10. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
– Royal Enfield
9. Ducati Scrambler Café Racer
– Ducati
8. Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer
– Moto Guzzi
7. Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
– Norton Bikes
6. BMW R 9 T Racer
“– BMW Motorrad
5. Triumph Avenue Cup
– Triumph Bikes
4. Honda CB1000R Neo Sports activities Cafe
– Honda Bikes
3. Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
The Kawasaki Z900RS Café arrived on the scene shortly after the highly anticipated Z900RS. In theory, every fashion design is unique, differing only in subtle styling variations. The bike features a liquid-cooled, 948cc inline-four engine, which generates 110 horsepower. With 98 Nm of torque, the bike is equipped with advanced features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), adjustable upside-down suspension forks, a slipper clutch, and multiple riding modes to select from. Notably, the bike’s appearance undergoes significant changes, with a vintage-inspired fairing adorning the front end, a reimagined seat design, and a bold green paint job that commands attention.
– Kawasaki Motors
The styling of the Z900RS Café is an unapologetic tribute to the iconic 1980s Eddie Lawson KZ1000R, rather than a conventional café racer design. It’s not a make-or-break issue for me either. Neither was that vibrant, inexperienced paint nor the extremely broad gasoline tank. I fell in love with this bike after having the opportunity to test ride it. I never expected to fall for an inline-four engine. Despite my initial indifference, the more I rode the Z900RS, the more I appreciated the allure of its high-revving engine. I’ve had the opportunity to assess both the standard Kawasaki Z900RS and the Z900RS café. The bike delivers an exceptional consistency of power and consistent rideability, which is likely to bring a smile to Kawasaki’s face. If I had to bet on a contemporary take on tradition, I’d be seriously considering the Z900RS Café…but I’d probably opt for the slightly less flashy grey variant instead.
2. Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or 701
If you’re unfamiliar with the Husqvarna Vitpilen, it’s high time you emerged from your shell and got acquainted. The Swedish company first showcased its innovative and futuristic bike design in 2014, and after years of anticipation, the product is now finally available for purchase. With its distinctive aesthetic diverging from the norm on roads, the Vitpilen marks a deliberate departure from traditional motorcycles in favour of a retro-inspired road bike experience for Husqvarna. Typically, one would anticipate a certain degree of integration hiccups upon transferring; yet, it appears that this particular instance defies expectations. Assessments of each trip in the cyberpunk thriller have yielded surprisingly upbeat results. In a few weeks, I’ll have the opportunity to inspect the bikes personally, and I’m looking forward to returning with a similarly positive impression – fingers crossed.
To create a memorable experience for the Vitpolen event, Husqvarna collaborated with renowned design agency Kiska. What they had acquired was a motorcycle that resonated with their company’s history of affluence, while propelling them seamlessly into the future. The Vitpilen’s sleek design is characterized by its distinctively shaped tank and diagonal dividing line, resembling a dynamic mural in motion. What’s the point of a restaurant with a racing track inside? It’s an unusual combination, to say the least. Isn’t that just what you’d expect from a manufacturer like Husqvarna? The Vitpilen confidently checks off every box for a cafe racer’s quintessential design. Embracing its minimalism, this bike boasts telltale low handlebars and tightly proportioned design, yet what truly sets it apart is its stripped-back, purpose-driven aesthetic. While the futuristic setting of the film may evoke the sense of a standalone Tron movie, undeniable nods to 1950s-era hot rods subtly blend into the overall aesthetic.
– Husqvarna
The Vitpilen range offers two efficient options: the 401 and the 701 variants. The two scooters are equipped with a reliable liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, with its potent 373cc engine, churns out a respectable 44 horsepower and a substantial 37 Newton-meters of torque. The 692cc Vitpilen 701 produces a potent 75 horsepower (bhp) and 72 Newton meters (Nm). Each bike features advanced technology comparable to Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), a ride-by-wire throttle, and advanced traction control. While there are noticeable differences in weight between the two models, it’s clear that the 701 tips the scales at 157 kilograms, only a modest 9-kilogram increase from its 401 counterpart at 148 kilograms.
1. Triumph Thruxton R
In the pantheon of stylish, vintage-inspired motorcycles, one model stands tall: the Triumph Thruxton R, the undisputed king of cool within the fashionable traditional class. Since Triumph unveiled their new Bonneville collection in 2016, they’ve been enjoying the fruits of their labor. While many bikers revere various models in the Triumph line, the Thruxton R stands out as a true favorite, and for good reason. The Thruxton R provides everything you’d need from a restaurant-style racing package. The product showcases a perfect balance between classic design elements and modern functionality. While some bikes offer limited styling updates and minor performance enhancements, the Thruxton R brings a comprehensive package of both.
The Thruxton R elegantly embodies the classic cafe racer look. With its strong foundation rooted in a classic parallel twin, Triumph merely needed to amplify the nostalgic charm, a feat they consistently excelled at. Unlike some manufacturers, who don’t hesitate to reuse and adapt components from various models to cut costs or streamline production, Triumph stands by its commitment to creating unique and authentic motorcycles with distinct personalities, free from borrowed parts from other bikes. Every aspect of the Thruxton R is meticulously crafted to embody the stylish retro aesthetic, resulting in a design that exudes sophistication. Triumph has curated a range of aftermarket accessories for the Thruxton, including a sleek half-fairing that I would enthusiastically justify the extra cost for.
– Triumph Bikes
While the Thruxton R may command a premium price, every dollar is earned for its exceptional performance and craftsmanship. The bike arrives fully equipped with premium Showa and Ohlins adjustable suspension systems. The Triumph Street Twin is propelled by a powerful 1200cc water-cooled twin-cylinder engine, generating 96 horsepower. With its adaptable ABS, switchable modes, high-performance Brembo brakes, and advanced multi-assisted clutch, the list of impressive features only grows longer. This innovative approach prioritizes functionality over form, embracing a streamlined aesthetic to maximize efficiency. Don’t mistake my admiration; while there’s no contesting the prowess of the latest Yamaha R1, the Thruxton R stands tall as a genuine thoroughbred.
What’s driving the desire for unique motorcycles? The rise of custom cafe racers has taken the world by storm, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern flair.
While it’s true that everyone may not receive equal effort from us, we can still aim to treat each person with the same level of care and dedication. Two sleekly designed cafe racers that embody the essence of freedom and adventure: the Yamaha SR400-based Deus Ponee and the Triumph TR6-based Classic Racing’s Cafe Racer. They didn’t quite make my top 10 list due to various reasons; however, they’re still worth a look.
Yamaha’s XSR900 delivers outstanding value for the price. In 2019, Yamaha collaborated with the renowned Italian racing brand Abarth to develop a limited-edition model. The large modifications listed here are largely restricted to styling, featuring numerous carbon fibre accents. A total of 695 items were produced and sold at around $12,000 USD. Regrettably, your solitary chance of securing a used item now lies in the second-hand market. The XSR900cc triple won’t disappoint, but the Abarth model is said to be surprisingly uncomfortable on long trips.
A Suzuki SV650-based restaurant motorcycle concept that embodies a racing spirit. The Suzuki SV650X boasts cafe racer-inspired styling, built atop its inventory SV650 engine platform. This mid-range motorcycle is an exceptional value, boasting top-notch performance and poised to take on the Yamaha XSR700 with confidence.
That’s all there is to it. A diverse selection of readily available café racers in the market. Regardless of the accuracy of the naming convention, these vintage-inspired roller coasters excel at offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern innovations in safety and technological advancements.
