Photo: returnofthecaferacers.com
Little is known about Isidoro Lopez. He dreamt of becoming a famous motorcycle racer back in the late 1950's, but he never made it to the legendary Italian town-to-town races; only his dream bikes remain.
Isidoro Lopez was a Mexican manufacturer of small-displacement motorcycle best-loved back in the day for commuting and delivery. He was dreaming of making it to Europe and racing his Islo bikes against the Italian motorcycles, and why not, become an overseas champion.
So he went on and designed 4 racing bikes with 175cc, and baptized the new series “Carerra”. While the European racing bike design of that era is undeniable, Isidoro let his imagination be his guide and the new bikes have gotten a unique character.
Islo Carreras used Morini engines and the frame was built for racing right from the start. Note the pulled-back foot rests and the low-slung handlebars: they provided a very aerodynamic rider position, though not quite the most comfortable. So Isidoro had a fuel tank cushion installed and has padded the forearm rests integrated in the front cowl.
Since racing bikes need the best aerodynamics, Isidoro went on with a strange yet very functional idea to have the upper side of the front fairing extending back to the tank and thus helping the air flow better. Peep holes have been made in the cowl to let the rider read the tacho, and two batteries were installed to provide enough current for the night rides.
Isidoro never made it to Italy to race his bikes in 1957, and in '58 the Italian government banned the races due to pedestrian casualties. Out of the initial 4 Islo Carerras, only two remained, one beings recently auctioned for more than $18,000 (€13,921).
Via returnofthecaferacers.com.
So he went on and designed 4 racing bikes with 175cc, and baptized the new series “Carerra”. While the European racing bike design of that era is undeniable, Isidoro let his imagination be his guide and the new bikes have gotten a unique character.
Islo Carreras used Morini engines and the frame was built for racing right from the start. Note the pulled-back foot rests and the low-slung handlebars: they provided a very aerodynamic rider position, though not quite the most comfortable. So Isidoro had a fuel tank cushion installed and has padded the forearm rests integrated in the front cowl.
Since racing bikes need the best aerodynamics, Isidoro went on with a strange yet very functional idea to have the upper side of the front fairing extending back to the tank and thus helping the air flow better. Peep holes have been made in the cowl to let the rider read the tacho, and two batteries were installed to provide enough current for the night rides.
Isidoro never made it to Italy to race his bikes in 1957, and in '58 the Italian government banned the races due to pedestrian casualties. Out of the initial 4 Islo Carerras, only two remained, one beings recently auctioned for more than $18,000 (€13,921).
Via returnofthecaferacers.com.
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