In the urban jungle today, motorcycle models that have long received the prefix “street” are becoming more and more common. Motorcycles designed to excite ordinary people and give a dose of adrenaline. A hybrid of a sportbike with a road bike, the landing position of which does not kill your back in traffic jams and has the powder to play pranks contrary to common sense.
Previously, their place was occupied by “cafe racers” - motorcycles improved by their owners for urban speed rides. During the Iron Curtain, and even after it, there were no such phenomena in the vastness of our country; it originated in Great Britain, in particular, everyone refers to London in the 60s.
What am I talking about? Moreover, the modern fashion for homemade motorcycle projects, namely the interest in customization, is growing at the speed of the expansion of the universe! Suddenly, everyone remembered the “cafe racers”. Why? Because racing has always been the engine of the motorcycle industry. The best minds and ardent hearts fought to improve their models: faster, lighter, more maneuverable.
There is no reason to take on a custom sportbike. Firstly, it costs a ton of money. Secondly, now everything has been invented there a long time ago and competing with monsters like Aprilia, a simple lone mechanic, is like trying to outrun a comet on a paraglider. Even if you are a Wright, I have bad news for you. Thirdly, to test a homemade sportbike you need a track; testing it in the city on slick tires is prohibitively expensive due to the tires and the quality of city roads.
Previously, motorcyclists improved ordinary civilian models that they could get, and did this with an eye on motorcycle racing. But to be honest, at that time every race could become a discovery in mechanics. Anyone could be a brilliant pioneer. The townsfolk followed.
The Cafe Racer is an ideal option for the amateur who wants to compete for individuality and speed in the city. This trend is coming back into fashion, tuning a motorcycle from an ordinary road bike to a “cafe racer”; the pilot kills two birds with one stone:
- Deep tuning brings the master closer to the customizer
- Freedom of expression appears and partly a tribute to history
Is there such a thing as a factory cafe racer? If you ask a purist, they won't tell you exactly, but Honda, Ducati, Triumph, BMW and a few other manufacturers are determined to make you think otherwise. It became pretty clear that the Cafe Racer craze was here to stay. As a result, many companies now have their own cafe racers in their lineup for sale in showrooms. So let's take a look at some of them. Here are 10 new modern cafe racers available from motorcycle dealers.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Back in 2012, Royal Enfield introduced the 535cc Continental GT and millions of Enfield fans went wild. Six years later they did it again. First, they opened a new laboratory in England. They then (reportedly) poached the engineering team from Triumph's Hinckley factory and soon after rumors of a twin-cylinder Enfield engine rocked the motorcycle world.
New 650cc parallel twins see with this engine Enfield has really moved forward. The new bikes come in two variants: Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The 650 Twin might not be that exciting for some people, but these bikes represent the first twins in the Royal Enfield line-up since 1970. A modest 47 hp, with slipper clutch, 6-speed gearbox and ABS.
The Continental GT 650 version will cost you "several hundred dollars" more than the standard Interceptor. Its café styling is less aggressive than some of the other bikes on this list, but it ticks all the standard boxes for that style. You'll find clip-on handlebars, rear footpegs, a single seat with a wasptail fairing, and upswept mufflers "for better lean angles." Enfield is targeting international markets and this bold new move is sure to help, especially with such an attractive price tag.
Price: $7000.
Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer
How can one motorcycle be both a scrambler and a cafe racer? According to Ducati, they used the Scrambler moniker as a trademark and not as a styling exercise. Needless to say, Scrambler is very similar to the scrambler style, so when they added the words cafe racer, I wasn't the only person who was a little confused. Symbols aside, the Ducati Scrambler Café Racer does a good job of capturing the café spirit.
Ducati has done some weird styling on this bike. Overall, however, the café version of Scrambler works well. What stood out the most between the standard version of the Scrambler and the Cafe Racer was the performance settings. Under the trellis frame hangs the same 803cc twin-cylinder engine, producing 73 hp. With. (54 kW) at 8,250 rpm. With the release of the new Scrambler 1100cc range, I'm sure a new version of the Café Racer will also be hitting showrooms.
Price: $11,400.
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Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer
Another iconic Italian brand with its own cafe-inspired model. The name Moto Guzzi V7 first appeared in 1967. It is clear that a lot has changed since then. The current V7 line was introduced in 2007, and today's iteration is the third incarnation. The range currently consists of 8 variations of the V7 III, including the V7 III Racer, inspired by this style.
What makes the V7 III Racer different from its seven siblings? Well, for starters, it's a limited edition of just 1,000 units. In terms of performance, the Racer runs higher-spec Ohlins shock absorbers, but that's where the differences end. The bikes are equipped with a 744 cc V-twin engine, which is identical to motorcycles across the entire range and develops a modest 52 hp. Unfortunately, the Racer is a bit heavy, so a common complaint was the acceleration.
At the end of the day, Racer is more about styling than anything else, and it looks cool. The bold red frame, café style rear end and beautiful matte silver paint all come together to create one of the best looking bikes in the Guzzi range. The Racer's price, due to limited quantities and uprated suspension, is $1,500 more than the base V7 III.
