In a world where thousands of the same factory-built bikes are produced each year, owning a one-of-a-kind machine is truly special. Cafe racers are the perfect example; they blend classic aesthetics with outstanding performance and modern technology for an unbeatable ride.
These stripped back, modified motorcycles were a mainstay around London’s Ace Cafe in the 1950s. Today’s versions may push the strict cafe racer definition, somewhat, but they look and ride amazing.
Triumph Thruxton RS
The Thruxton RS is the pinnacle of Triumph’s modern classic range. It takes the Bonneville T120’s classic café racer styling and refines it to a new level of performance and specification.
The cafe racer RS features significant upgrades to the Euro 5 compliant 1200cc twin-cylinder engine. These deliver more power and peak torque lower in the rev range for an incredibly responsive ride.
This RS model also benefits from rider-focused technology that improves handling and control, but is carefully integrated to keep its traditional heritage character intact. It also offers a full suite of security options to ensure the Thruxton is a safe and secure machine to ride.
Adding to the bike’s appeal is the bespoke single-bullet seat and footrest set-up that enhances its focused cafe racer style. Additionally, the RS comes with a number of premium accessories including brushed stainless steel Arrow silencers, fender eliminator kit and Triumph-engineered security additions. The Thruxton RS is available in gloss Jet Black or Matt Storm Grey with Silver Ice finishes and is a truly stunning motorcycle.
BMW R NineT Racer S
The BMW R NineT Racer S is designed to look like a stripped-back 1970s sports bike. It’s a single-person machine from the factory, but owners can fit a passenger frame and seat to carry someone else on their ride.
The aluminium hump seat and narrow half-fairing give the bike a distinctive, classic appearance. Like the R nineT Scrambler, it’s a stylish and modern roadster with the performance to back up its looks on demanding B-roads, too.
Some might see the R NineT Racer S as a compromise, but those with a glass half-full perspective will appreciate how much BMW was able to cram into such a small space. It’s also a lot of fun to drive, with the rumbling GS boxer-twin soundtrack to your every move. Add a Hedon lid, distressed leather jacket and a nice pair of boots and you’re all set for claiming a piece of the cafe-racer pie. It’s a trend that the BMW R NineT Racer S is well-positioned to capitalize on.
Norton Commando 961
Norton is back and with it comes the Commando, the first bike to roll out of the Solihull factory under new owner TVS. This classic-looking bike – available in both SP and CR versions – isn’t the fastest or smoothest, but it delivers that all-important feeling of involvement and connection that so many modern bikes struggle to replicate. It rumbles through villages, rolls effortlessly into turns and pulls cleanly from any part of the rev-range, with only a few glitches in fuelling to mar an otherwise faultless ride.
A dry-sumped 961cc twin engine is fitted to a classic steel tube frame, hand-made by the team at Solihull using TIG and MIG welding. It’s sprung by 43mm Ohlins USD front forks and Ohlins reservoir-style twin rear shocks, with adjustable ride height, preload, compression and rebound damping. Braking is courtesy of Brembo, with 320mm dual discs up front and a four-piston caliper on the rear wheel. Tyres are Dunlop Sportmax GPR300s in 17-inch sizes.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
In this era of ever-increasing prices, where everything from pet food to petrol seems to have doubled in price, weekend toys like motorcycles are becoming increasingly scarce. But, luckily for fans of cafe racers, Royal Enfield has got us covered with its all-new Continental GT 650.
With a sculpted tank, sporty lines and a crouched riding stance that puts you close to the clip-on bars, the GT is a true throwback. But, it also boasts modern performance and is a lot cheaper than any of its rivals.
In fact, even if you add the Triumph Thruxton RS’s additional features to the Continental GT 650, you still won’t be breaking the bank by much. But, if you’re looking for a cafe racer that’s a little more accessible, there’s also Yamaha’s XSR900 and Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 401. These two models are arguably a better fit for the style, given their relaxed ergonomics and more modest engine capacities. But, that’s just a minor quibble.
