18 Best Cafe Racers That You Can Trust
Cafe racers are a type of motorcycle that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. They are typically lightweight, fast, and agile motorcycles designed for racing or riding on twisty roads. Cafe racers often have minimalistic styling and features, and their riders often dress in casual clothing such as jeans and T-shirts.
Cafe racer culture has its roots in the British rocker subculture of the 1950s and 1960s, when motorcycle clubs would meet at roadside cafes to race their bikes. Today, cafe racer motorcycles are popular among vintage motorcycle enthusiasts and custom bike builders. Many modern cafe racers are based on classic designs such as the Honda CB750 and the Triumph Bonneville.
Find out our other types of motorcycles review
As opposed to competing models, what sets this one apart as the best? quickness, elegance, and reliability in function. Their all-around usefulness for riders, low prices, and impressive power-to-weight ratio are all factors that contribute to their exceptionality. It’s hardly surprising, considering how much they reek of old tones and how avant-garde they sound.
Cafe racers have been around since the 1960s, when a subculture of British motorcyclists began tinkering with factory bikes. Bikes were streamlined and simplified to improve their performance in a variety of metrics, including speed and handling, for short-distance rides.
These motorcycles often had low-mounted clip-on or “Ace” handlebars and rear-set footrests and were of the parallel twin variety. Fenders, chain covers, and side panels were all removed or replaced with lighter components to create a one-of-a-kind look.
The cafe racer’s versatility is, of course, one of its most attractive features. In recent years, an increasing number of workshops have sought to create full, production cafe racers, often based on classic motorcycle series like the Honda CB Series and the Yamaha XS Series. Exactly that is the point of this discussion. These motorcycles may not be as good as a custom CB750 build, but they’re a good alternative for individuals who lack the skills and experience to make their own. Peruse this gallery of top-tier cafe racers to get a feel for the variety available to you.
Cafe Racer Ducati Scrambler
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
The name may sound strange at first; after all, how can you have a “Scrambler” Café Racer? However, among the Scrambler models, the Ducati was among the top choices. Although it shared the Scrambler base with other Ducati bikes, this one was purely a stylistic exercise. Even though the 803cc air-cooled V-twin wasn’t the most powerful, it was irrelevant because it looked so good. However, the current Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro is perhaps the closest in spirit to the Café Racer, which was terminated in 2020 because to the engine not meeting pollution rules.
Bullit Spirit 125
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
The Bullit Spirit 125 is a tribute to traditional British cafe racer styling. The respected British manufacturer has crafted only 150 of these special edition motorcycles, each of which is a harmonious blend of traditional British craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and high performance. Upside-down front forks, electronic fuel injection, a powerful combined braking system, and three eye-catching exterior styles are just some of the characteristics of the Spirit 125.
Herald Cafe 400
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
The Herald Cafe 400 lives up to its name by being a beautiful example of traditional Cafe Racer design that is perfect for individuals on a restricted budget.
The Herald Cafe 400, with its 397cc, 27bhp, single-cylinder engine, is an excellent pick for A2 riders or those seeking a more relaxed performance level. The Herald’s feature set is quite light, but its adjustable suspension and spare design may appeal to certain buyers.
Not only does it have a fantastic retro look, but the pricing is also very attractive. The lowest-priced motorbike here starts at just £4,499.
CSC SAN GABRIEL 250
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
The California Scooter Business (or CSC) was founded in 2010 and is based in Los Angeles. The company’s first offerings were rebranded Chinese scooters, but the company has since expanded its product line to include adventure models, electric bikes, and the compact retro-themed San Gabriel 250. (or SG250). The SG250, which comes in a number of different paint jobs, is capable of reaching speeds of over 70 miles per hour thanks to its quarter-liter thumper. The SG250 may have a dirt-cheap suggested retail price, but it’s loaded with high-end features like an inverted fork, LED lights, and aluminum wheels.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
Husqvarna’s “neo-retro” approach with the Vitpilen 701 results in a bike that is pure Cafe Racer in its riding style and posture but with a futuristic edge to the look (this bad boy also featured on our Top 10 middleweight naked motorcycles list, so be sure to check it out!).
Vitpilen’s naked 701 borrows heavily on the KTM 690 Duke, including that bike’s 74 horsepower, 692 cc single-cylinder engine, as do the rest of their models. That it has been tried and proven and provides more than enough performance is not a negative thing. Brembo front and rear brakes, WP Apex forks and monoshock, Bosch anti-lock brakes, switchable traction control, and a quickshifter are just some of the goodies found on the Vitpilen 701.
