Let’s get to the point without delay. Harley-Davidson’s bikes have historically lacked popularity within the cafe racer community. Over the past 14 years of documenting cafe racers, including builds featured on these pages, one of the most contentious and often reviled motorcycle creations has been those based on Harley-Davidson platforms.
Undeterred by diverse viewpoints, I’ve persevered alongside those who share my passion for Harley-Davidson cafe racers. Here are the top 10 reasons why a hog can make a great cafe racer: Harley Davidson cafe racers.
H-D Haters Be Hating…
All criticisms of Harley-Davidson cafe racers ultimately stem from two glaringly uninformed viewpoints.
It seems that a number of self-proclaimed cafe racer enthusiasts harbour an inexplicable disdain for the concept of bars and defense mechanisms. Perhaps that’s because of Harley’s connections to the motorcycle culture. Regardless of the circumstances, this model of motorcycle is likely to be a significant departure from the traditional cafe racer aesthetic. Perhaps even more fundamental lies the possibility of this disparity stemming from a difference in personal preferences or individual perspectives?
While it’s common to perceive Harleys as slow and cumbersome, These products are deemed incompatible with the cafe solution. While it’s common for Harleys to be substantial in weight, Boats are specifically designed for cruising, canyon carving, or monitoring, catering to distinct purposes. While many assume that shedding pounds from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is unique, the truth is that numerous techniques apply equally well to all bikes.
As for sluggish. That’s simply a result of insufficient knowledge and understanding. While a stock Sportster 1200 may not keep pace with the latest 1200cc Thruxton RS in a quarter-mile drag race, with some effort, that V-twin engine can be coaxed into singing its sweet melody. While it’s not uncommon to find a 60-hp Sportster with impressive modifications that boost its power output to well over 100 hp, With such a vast amount of energy at its disposal, the Thruxton RS must surely be quivering with anticipation.
Regardless of which side of the Harley-Davidson fence you’re sitting on? Here are the 10 Harley-Davidson café racers that will put your opinions to rest.
Blacktrack Motors Fats Bob
Luxembourg-based bespoke automotive specialist Blacktrack Motors has a keen understanding of the art of building high-performance cafe racers. Sascha Lakic, lead vocalist of Blacktrack, turned heads in the cafe scene with his extraordinary Honda CX500 GTS and Triumph Thruxton motorcycles. To meet the demands of these exceptional machines, he introduced a powerful motorcycle of unbridled intensity.
The BT-03 is a highly customized Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. Despite its imposing name, the Fats Bob proves surprisingly agile, as Sascha and his team achieve the unthinkable by defying expectations. The massive motorcycle was meticulously transformed into a sleek and aerodynamic café racer. Getting there wasn’t a straightforward task, however. Inspired by Harley’s iconic 1977 XLCR, Sascha reimagined the bike’s chassis, bodywork, and geometry with precision and flair. He leveraged cutting-edge 3D modeling technology and rapid prototyping techniques to craft tailored components that seamlessly integrated with premium-grade efficiency systems.
With its 115 Nm and 94 hp V-twin engine, the bike also received a range of energy-enhancing upgrades; yet, it’s the significant weight reduction that has made the greatest impact. Weighing in at an impressive 38 kilograms lighter than the Fat Boy inventory model, the Blacktrack Motors BT03 is a sleek and agile ride. Despite seeming impressive, what’s truly astonishing is the staggering 13 kg of unsprung weight that added to the overall mass.
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DanMoto 2006 Sportster 1200
Every reputable aftermarket component manufacturer should eventually create its own motorcycle. As the moment arrived when Wei Liya of Dan Moto was expected to act, he instead chose to build a custom Harley-Davidson cafe racer.
Within just four months, the Dan Moto Sportster cafe racer serves as a testament to the corporation’s exceptional capabilities. With the aim of creating a bespoke bicycle at home, the 2006 Sportster is outfitted with a diverse range of components sourced from Dan Moto’s extensive catalogue. This isn’t just a straightforward pitch for one’s goods either. To build a successful machine that would bring him joy even when it was no longer on display in his showroom or showcased at events.
