When individuals use these phrases, they’re often spoken with derision. Notwithstanding prior claims of excellence, we hereby issue a formal notice that the quality and performance of our product have regrettably diminished. Notwithstanding long-held misconceptions, the motorcycle landscape has undoubtedly undergone significant enhancements.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing that excites me more than the prospect of cruising around in a vintage beauty. While opinions may vary when discussing reliability, it is undeniable that fashionable bicycles have a significant edge when it comes to energy efficiency.
As modern café racers are currently portrayed?
When speed enthusiasts sought to conquer the ultimate benchmark, achieving 100mph – the iconic “ton” – held sacrosanct status among cafe racers. Today, even a standard middleweight road bike is capable of achieving speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour without showing any signs of strain. The identical claim will be levelled against the modern cafe racers that manufacturers are now hailing as such.
While pre-assembled cafe racers offer impressive combinations of performance and reliability, their off-the-shelf designs make them an attractive alternative to traditionally costly and less reliable vintage models.
What would captivate a young, motorbike-crazy bloke’s imagination in 1950s England when gazing upon these trendy cafe racer reinterpretations? That’s entirely possible, isn’t it? Within the innovative tradition of cafe racers, we’ve developed a curated list of the Quickest Cafe Racers of 2021.
When compiling this checklist, the guiding principles have remained straightforward and uncomplicated. Was any motorcycle ever considered a “restaurant racer” in the eyes of producers or the motorbike press? By 2021, all motorcycles required universal accessibility for purchase, with no models capable of reaching speeds below 100mph (160km/h) eligible to meet this standard. Here are the top 10 cafe racers of 2021, listed in ascending prime pace order.
10. Savic Motors C-Collection Alpha
With Savic’s C-Collection Alpha, one notable aspect stands out – there has never been a better one. This is the debut model of a twenty-first century motorcycle produced by an Australian manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in their product line.
The Savic C-series Alpha is the innovative creation of Melbourne-based engineer and entrepreneur Dennis Savic. A pioneering innovator’s passion project comes to fruition in his 100-per-cent electrical motorbike, one of the first cafe-style e-bikes to revolutionize the industry.
The Savic C-Collection, dubbed “Cafe,” offers three distinct fashion styles, with the Alpha model boasting the most superior specifications. Equipped with a potent 60 kW motor, this powerhouse generates an impressive 180 Nm of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 3.5 seconds, this vehicle’s top speed is projected to reach an impressive 100 miles per hour.
High Velocity: 100mph (160kmh) / Savic Bikes
9. Kawasaki W800 Cafe
With its rich heritage dating back to the 1960s, the Kawasaki W800 Cafe is undoubtedly one of the few bikes on this list with a storied past. On its debut, Kawasaki’s inaugural W-series model, the W1, proudly paid homage to British motorcycle manufacturing traditions.
The W1 model drew inspiration from BSA’s 650cc pre-unit vertical twin design, yet offered significantly enhanced efficiency and reliability. Despite the passage of time, little change has been noticeable in the W sequence from an external perspective. Indeed, a closer examination reveals substantial advancements in engineering, suspension, and braking systems.
The Kawasaki W800 Café represents a fresh entrant in the esteemed W family. Built primarily upon Kawasaki’s tried-and-true W800 platform, the cafe racer edition sports a judicious selection of cosmetic adjustments uniquely suited to its categorization as a cafe racer.
Despite its unsecured fasteners being visibly exposed, the W800 Cafe is still categorized as a modern cafe racer. The motorcycle dons a sporty racing-inspired seat, reminiscent of a diner’s diner, while a vintage-styled bikini fairing forms the bulk of its aesthetic alterations. The W800 café features lowered bars as standard on its base model, creating a more aggressive riding position.
The W800 Café is equipped with a 773cc parallel-twin engine, delivering approximately 46 horsepower. The motorcycle boasts disc brakes equipped with advanced anti-lock braking system (ABS), as well as Kawasaki’s innovative digital gas injection system. It also features a reliable 5-speed gearbox and an attractive suspension setup that pays homage to classic designs. Notably absent is an excessive reliance on plastic, imbuing each design element with a retro charm reminiscent of the iconic styles that inspired its development in the 1960s.
One distinguishing feature the Kawasaki W800 Cafe shares with the 1965 W1 is its top speed. Regardless of the significant age gap between the W1 and the W800 Café, both models reach a top speed of 110mph.
High Velocity: 110mph (177kmh) / Kawasaki Motors
8. Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer
While its latest iteration may have toned down its visual aggression with a more subdued silver-blue hue, the 2021 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer still boasts enough credentials to warrant a place on this list.
Despite its lengthy name, the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is a cleverly designed motorcycle overall. The Ducati Scrambler’s 803cc platform presents a delightful riding experience, fostering a sense of playful adventure. With its impressive 73 horsepower and lightweight design of less than 200 kilograms, the Desmodromic L-twin engine proves remarkably easy to handle in urban settings. When crafting the Scrambler Cafe Racer Ducati, they went beyond merely attaching a handful of conventional accessories to the motorcycle.
