Pulteney Street’s Motorcycle Society is half-cafe half-motorcycle workshop, and baristas and mechanics labour side-by-side. It’s fast becoming a mecca for motorheads of all denominations, and it attracts a steady stream of locals coming in for a brew. Organised rides depart Motorcycle Society three times a week.

The coffee is good – thanks to a mechanical fascination that permeates both vocations; a perfect espresso extraction requires skill and finesse, just like tuning an engine. The space has a strong garage-y vibe, but is more environmentally aware than one might think. An architect and academic researcher and teacher of design at The University of South Australia, owner Simon Modra crafted the fit-out using mainly sustainable materials. The bench is made from recycled plastic bottles. Photographs from previous rides are printed on salvaged chipboard panels to decorate the cafe.

The rarely sighted Spirit espresso machine – all dials and shifters – looks perfectly at home below the vintage helmet lamps. There’s a brief food menu offering light brunch and lunch dishes, sandwiches, pies, and sweet pastries. The workshop is led by head mechanic Gerrard Otimi. A seasoned tradesman, he’s serviced, rebuilt and customised everything from Harleys to Hondas. Customers as young as eight, and as old as 92, bring their bikes to Otimi for a workup.

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Updated: May 13th, 2019

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