One of the most significant alterations lies in the bicycle’s framework. The brand features a completely custom-designed body that draws inspiration from the iconic creations of renowned bodybuilder Fritz Egli. Crafted with aluminum, this design is remarkably lightweight, combining tubular and machined structural elements to optimize power delivery. Weighing options, Wei opted for an innovative oil-in-frame design, eliminating the need for a bulky oil tank and streamlining the process. The rear end was further refined with a sleek, single-shock suspension system.
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The Dan Moto Sportster cafe racer boasts an impressive lightweight design of just 200kg, further enhanced by a comprehensive suite of efficiency-oriented components, including its suspension, wheels, and brakes. While there exist numerous modifications to explore, this text provides a brief overview of the topic, inviting readers to delve deeper into the comprehensive article.
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Ask Bikes Buell Lightning XB
While often overlooked, one of Japan’s most skilled builders is a personal favourite of mine. When Rad Yamamoto of Ask Bikes crafted the unconventional Harley-powered Buell XB, everyone sat up and took notice.
While every motorcycle enthusiast is familiar with the unfortunate tale of Buell’s demise and its complex history with Harley-Davidson. Despite the corporation’s ultimately unsuccessful outcome, the team collaborated to develop several exceptional machines that left a lasting legacy. The Buell Lightning XB12, a motorcycle that defied conventions, did not stand out as an anomaly.
Rad aimed to revolutionize the bike’s aesthetic with Eric Buell’s exceptional engineering at its core. With meticulous care, he crafted the unique aluminum bodyshell from scratch, every detail a testament to his dedication and skill. To craft a seamless fusion between organic forms and mechanical features, envision combining gentle, flowing curves with delicate, lattice-like ventilators and aerodynamic fins. With meticulous care, he crafted a custom subframe and fenders using hand-formed stainless steel tubing, carefully aligning each component to create a seamless integration with the Buell chassis, resulting in a precision-fitted, factory-quality finish.
To highlight his meticulous effort, Rad deliberately left the entire aluminum surface uncoated. With a flourish, he appended subtle accents of anodized copper to imbue this Buell with its uniquely recognizable appearance. His diligent efforts ultimately yielded a satisfying outcome. Rad’s bike was showcased at the prestigious Mooneyes Scorching Rod and Customized show in Yokohama. Upon witnessing the competition’s conclusion, Mooneyes CEO Shige Suganuma was thoroughly impressed, prompting him to establish a unique café racer category solely to recognize Rad’s outstanding achievement with a trophy. That’s an assessment well made; it would appear the project has been completed with satisfactory results.
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Hesketh S&S Sonnet
When you’re trying to get extra thrills out of a Harley – the go to specialists on the subject are S&S cycles. When Hesketh Bikes proprietor Paul Sleeman got down to add a restaurant racer to their vary, his first port of name was the S&S catalogue. In this moment, he stumbled upon a powerful 2,100cc, triple-camshaft, 12-valve-per-cylinder V-twin engine, producing an impressive 145 horsepower, which became the foundation for the motorcycle he would lovingly call “Sonnet”.
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The Hesketh Sonnet’s uniqueness lay in its deliberately limited range of fashion options. Initially, only 100 production models were available for purchase by the general public at a price of $32,000 USD per unit. Together with the huge S&S energy plant, the Sonnet featured superb handmade bodywork that was polished to a mirror end. The innovative design features a singular, half-tank reservoir for storing oil, offering a streamlined chrome-moly body.
The sonnet arrived with numerous performance-enhanced features. A high-performance package features KTR’s nitrogen-stuffed suspension, with braking duties handled by renowned specialist Brembo, while premium grip comes courtesy of Avon’s exceptional rubber. The three companies – Rizoma, Domino, and Kosso – were called upon to supply high-end components for the bikes.
Since Hesketh Sonnet’s launch two years ago, the likelihood of purchasing or spotting one is extremely low due to its rarity. Instead, you’ll undoubtedly derive immense pleasure from the stunning photographs of this exceptional v-twin cafe racer.