While the Scrambler Cafe Racer checks off every box on the cafe racer design checklist with its clip-on handlebars, mirror-finished mirrors, miniature faring, wire-spoke wheels, and café-style saddle, it’s the subtle tweaks to geometry and tire selection that truly elevate this motorcycle. The subtle adjustments to the rake and suspension create a notable enhancement in handling dynamics, while the sporty driving position and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres effectively come together to invigorate the overall driving experience?
The Scrambler Cafe Racer delivers a top speed of 125mph, matching its siblings in the Scrambler family; however, the real thrill lies in the journey itself.
High-Speed Performance: Up to 125 mph (201 km/h) Ducati Scrambler
7. Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 701, a neo-café racer, is undeniably hard to ignore. Alongside this lies a comprehensive checklist of specifications, surprisingly cutting-edge yet distinct from anything anyone has encountered previously.
Fuelled by a potent 692cc single-cylinder powerplant, the Vitpilen 701 delivers 75 horsepower and 71 Nm of torque, propelling its rider to a top speed of approximately 125 mph with effortless ease. At a remarkably slim 157 kilograms, this behemoth defies conventional expectations, boasting premium suspension and braking systems that elevate its capabilities to new heights. Despite its futuristic appearance, the Vitpilen 701 is often considered a streetfighter rather than a purebred superbike, begging to be ridden aggressively on twisty roads.
While the latest 2021 Vitpilen 701 remains largely unaltered compared to its predecessors. Significant modifications include the integration of spoke-style wheels as standard, precision-crafted CNC-machined footpegs, and a bold blue and white colour palette.
High-Speed Velocity: Up to 125 miles per hour (201 kilometers per hour). Husqvarna Bikes
6. Suzuki SV650X
As I’ve never had the pleasure of riding a Suzuki SV650, I’m unable to provide firsthand insights into its character. Despite being comprised entirely of true opinions, this product consistently exceeds expectations. The Suzuki SV650 made its debut in the market once more in 1999. This entry-level bike is designed specifically for beginners and first-time cyclists. Over time, however, this vehicle has developed a devoted fan base thanks to its impressive mid-range torque, light weight, and exceptional handling capabilities.
The SV650X represents Suzuki’s take on a cafe-racer styled interpretation of its enduringly popular SV650 model. This styling train features a sleek headlight cowl, a pair of versatile clip-on bars, and a bold black/brown tuck-and-roll seat with a distinctive wasp tail design. The 2021 model boasts a sleek ‘Glass Sparkle Black’ paint finish and a striking gold body that truly makes it stand out.
The Suzuki SV650X’s 645cc V-twin engine is reportedly capable of propelling the bike to an estimated top speed of approximately 135 mph. A great starting point for a novice rider – free from any health concerns.
High-Speed Performance: Up to 217 km/h (135 mph). Suzuki Bikes
5. Triumph Thruxton RS
There was no doubting that a Triumph Fashionable Basic would find its way onto this list. Among Hinkley’s latest offerings, the 2021 Triumph Thruxton RS truly stands out from the pack. What was truly astonishing, however, was its ranking of fifth place on the list.
As we sit midway through our countdown of the top 10 cafe racers of 2021, the Triumph Thruxton RS boasts a projected top speed of approximately 135 miles per hour. With a respectable 112 Nm of torque, the bike successfully lifted the Suzuki SV650X, but we had hoped for more from Triumph’s flagship cafe racer.
In the end, prime pace isn’t everything (), but the Thruxton RS offers much more in terms of driving prowess and overall efficiency.
Fitted with a 1200cc parallel-twin engine, the Triumph Thruxton RS produces a respectable 103 horsepower, which is effectively harnessed via a six-speed manual transmission. The bike features high-end suspension components courtesy of Showa and Ohlins, coupled with an impressive spec set including top-of-the-line Brembo brakes. Equipped with a range of driving modes, this vehicle also features standard ABS and traction control for enhanced safety and maneuverability. Notably, this is one of the most striking factory-built café racers currently available in the market.
High Velocity: 217 km/h Triumph Bikes
4. The Langen Two Stroke
Sure, you learn that proper. Why settle for anything less than the thrill of riding a vintage-inspired, high-performance street-legal two-stroke cafe racer in 2021? The Langen Bikes, a renowned British manufacturer of high-quality products, has crafted the Langen Two Stroke motorcycle with meticulous care.
Because of a rigorous agreement on weight reduction, Langen has built a motorcycle that tips the scales at just 114 kilograms. This was made possible through the judicious application of lightweight materials, including aluminum and carbon fiber, combined with high-end suspension and wheel systems. One notable manifestation of this ideology is the strategic application of gold accents, employed as gold leaf to highlight the bike’s most distinctive design elements.
