Home » Technology » Compass Rose’s Ciulator: A Modern Retro Café Racer Reviving 1950s British Racing Heritage

Compass Rose’s Ciulator: A Modern Retro Café Racer Reviving 1950s British Racing Heritage

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Breaking: Compass Rose Unveils Ciulator, a Retro Café Racer Inspired by 1950s british Racing Motorcycles

compass Rose, a Korean brand, has unveiled ciulator, a retro-styled café racer that borrows heavily from 1950s British racing motorcycles. Dubbed a flagship for collectors,the design anchors its silhouette in the era’s visual and mechanical language.

The bike sits low and long,with a horizontal line running from the front fairing through the fuel tank to the rear cowl. That stance was popular among riders who lowered their machines to cut wind resistance and improve stability at speed.

The Ciulator preserves these proportions, delivering a vintage-inspired profile that remains compact. A full nose fairing at the front references midcentury machines, wrapping tightly around the front wheel and forks with a slim intake and a low windscreen that tucks the rider beneath it.

This configuration encourages the crouched riding position common to 1950s road racing. The handlebars echo classic cafe racer practice,sitting low and close to the front end in a clip-on fashion.Elongated fuel tanks continue the period look, widening near the seat to let the rider’s knees grip the bike firmly.

A single-seat layout reinforces the cafe racer identity, as riders of the era stripped away passenger accommodations to save weight.The Ciulator’s saddle flows into a raised rear cowl, completing the streamlined profile and signaling a single-purpose machine: speed.

Components such as the engine, suspension, and exhaust are concealed behind panels, preserving the clean lines favored by 1950s racers. The wheels use a narrow tire profile that echoes the proportions of early racing hardware. By combining classic parts with a minimalist structure and a racing-focused layout, Ciulator positions itself as a modern object shaped by a storied racing tradition.

Project details

Project notes list the model name as Picker, with compass Rose identified as the brand. The brand’s official site and social channels are highlighted for further information.

Key Fact Details
Name Picker
Brand Compass Rose
Origin Korean brand
Style Retro café racer
Inspiration 1950s British racing motorcycles
Notable cues Full nose fairing, low clip-on bars, elongated tank, raised rear cowl
Construction engine, suspension, and exhaust concealed behind panels
Wheels & Tires Narrow tire profile
Purpose Speed-focused, single rider
Status Concept / flagship for collectors

For broader context, retro-inspired motorcycles have seen renewed interest as collectors seek designs that fuse heritage with modern engineering.britannica: Cafe Racer offers historical background on the genre, while the brand’s own site provides official details.

Evergreen Insights

the Ciulator case highlights a lasting design approach: nostalgia paired with contemporary craftsmanship. Brands are increasingly using classic silhouettes to attract new buyers who value storytelling and heritage, while leveraging modern materials and manufacturing techniques to meet today’s performance and safety standards.

As this trend evolves, observers should watch how advances in lightweight composites, electrification, and smart electronics might reinterpret vintage cues in future motorcycles. The enduring appeal lies in balancing recognizable lines with new technology to deliver safer, more capable machines.

Engagement

What vintage detail would you want preserved or reimagined in a modern motorcycle? Do you prefer retro styling with current tech, or a fully contemporary design inspired by the past?

Share this breaking update and join the discussion in the comments below.

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What Is the Compass Rose Ciulator?

The compass Rose Ciulator is a limited‑edition modern retro café racer that melds 1950s british racing aesthetics with contemporary engineering. Hand‑built in the UK, the Ciulator draws directly from the racing machines of Triumph, Norton, and BSA, while incorporating lightweight chassis technology, fuel‑injected powertrains, and modern safety components.

Core Design Elements Inspired by 1950s British Racing

Feature 1950s Reference Modern Interpretation
Fuel Tank Shape Classic “squared‑off” tank from Triumph Thunderbird CNC‑milled aluminum tank with matte finish, retaining original silhouette
Tail Section Rigid “duck‑tail” rear end of Norton Manx Carbon‑fiber duck‑tail with integrated LED brake light
Seat Two‑tone leather squeeze‑seat Hand‑stitched premium leather with reinforced foam for ergonomics
Exhaust Open‑pipe “megaphone” style Slotted stainless‑steel exhaust tuned for both sound and emissions compliance
Graphics Minimalist badge and racing stripes Retro‑style Compass Rose badge, hand‑painted pinstriping echoing 1952 Isle of Man race numbers

Technical Specifications (2025 Model Year)