The graphics are cutting-edge fashionable, but they may offend purists; yet, the price of entry is high, as is usually the case with designer items. One of the most unusual motorcycles is the Vitpilen 701, which has a base price of £8,899 (a whole thousand more than Yamaha’s XSR 700). Besides the 501, there are also 401 and 125 cc variants of motorcycles that are A2 compliant.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a cutting-edge motorcycle that takes cues from the 1960s cafe racer movement. Iconic in appearance, it improves upon the classic cafe racer by incorporating a stunning silhouette, an aggressive stance, and a tucked-in riding position. The GT 650’s suspension has been fine-tuned to provide the best possible balance of comfort and sensation, ensuring a lively ride even in urban and suburban environments.
Suzuki SV650X
Taking the SV650’s street naked platform and modifying it with a sportier riding posture, clip-on handlebars, and a front cowl, the SV650X is Suzuki’s current take on the Cafe Racer. The end product is shockingly high-quality, including impressive aesthetics and solid performance across the board.
This vehicle has a 645cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine that produces 72 horsepower. It’s got enough power and exciting features to satisfy experienced riders while being manageable enough for novices. The new black model with the gold frame is a beautiful result of the minor 2021 color refresh.
Suzuki has kept the design quite simple, however it does have an adjustable suspension and their Low RPM Assist to prevent stalling at low speeds (another plus for beginners). The end result is a price of £6,999, which represents incredible value.
CLEVELAND CYCLE WERKS MISFIT 2
Misfit II, from boutique American marque Cleveland CycleWerks, is modeled after the custom, garage-built café racers of the modern new wave customs scene, in contrast to the majority of today’s rebadged café racers of Chinese origin, which tend to mimic the appearance of the bikes of half a century ago. The Misfit stands out from the crowd of sub-quarter-liter cars because of its unusually high level of fit and finish and its peak speed of almost 85 miles per hour. A gold-anodized, upside-down front end, an electronic starter, and discreet yet stunning liveries covered in skilled pinstriping are some features you may not anticipate on a bike in this price range.
AJS Cadwell Clubman 125
Pride of the AJS Cadwell Heritage line is the Clubman 125. The Clubman is a representation of the iconic, fast cafe racers of the 1950s and 1960s. The combination of its smooth power delivery, quick brakes, and thrilling transmission makes for an out-of-this-world ride. Keep in mind, though, that you won’t get the most out of this racer’s performance if you reside in a region where it will be expected to spend a great deal of time traveling at its top speed on roads. It really comes into its own on the side streets and in the cities.
Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Racer
Despite the widespread belief that café racers are uniquely British, the fact remains that the trend spread to Italy, another European powerhouse in the motorcycle manufacturing and racing scene. Since the late 1960s, Moto Guzzi has been recognized for its transverse v-twin engines, and the company’s current V7 Café Racer is a direct descendant of 1971’s V7 Sport. With a chrome tank, red frame, brown suede single seat with cowl, black exhaust system, clip-ons, and rearset footpegs, this cafe racer may not be the most powerful on the road (it weighs 470 pounds), but its retro good looks are undeniable.
MASH MOTORS TT40 400CC
The TT40 from Mash Motors is a good small-displacement model with a little of additional power thanks to its 400cc engine with DELPHI electronic fuel-injection, unlike other cheap versions which tend to be carbureted. The TT40’s dual-disc braking system has a four-pot caliper up front and ABS that can be turned off in either direction. These features are nice additions, but what really makes this model stand out is its exquisite visual design, which incorporates a half-fairing, knee-dented tank, side covers, and a cowl-covered humped café tail.
Royal Enfield Continental GT
When Royal Enfield released its twin motorcycles, the Interceptor and the Continental GT, in 2018 (which seems like an eternity ago in the post-Covid era), everyone was taken aback. Of course, the Continental GT is of interest to us here, even though the Interceptor has become one of the best-selling bikes in the UK.
You won’t find a more genuine Cafe Racer car than the GT. In 1965, Enfield released the first Continental GT 250 as an attempt to produce a Cafe Racer type motorbike that didn’t require any customization. When placed side by side, the updated version looks identical.
