these days younger riders did not have the time or patience to look after an older bike.

"These new retro bikes are easy to ride and maintain which suits the younger guys, they don't have the spare time to tinker with older equipment," Mr Bruggy said.

Mr Bruggy's lovely looking and sounding English classic has been part of his life for nine years, and she still goes like a dream on a weekend ride down the coast.

There are still people using motorcycles as daily rides to work, however there seems to be more owners buying for the pleasure of a weekend ride on a bike that looks old school and different to your average Japanese performance bike.

If you are keen on getting your hands on a classic bike such as Mr Bruggy's you can still pick one up for a more than reasonable price on the internet or in the paper.

If you have any questions with regards to joining a bike club in the area jump on the Tweed Motorcycle Enthusiasts club website http://thmcec.com and contact one of their friendly members for a chat.