Price: $9,990.
Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
This list wouldn't be complete without Norton. Norton Motorcycles is once again facing serious challenges. The company first appeared in 1898, long before anyone reading this article was born. Since then, it has changed hands several times and even ceased production altogether. Luckily, Norton has called Donnington Park home since 2008. They have a couple of cafe racers for sale in their current hand built range. For this list, I decided to feature the one called cafe racer.
The Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer is a cafe-style variant of the current Commando offering. For those unfamiliar with the bike, it would be easy to mistake it for a Triumph Thruxton, but the current Commando has been in production since 2009. The latest version is powered by a Norton 961cc dry sump parallel twin. The engine produces approximately 78 hp. and 90Nm of torque, which Norton combines with an impressive list of high-performance parts. There is fully adjustable suspension front and rear from Ohlins. Brakes are Brembo with dual front discs. Brembo also provided the clutch mechanism and a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system.
The 961 Commando already has a great classic look, so the Cafe Racer version simply adds handlebar clips, rear footpegs and unique color schemes. There are only a few bikes on this list that can claim to have true cafe racer heritage, and the Norton Commando is one of them. The only problem is that the price is not for the faint of heart.
Price: $19,995.
BMW R Nine T Racer
BMW made a cardinal sin when they created a café variation of the R Nine T. They toned down its performance. For some strange reason, the Racer has lower suspension than the standard R9T. But it is not all that bad. The performance difference will be negligible for many racers, meaning the Racer costs less than the standard R9T. Unfortunately, there is another problem that many reviewers are repeating. Apparently, the Racer's long stance makes it uncomfortable on long trips. But let's be real, no one will ever tell you that cafe racers are comfortable!
So why don't you consider buying the R9T Racer? First of all, it's a beautiful bike. Of all the factory cafes on this list, this one ranks first when it comes to good looks. Secondly, it is equipped with the proven BMW 1170cc boxer. Thirdly, it has a BMW badge on it, which guarantees you an unrivaled level of German quality and reliability. If you're looking for a stock factory cafe racer and don't have the cash, take it for a test drive now.
Price: $13,295
Triumph Street Cup
There's a lot to love about the new Triumph Street Cup. Launched in 2016, the range has since grown significantly to include 8 different models (soon to be 9 with the new Triumph Scrambler 1100). Among them are 2 motorcycles that belong to the category of top-class cafe racers: Thruxton and Street Cup. The Street Cup was first shown in Tasmania and is essentially a Street Twin in café racer clothes. Despite having less capacity than the T120 Bonneville, these models offer more than enough power for the average commuter and will cost less. The high-torque, water-cooled 900CC twin-cylinder engine produces 54 hp. and has no problem moving 200kg bikes at an invigorating pace.
To give the Street Cup café racer style, Triumph added a rear hood, small windshield and low, snap-in bars. The look is said to have been inspired by the vintage club racing scene. I wouldn't rush to buy the yellow version of Minion, but there is a black and silver alternative that is much nicer. As you'd expect, the bottom grips aren't as comfortable as those on the Street Twin, but hey, you're buying this bike for the cool looks.
Price: $8,999.
Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe
CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe is one of the newest cafe racer motorcycles. According to Honda, it is also the "King of the Non-Sports Cafe Scene." That's probably because no one else was calling their bike part of a non-sports café. So we'll just take their word for it. I've been waiting for Honda to release a bike like this. I haven't ridden the CB1000R yet, but those who have ridden it praise it.
The CB1000R is powered by a 998cc 16v inline-four sourced from the Fireblade. It has been slightly reworked to produce a higher rev of 11,500 rpm, 104 Nm of torque and 143 hp. Combine that with Showa's fully adjustable suspension and the latest ride-safety systems, and you get a bike that, in MCN's words, "kicks the butt of the latest generation of cafe racer-style machines..."
If you've seen the CB1000R in the flesh, you've probably been impressed by its shape and finish. As for whether it reflects the café racer style well, I think not so much. I understood what Honda was going for with neo-sport. Unfortunately, the cafe racer aspect of this bike falls short in my opinion. Regardless, it's a great looking bike that stands out among the stable of sportbike crowds. The CB1000R will be available in 2 versions. The higher specification CB1000+ adds heated grips, more matte alloy bits, windshield, rear guard, wheel clamp and quick changer.
Price: $12999.
Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
The Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe was released a short time after the highly anticipated Z900RS. On paper, both models are identical, apart from the styling changes. Both motorcycles are powered by a 948cc inline 4-cylinder engine. cm with liquid cooling and a power of 110 hp. 98Nm of torque, ABS, USD adjustable forks, slipper clutch and selectable riding modes. The most noticeable differences are in the body shape. There's a retro fairing at the front, a restyled seat and a bright green paint job.
The Z900RS Cafe's styling is more of an homage to Eddie Lawson's '80s KZ1000R than a classic cafe racer. I loved this bike when I had the opportunity to try it out. I never expected to be blown away by an inline four. However, the more I drove the Z900RS, the more I realized the appeal of these high-revving engines. I had the opportunity to check out both the standard Z900RS and the café Z900RS. They offer a great balance of power and everyday riding that Kawasaki should be proud of. If I were going to shell out my money for a modern classic, I'd definitely consider the Z900RS Cafe... but would probably go for the slightly less ostentatious gray version.