Despite its retro styling, the 2022 model is equipped with state-of-the-art features such as ByBre brakes, two-channel Bosch ABS, and a slipper clutch. Aside from all that, the fact that it can be ridden with only an A2 licence and costs only £6,239 is likely to be the most appealing feature. Nowhere else can you get such a good combination of price and convenience.
FB MONDIAL HPS 125
In recent years, the once-defunct Italian firm FB Mondial has been resurrected to develop new models like the HPS 125 (or “Hipster 125”). FB Mondial has a storied history of success in motorsports. This eighth-liter racer is without a doubt one of the most original takes on the sector, not to mention one of the most original launches of the previous decade. It has liquid-cooling and fuel-injection, LED lighting, and contemporary, adjustable suspension and brakes, to name a few. The bike’s Mojave-style tank, streamlined approach on a café tail, and contemporary belly-pan set it apart from its bigger 300cc counterpart.
Yamaha XSR900
While I concede that the updated bodywork and seat of the 2022 XSR900 don’t make it a true Cafe Racer, I can’t help but feel that the bike has made some significant strides in that direction. Clip-ons, of which there are numerous aftermarket alternatives, will transform it into a show-stopping Cafe Racer.
The XSR900’s 890cc three-cylinder engine is the same one found in the MT-09, but with the latest Euro5 updates. This thing is a beast, and it’s one of the best-performing motorcycles in its class, with 117 horsepower and 93 Newton-meters of torque. Moreover, Yamaha has included a quickshifter, slip and assist clutch, cruise control, slide control, traction control (everything control), riding modes, and a plethora of high-quality components.
The base price of the 2022 XSR900 is only £9,900, which is a steal when you consider the advanced features and impressive performance it offers. This is one for more advanced riders, but a 700cc model is also available for those who prefer something a little less intimidating.
The Kawasaki W800 Cafe
Kawasaki is someone who does not require introduction. The W800 Cafe is only a throwback to the company’s rich history in the automotive industry. The W1-inspired cafe racer’s innovative aesthetic and impressive performance make it an instant hit with riders. Smooth engagement is provided by the assist-type clutch’s light springs, and the fuelling is precise. In addition, the crank’s inertia makes it easy to get going even while facing an upward incline. Its distinctive features include a rumbling exhaust and agile handling.
Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
Can you imagine Kawasaki ever stopping? The Z900RS is a beautiful sports car that will surprise you with its explosive power once you put it in gear. It’s the kind of construction that would mock the guy who always complains that the brand’s bike designs have petered out. Even before you start the engine, the RS café shouts street style. The racer’s aesthetics are sure to impress onlookers. The brushed satin finish on the frame and the ergonomically contoured seat make this chair an object of desire.
CCM Foggy Edition Spitfire
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
The Spitfire is the most impressive of the three Foggy bikes that were produced, which totaled 300 units. The Spitfire is reminiscent of the early days of motorcycling, when riders took to the dirt in search of adventure. It has a deep crimson body with a golden frame and black wheels, and it can generate 65 horsepower. The carbon fiber chassis and array of high-end performance components work in tandem with the black Flat Track racing rubber wheels to deliver the kind of grip and nimble handling that befits the vehicle’s serious appearance.
Triumph Thruxton RS Ton Up Edition
Shop your motorcycle gear here: Revzilla
Since many of the first Cafe Racer bikes were custom-built using Triumph components, it seems only fair to include a few on our list. The new Thruxton RS Ton Up Edition shows that Triumph is committed to honoring its history.
It’s a throwback to the original Ton Up Boys, with a special blue and white paint job and an even greater degree of precision in the finish, like as blacked-out engine covers, springs, and anodized wheels, on the already superb Thruxton RS. The outcome is a gorgeous motorbike that will appeal to both new and veteran bikers.
All of the essential components and engine are the same as the standard RS, including the powerful Bonneville 1200cc twin that generates 103bhp and 112Nm of torque. To ensure the bike has ample pull at every RPM, the peak torque occurs at a relatively low 4,250 rpm. If you like its aesthetics, you’ll love riding this.
You can count on lots of extras, given that this is a Triumph. Brembo front brakes, adjustable traction control and riding modes, fully adjustable hlins dual shocks in the back, and Showa huge piston forks in the front.
The base price of a 2022 Thruxton RS is £12,450, while the Ton Up Edition will set you back £14,050. This will get people talking and keep them smiling all day long whether you’re rich or poor.