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Stile Italiano Harton CR1200
It’s long overdue for me to admit that I’m utterly consumed by my fascination with Stile Italiano’s artistry. One more of their impressive builds has earned a spot on our esteemed Top 10 lists. With its distinctive Stile Italiano aesthetic, this cafe racer boasts a striking black, gold, and silver colour scheme that’s equally captivating as its counterparts.
The ‘Black Knight’ Harton CR1200 motorcycle was conceived using a similar approach to that of the Ton-Up Boys of the 1950s, where style and performance were prioritized over functionality. At the core of this build lies a robust 1200cc Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine, meticulously tuned to maximize performance and efficiency. The v-twin engine has now been carefully positioned within the esteemed framework of a Norton Wide-Line Featherbed, a true icon in the world of cafe racers. Their partnership was destined to thrive.
Stile took meticulous care to ensure the bike’s suspension was thoroughly refurbished; he reutilized Ducati Sport Classic forks, complementing them with the latest Bitubo shocks. The seventeen wheels are custom-built, featuring stylish rubber and high-performance Brembo brakes. The custom bodywork was crafted on-site, showcasing a high level of personal attention to detail. The tank is crafted from hand-crushed aluminum, while the tail unit, fairing, and fender feature exquisite, ultra-gentle carbon fiber constructions.
Revving up the thrill factor – few things compare to the allure of a sleek, custom Harley Davidson cafe racer!
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Zadig Motorworks Sportster 883
For several years, Harley-Davidson Europe has consistently run the Battle of the Kings competition out of sequence. The Competitors challenge invites Harley-Davidson dealerships to create their own customized bike using any motorcycle model they wish to promote at the time. In 2016, Harley-Davidson’s iconic Iron 883 Sportster model took center stage.
This motorcycle entry, crafted by Harley-Davidson Namur in Belgium, resonated deeply with me. What sets this Harley cafe racer apart from the rest is a handful of key enhancements that earned it a spot on our coveted list.
Initially, the rider’s fascination stemmed from Tony Montana’s unwavering confidence and unrelenting drive, as depicted in the iconic film Scarface. Can you really top that iconic film? Firstly, they struggled mightily to secure the bike in its designated spot. What drives a restaurant’s success is a harmonious fusion of quality food, exceptional service, and an inviting atmosphere – its core trifecta of offerings. While previous attempts to refine the Sportster’s angular profile have yielded mixed results, this iteration successfully streamlines the motorcycle’s hunched silhouette.
While the icing on this cake is certainly an attractive feature, it’s the innovative design of a homemade tank and café model tail unit that truly elevates the overall aesthetic appeal. The best-of-all tanks have been carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the iconic 883 engine’s cylinder heads. This precision ensures tight tolerances, yielding exceptional results in the pursuit of perfection and a flawless outcome?
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Greaser Storage Buell XB12SS
A sleek, framed sports activity bicycle initially seems an improbable contender for a high-performance motorcycle build. Using a Buell XB12SS platform, Greaser Storage created a unique Harley-Davidson-powered cafe racer.
The sleek design of this bicycle leaves little to conceal. Why bother trying to hide something so beautifully crafted? Eric Buell’s design was genius. By employing lightweight aluminum and cleverly designing the vessel to enclose both gas and oil reserves, he achieved significant weight reduction. While the XB unit has its merits in constructing house frames, it’s fair to say that its performance is generally commendable. The key was to design a restaurant racetrack that harmoniously combined modern and classic elements in a cohesive manner.
To achieve the shopper’s vision of a traditional British race bike for his Buell, while maintaining rideability was paramount. Steel Bike collaborated with Greaser Storage to redesign the bike’s appearance by crafting a new aluminum bodywork, complemented by broad air intakes situated on either side of the entrance. A sleek and modern tail unit crowns a precisely aligned subframe, while the refined swingarm seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
Greaser Storage subsequently ventured into the city with a focus on implementing efficiency upgrades. The 1,203cc Harley-Davidson V-twin engine had been thoroughly rebuilt, prompting the addition of high-performance components, including Kawasaki ZX-10R suspension, to significantly enhance the motorcycle’s handling capabilities. The custom-painted bicycle proudly displays its racing lineage and partnership logos, announcing its competitive nature to all onlookers.