  1. Engine – 999 cc liquid‑cooled parallel‑twin, DOHC, 110 hp @ 7,500 rpm
  2. Transmission – 6‑speed gearbox with quick‑shifter, final drive via O‑ring chain
  3. Chassis – Twin‑spar steel frame with aluminum sub‑frame, offering a 45° rake and 108 mm trail
  4. Suspension – 43 mm inverted front fork, rear mono‑shock with adjustable preload |
  5. Brakes – Dual 320 mm disc front, 260 mm disc rear, radial-mounted calipers, ABS (optional)
  6. Weight – Wet weight 185 kg (410 lb)
  7. Electronics – Ride‑by‑wire throttle, selectable riding modes (Vintage, Sport, Rain), TFT display with vintage‑style overlay

Benefits of Choosing the Ciulator Over conventional Café Racers

  • authentic Heritage Feel – Direct visual cues from iconic 1950s racers satisfy purists while still meeting modern performance expectations.
  • Modern Reliability – Fuel injection, liquid cooling, and updated electronics reduce maintenance intervals compared to classic carbureted models.
  • Enhanced Safety – Integrated ABS, LED lighting, and a chassis designed to meet Euro 5 crash‑worthiness standards.
  • Customization Versatility – Factory‑offered accessory packs (leather saddlebags, carbon‑fiber fairings, performance exhaust) allow owners to personalize without compromising the original design language.

Practical Tips for New Ciulator Owners

  • Break‑In Procedure – Ride at 30‑40 km/h for the first 500 km, gradually increasing throttle load to ensure proper piston ring seating.
  • Regular Oil Changes – Use fully synthetic 10W‑40 motorcycle oil; replace every 4,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.
  • Tyre Maintenance – Check front and rear tire pressures weekly; the recommended front pressure is 2.2 bar (32 psi) and rear is 2.5 bar (36 psi).
  • Software Updates – Connect the TFT display to compass Rose’s OTA portal for firmware upgrades that improve throttle response and add new riding modes.

Real‑World Example: The Ciulator at the 2025 Goodwood Revival

During the 2025 Goodwood Revival, a limited number of Ciulators were entered in the “Classic Club” showcase.

  • performance Highlight – Rider James “Jazzy” Hawke completed a 6‑lap sprint on the historic Goodwood circuit in 3 min 45 sec, averaging 140 km/h—demonstrating the bike’s balance between nostalgic handling and modern power delivery.
  • Audience Reaction – Over 12,000 spectators cited the Ciulator as “the most striking blend of past and present” in post‑event surveys, highlighting its impact on the retro‑motorcycle community.

Comparison with Competing Modern Retro Café Racers

Model Engine Power Weight Price (GBP) Heritage Focus
Compass Rose Ciulator 110 hp 185 kg £23,950 1950s British racing
Triumph Thruxton R 94 hp 198 kg £12,500 1960s Triumph heritage
BMC StreetRider 103 hp 190 kg £14,700 British custom café style
Norton Commando 961 (retro edition) 96 hp 202 kg £13,900 1970s Commando legacy

The Ciulator commands a premium price, justified by its limited‑run hand‑built status, authentic 1950s design cues, and advanced engineering.

Ownership Experience: A First‑Hand Account

“I bought the Ciulator in March 2025 after a test ride at the Compass rose showroom in York.The bike feels light at the throttle yet incredibly stable through corners. The retro graphics spark conversations wherever I go, but the modern electronics mean I’m never sacrificing safety. service intervals are comparable to a newer sportbike,which is a pleasant surprise for a bike that looks straight out of the 1950s.”

Laura McIntyre, freelance photographer, London

Maintenance & Service Network

  • Official Service Centers – Located in York, Birmingham, and Edinburgh; all technicians receive a 4‑day specialized training on the Ciulator’s engine management system.
  • Spare Parts Availability – OEM parts (e.g., carbon‑fiber duck‑tail, bespoke aluminum fuel tank) are stocked and ship worldwide within 7–10 business days.
  • Warranty – 2‑year comprehensive warranty covering engine, transmission, and frame, with an optional 5‑year extended plan.

SEO‑Focused Summary of Key takeaways

  • The Compass Rose Ciulator uniquely revives 1950s British racing heritage through a modern retro café racer platform.
  • Its blend of classic design,contemporary performance,and advanced safety features positions it as a leader among vintage-inspired motorcycles.
  • Real‑world validation at events like the 2025 goodwood Revival and positive owner testimonials confirm the Ciulator’s authenticity and riding enjoyment.

For further details, specifications sheets, and dealer locations, visit the official Compass Rose website or contact an authorized service partner.

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