The problem with these types of bikes is that This is america, and to the non-enthuasist motorcycle buying public if it ain't a harley it ain't worth the time. The Discovery channel hasn't helped much (although it has done wonders for motorcycling as a whole) because now the general populance that become interested in motorcycling only want choppers and the chopper lifestyle.
Those who are in the know, know that the cafe racers have their own lifestyle too, equally as rowdy an image. The fued between the mods and the rockers in england is the stuff legends are made of. Plus it was heavly influenced by american rockabilly culture. You see this kind of lifestyle emulated in some of the american rockabilly circles, but it is definatly not mainstream. I don;t think it will ever become mainstream because it is just not american, and a lot of ignorant people will discount it heavily just for that fact. Yet a person dressed in the same rockabilly garb riding a chopper is a-ok with them. I swear you'd think the majority of the american public is deaf dumb and blind.
Finally, cafe racers are not in the lime light because, well you just don't see them around, at all. Here in NY we probably have more cafe racers than many other large cities, some with absolutley beautiful work doen to them, but there is no connecting community or subculture. NYC used to be the brit bike cultre capital of America, thanks in no small part to Steve McQueen, but now you are lucky if you see a trumpet or norton on the street. If we want to get into the lime light, we need to build the bikes, build a local community, and get out there and get people interested. But nobody ever seems to have the time.
Bull, one of the things I have wanted to do is start a cafe racer zine in the US. However seeing as how I am the new NY Rep for the vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, I kinda have my hands full trying to grow that community. However, I will try to promote equal representation for modified bikes within the club, something that a lot of people out there have said has been a problem with the VJMC and that there is too much focus on restored bikes. Personally I own restored, cafe racers, and even a few honda choppers so I am into it all.
Now if someone were to start a monthly cafe rag (online or in print)...I'll gladly donate a tech or feature article once a month.