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Thunderbike PainTTless Sportster
At the annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, it’s a guarantee that you’ll spot at least one or two expertly crafted Harley-Davidson café racers under one roof. In 2021, the standout entry and undisputed champion of the show was the Thunderbike Harley-Davidson Sportster, a stunning paintless masterpiece. Although this bike defies traditional cafe racer conventions, it nonetheless captivated me across multiple dimensions.
When discussing a bespoke creation like this custom-built bicycle, it’s hard to find a more impressive display of craftsmanship and dedication than the sheer amount of effort invested in its design and construction. Not a single bolt-on merchandise item is visible. Each component, from the levers to the speedometer and wheels, was either built from the ground up or carefully reengineered. The original frame of the bicycle is left uncoated to showcase its craftsmanship. With a flourish of extravagance, Thunderbike opted to nickel plate every component.
Amongst the meticulously customized surroundings sits a vintage-inspired 1000cc Harley-Davidson Sportster v-twin, its rugged charm and nostalgic appeal standing out amidst the sleek, modern surroundings. The newly designed component has been thoroughly revamped to precisely align with the scope of knowledge gathered throughout the rest of the bicycle’s construction. While it’s unlikely that everyone will be drawn to this unique phenomenon, its sheer scale and dynamic quality may still captivate the imagination of many visitors, even those who might not typically enjoy traveling.
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Motofree Storage Buell M2
Completing the triumvirate of Buell’s presence in our Top 10 Harley-Davidson café racers list is this potent v-twin-powered machine. Built by Vincent Allard, a collaborative effort of a dentist and customized bike builder. Vincent’s latest addition to his fleet of customized Buells, the IncrediBuell, is his fourth such creation.
Initially built from a Buell M2 Cyclone, IncrediBuell served as Vincent’s reliable starting point for his custom projects. While the M2 sports a tubular body with a classic style that he favors over the subsequent model’s perimeter design. Here the rider has successfully navigated the unconventional twists and turns of the human form through innovative application of M2 plastic bodywork, a true testament to their skill and creativity. The innovative bodywork is crafted entirely from lightweight carbon fibre, a material he carefully sourced and worked with from the ground up. The elimination of the entrance fairing as a potential design element, allowing for an unadorned aesthetic, is a notable aspect of the overall design that we would highly commend.
Compared to the extensive bodywork, the subsequent modifications are relatively mild. In the entrance, a Yamaha R1 brake upgrade package sits alongside a ram air intake filter and a belt-to-chain conversion kit for all that. This bike stands out as the most understated of its peers, yet its unassuming nature belies a certain allure.
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South Storage Kimera Sportster 1200
The pièce de résistance on our High-10 Harley-Davidson Café Racer countdown is this stunning Italian creation from South Storage. Dubbed Kimera, this 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 cafe racer piloted by the South Storage team ventured into uncharted territory. Until then, their tasks primarily focused on processing European or British-made donations, making the appearance of an American V-twin motorcycle emerging from their store a somewhat unexpected occurrence. Regardless of personal taste, South Storage has crafted a Harley cafe racer that exudes timeless elegance and undeniable fashion sense.
Unlike a select few Harley-Davidson cafe racers on this list, South Storage has successfully incorporated the iconic Harley-Davidson hunched silhouette into their design. Despite these efforts, they still needed to make further modifications to the suspension and wheel diameters to resolve the lingering problems. The bike’s customized alloy tank wraps around the body, providing a unique design that allows the cylinder heads to remain fully exposed. This fresh approach yields mixed reactions, which is precisely what makes it so endearing to us.
The topics from above appear to be quite disparate. The sleek design of the motorcycle features flat, streamlined sides on the gas tank, paired with slim handlebars and a slender seat and tail section. At this juncture, the bicycle metaphorically embodies entrepreneurial spirit. In particular, the ram air filter and pipelower exhaust protruding from the engine stand out distinctly.
The remaining components of the overall package have been meticulously crafted to meet the exceptional standards our customers have grown accustomed to from the South Storage team.
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