Price: $11,490.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 / 701
If you haven't heard of the Husqvarna Vitpilen, it's time to crawl out of the cave. The Swedes first introduced this futuristic bike back in 2014, and it has just gone on sale. Along with being unlike anything else on the street, the Vitpilen marks Husqvarna's return to the street bike category. Normally you'd expect a move like this to be met with some issue, but that doesn't seem to be the case. All reviews of the cyberpunk single were surprisingly positive.
Husqvarna hired design firm Kiska to develop the Vitpilen. They've returned with a bike that respects the company's rich past and takes it far into the future. From the Vitpilen's uniquely shaped tank to the dividing line diagonally dividing it in half, it is a true work of art. Is this a cafe racer? Well, Husqvarna doesn't claim that it is, but I do. Vitpilen confidently meets all the requirements of the cafe racer style. It has a distinctive low handlebar and narrow proportions, but more importantly, it has simple and purposeful styling. Sure, it looks like something out of the latest Tron movie, but there's no denying that there are hints of 1950s racers in the mix.
In terms of performance, the Vitpilen comes in two variants: 401 or 701. Both are powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The 373 cc Vitpilen 401 develops an impressive 44 hp. and 37 Nm of torque. The 692 cc Vitpilen 701 produces 75 hp. and 72 Nm. Both the bikes come equipped with the latest technologies such as ABS, ride-by-wire throttle and traction control. The 401 weighs 148kg and the 701 is just 9kg heavier at 157kg.
Price: $6,299 for 401 and $11,300 for 701.
Triumph Thruxton R
If there was a king of the hill in the modern classic category, it would be the Triumph R. Triumph has been enjoying the fruits of its labor since the new Bonneville series was launched in 2016. Of all the bikes in the range, the Thruxton R is the most revered, and rightly so. The Thruxton R offers everything you want in a cafe racer package. It boasts the perfect balance of classic looks and performance. While the other bikes on this list offer simple styling tweaks and minimal performance upgrades, the Thruxton R comes right up there with them.
When it comes to styling, the Thruxton R embodies the café racer aesthetic. Triumph had a great starting point with this classic parallel twin, so all they had to do was continue the retro vibe and they did an amazing job with it. There are no repurposed components from other bikes in the Triumph line. Everything about the Thruxton R has been designed to match the ambience of a modern classic, and it simply looks great. Triumph has also put together a range of accessories for the bike, including a sleek half-fairing that I would definitely splurge on.
Yes, the Thruxton R won't come cheap, but it's worth every dollar. The bike is equipped with adjustable Showa and top-class Ohlins suspension. It is powered by the HP (high power) version of the 1200cc Bonneville engine. cm water-cooled and 96 hp. There's ABS, switchable ride modes, Brembo brakes, a multi-clutch system and the list goes on. This is not just a pastiche, it is without a doubt a modern classic with a performance focus. Don't get me wrong, it's not in competition with the latest Yamaha R1s, but the Thruxton R is a purebred sport.
Price: $14,500.
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2 more cafe racers not included in the top
You can't love them all... but you can try. There are two more modern cafe racers for sale here. They didn't make my top ten for various reasons... but they're still worth a look.
Yamaha XSR900 Abarth – The Yamaha XSR900 offers amazing bang for your hard-earned money. Last year, Yamaha teamed up with Italian racing brand Abarth to create a limited edition model. The big changes here again are limited to the styling, with plenty of carbon fiber accents. A total of 695 units were produced and sold for approximately US$12,000. Unfortunately, your only chance to get one now is on the used market. The XSR 900cc three-seater won't disappoint, but the Abarth version is reportedly quite uncomfortable to ride.
Suzuki SV650X Cafe is a version of the long-running Suzuki SV650 platform. The SV650X features cafe racer styling superimposed on the standard powerplant. It's an affordable, decent performer that rivals the XSR700.
That's all. An impressive collection of factory cafe racers. These retro-style rides are ideal for those who want a classic look and the latest technology in performance and safety.
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Cafe-Racer - where does this name come from?
For me personally, for a long time it was not clear where this term came from. “Cafe Racer?”, “Cafe Racer.” I'm sorry, what? If you add a preposition between the translation of the words “cafe” - “racer”, logic begins to appear. He cannot be a racer on his own, he is going somewhere or from somewhere. Indeed, in the distant 60s, the lives of city characters revolved around public places. “Ace Cafe” turned out to be such gatherings. Rumor has it that some pilots even parked their motorcycles near the tables. One way or another, the cafes attracted the attention of motorcyclists, and where pilots gather, there is, of course, a dispute about whose braking distance is shorter, whose exhaust pipe is longer, and so on.
As a result, urban reckless drivers made races to a certain landmark, over short distances. Time was measured by the songs played in the cafe. He returned first and while the music was playing, he won. Let’s remember for a second about rock and roll, these are not modern podcasts, the compositions ended quickly. The race is no more than two to three minutes.