Located within the lightweight aluminium chassis of the Langen Two Stroke is a state-of-the-art, Euro 4-compliant 250cc two-stroke powerplant from renowned manufacturer Vins Motors. Unlike earlier models, this revolutionary engine leverages an innovative oil injection system to eliminate the need for pre-mix gasoline. With its impressive specifications, this engine boasts a fiery redline of 10,500 rpm, develops a substantial 45 nm of torque, and delivers a commendable 75 bhp. While this performance is certainly impressive, what’s truly remarkable is its ability to propel you at an astonishing speed of up to 140mph when you’re willing to give it a try.
High-Speed Velocity: Up to 225 km/h (140 mph) Langen Bikes
3. Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
Issues are starting to heat up now. Sitting in a close third place, my highly subjective ranking places the Kawasaki Z900RS Café at this position. What a machine!
Powered by a retuned Kawasaki Z900 inline-four engine, specifically detuned for a more relaxed riding experience, the Z900RS Café delivers 110 horsepower and 98.5 Nm of torque. This interpretation translates to a prime pace of 140 mph, leaving me no choice but to verify; yet, I can confidently attest that the driving experience on this bike will be thoroughly enjoyable.
The Kawasaki Z900RS Café is essentially an updated version of the original Z900RS model, featuring a stylish new fairing at the front end that adds to its classic café racer aesthetic and overall visual appeal. The primary difference between these two bikes lies in their distinct seat and handlebar designs, with few notable variations beyond subtle colour schemes that set them apart. For enthusiasts of the distinctive Z, the minimalist bare model is a natural choice; yet, for those who crave more, the café racer iteration offers an irresistible alternative.
The Kawasaki Z900RS Café’s instrumentation features a pair of classic analogue gauges elegantly connected by a modern LCD digital display. There are three distinct ranges for traction management – one of which is an “off” setting – alongside Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). With an adjustable suspension system at both the front and rear, this vehicle offers optimal handling and stability. Additionally, its advanced braking capabilities are ensured by dual front discs and a single rear disc, providing ample stopping power when needed.
High Velocity: 140mph (225kmh) / Kawasaki Motors
2. The Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Café.
While the Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Café may seem an awkwardly lengthy name, it’s actually a motorcycle that warrants attention. With a potent 142 horsepower at its disposal, this factory-built café racer stands out as one of the most powerful in its class. Harnessing the power of its 998cc DOHC inline-four engine, this vehicle can accelerate to a remarkable 150mph in no time, leaving onlookers struggling to even say its name – but that’s the idea!
While the Neo Sports Café’s association with cafe racer culture may raise eyebrows for some, Unlike every other part on this checklist, aside from perhaps the Vitpilen 701, nothing on the CB really harkens back to a bygone era. The bodywork’s sharp angles give way to a powerful engine, while the imposing exhaust system emits a distinctive Euro 4 hum, rather than projecting an air of casual sophistication. Despite some minor complaints, the machine is undeniably impressive; if Honda Bikes wishes to market it as a café racer, we can’t blame them for their enthusiasm.
High Velocity: 150mph (240kmh) / Honda Bikes
1. 2021 MV Agusta Rush 1000
Hold onto your hats, because we’re talking about a behemoth of a motorcycle: the 186+ mph MV Agusta Rush 1000, which is every bit as bonkers as its blistering top speed suggests.
Rumors surrounding the Rush 1000 have been fuelled by whispers of its supposed restaurant-racer lineage, courtesy of its mechanical kinship with the acclaimed Brutale 1000RR, according to prominent motorcycling publications. The vehicle has also been criticized for its incompatibility with highway driving due to its rapid acceleration capabilities, not to mention its hefty price tag of nearly $50,000 USD.
Like the Neo Sports Café, the Rush 1000 boasts a 998cc inline-four powertrain; however, it produces an impressive 212 horsepower and 116.5 Newton-meters of torque, significantly surpassing its Honda counterpart’s output. MotoGP-inspired expertise enabled MV to achieve this milestone through strategic utilisation of F1 know-how.
It’s ultimately not just about the amount of energy a machine generates, but rather how that energy is harnessed.
The Rush 1000 empowers riders to unlock their full potential by harnessing the latest technological innovations. Embedded within a comprehensive array of advanced technology features is an eight-stage traction management system, a high-performance up/down quickshifter, an anti-wheelie control mechanism, and a sophisticated launch management function. The Rush 1000 also boasts Brembo Stylema brakes, specifically engineered to quickly and effectively trim those outrageous speeds.
If sheer velocity is what drives you, the MV Agusta Rush 1000 is ready to deliver.
High-Speed Thrills: Exceeding 186 mph (300 km/h) MV Agusta
If you’d rather strike gold without undergoing a potentially life-altering surgery, rest assured that something on this list is bound to deliver.
