If you are watching this video you might be familiar with the concept of café racers, if not, then these are lightweight motorcycles optimized for speed and handling rather than comfort, and used for quick rides over short distances. If in the past, café racers were mostly built by two-wheeler enthusiasts on their own, today moto manufacturers choose to cash in on the trend and bring to the market factory made models, that could be bought at your local dealer, without any extra hustle. In today’s episode, we will review the best café racer motorcycles currently on sale and tell you about the prices, specifications and unique features!
Other interesting content previously featured on #AutomotiveTerritory:
Best First Motorcycles:
Super Naked Bikes 2019:
All of the vehicles mentioned in this #ATmotorcycles episode:
2019 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe: kawasaki.com/products/2019-Z900RS-CAFE
Kawasaki Z900RS Café presents the brand’s take on retro design and takes it inspiration from classic 1970s café racers. Mechanically, it is similar to the Z900RS ABS model, but it comes with a new front cowl fairing, drop-style handlebar, and a slightly lower seat height of 32.3 inches.
2019 BMW R nineT Racer: bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/heritage/rninetracer.html
BMW motorcycles have long been used as a platform for café racers by small workshops and loner enthusiasts. Nowadays, however the company has a model of their own creation called BMW R nineT Racer.
2019 Honda CB1000R: powersports.honda.com/2018/cb1000r.aspx
The new generation of café racers is represented by the new Honda CB1000R supernaked motorcycle, that blends classic design and modern tech.
2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe: ABS kawasaki.com/products/2019-Vulcan-S-ABS-CAFE
If you are a fan of café racer styling, but prefer riding cruisers, Kawasaki is ready to cash in on your tastes by offering a Cafe modification of the Vulcan S.
2018 Triumph THRUXTON 1200 / Ace / R: triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/classic/bonneville-thruxton
If you want to know how a gold standard of modern café racer motorcycles looks like, check out Triumph Thruxton 1200 and Triumph Thruxton 1200 R. They combine classic looks and unmatched performance.
2017 Yamaha XSR900 Abarth: yamaha-motor.com.au/discover/design-lab/xsr900-abarth
2017 Yamaha XSR900 Abarth is a special edition model with production limited to 695 units worldwide. It has classic café racer design and 115 hp 3-cylinder engine, and comes packed with modern tech for better handling and riding safety.
2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer: motoguzzi.com/us_EN/moto/standard/V7-III/V7-III-Racer/
V7 III Racer is the sportiest bike among seven V7 third generation models in the Motto Guzzi lineup. It features a revamped version of the brand’s transversal V-twin engine, revised chassis, and improved ergonomics.
2018 Suzuki SV650X: suzuki.ca/en/2018-sv650x-abs
2019 Suzuki SV650X motorcycle is a rather fresh addition to Suzuki’s roadster lineup. Since SV650 is a robust base of a bike, the café racer modification keeps its frame, suspension, brakes and engine.
2018 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Twin: royalenfield.com/us/en/home/motorcycles/continental-gt/
Continental GT 650 Twin is a new café racer model from the Indian manufacturer, Royal Enfield, that it inspired by the first custom-made café racers from 1960s. It is built using modern technologies and components but has retro styling to honor the original 250cc bike from the brand’s British predecessor.
2018 Husqvarna VITPILEN 701: husqvarna-motorcycles.com/us/vitpilen/vitpilen-701
Husqvarna is the Swedish bike manufacturer currently owned by the Austrian KTM Motorcycles. One of their recent additions to the lineup is the VITPILEN 701, which blends progressive mechanics with futuristic café racer styling.
source
Yes!! Thank you for this video… Cafe Racers are my favorites. But you forgot Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer.
Allow me to diverge. The kawasaki vulcan, the yamaha, the suzuki, the honda and husqvarna are not cafe racers bikes, instead they simply add the word "cafe" to the name or the concept. Great video though. Cheers.
Great vid I love the way those bikes looks its kinda retro
BMW is the best!
What do you think about the production cafe racers of today? Are they worth the buck, or should anyone who wants a uniquely looking bike complete the customization on his or her own? Let us know in the comments below!