Just about everyone agrees that cafe racer bikes are uber cool, but which are the best cafe racers you can buy in 2023? The custom motorcycle insurance experts at Bikesure tell us about their top five models.
1. Ducati Scrambler Café Racer
The cafe racer version of the standard Scrambler, the bike’s design is reminiscent of racing bikes from the 60s and will delight modern-classic motorcycle enthusiasts.
It has a short fly screen, a cafe racer-style seat, a removable rear seat cowl, black paint job with gold wheels. It even has a race number decal and an aggressive riding position thanks to the low slung clip-on handlebars.
The bike is powered by an 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine producing 73bhp at 8250rpm through a six-speed gearbox. A throaty Termignoni dual-barrel exhaust accentuates the look which is finished off by 17-inch wheels dressed in Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres.
It’s a lot of bike for your money, and is priced around £10,000.
Picture: Ducati Motorcycles.
2. Kawasaki W800 Cafe
Kawasaki’s heritage-inspired range added the W800 Cafe three years ago and it’s very impressive.
The W800 Cafe is a throwback to its 1960s predecessor, the Kawasaki W1, so it has plenty of charisma and nostalgic charm, but it’s packed with modern technology and handling features.
The bike is powered by an air-cooled 773cc fuel-injected vertical twin engine and features an updated modern double cradle frame design and modern suspension which delivers incredible handling and performance.
With the traditional Ace style handlebar, smooth lines, retro wheels, no-nonsense tyres and long flowing exhaust pipe, the W800 has the classic cafe racer look and will cost under £10,000.
Picture: Kawasaki Motorcycles.
3. Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS
The updated Thruxton 1200 RS aims to take Triumph’s cafe racing pedigree to the next level.
It has all the hallmark features and quality of Triumph’s much admired Thruxton R, together with even more intuitive agile handling, contemporary style and unique detailing.
The Thruxton’s 1200cc parallel twin engine is now more responsive, has more peak power and delivers more torque in the lower rev range.
The sports-focused chassis combines with high-spec suspension, racing tyres and premium front brake set-up, along with upgraded rider technologies to create a very exciting ride for around £13,000.
Picture: Triumph Motorcycles.
4. FB Mondial HPS 125
The FB Mondial HPS 125 is a learner-friendly cafe racer powered by a Euro 4 compliant liquid cooled 124.2cc single cylinder engine, which delivers 14.8 bhp at 9,750 rpm and maximum torque at 7,500 rpm.
It looks and feels like a cafe racer, but on closer inspection the semi-knobbed tyres and oversized handlebar gives the bike a unique style and the rider the confidence to mix it up on Tarmac or dirt track, whichever they choose.
At a bargain price, under four grand, this is a motorcycle with classic styling but it provides the security, reliability and rider assistance features delivered by ultra modern technology.
Picture: FB Mondial.
5. CCM Spitfire Foggy Edition
Celebrating the career of four times World Superbike Champion and Bikesure ambassador Carl Fogarty, the Spitfire Foggy has a lot to live up to, but boy does it deliver.
Inspired partially by machines ridden during his race career, the Foggy boasts a remapped 600cc engine and full carbon fibre bodywork, making it lighter and more powerful than standard Spitfires.
There are a hat full of other modifications befitting a bike designed by, and for, a former world champion.
The style is cranked up with glossy red livery, sponsor stickers and race number, while the frame and 17in five spoke wheels are finished in gold.
Incredibly good looking, with plenty of power and great handling, the Foggy will set you back around £12,500.
Picture: CCM.
An insurance quote to please
Whichever cafe racer takes your fancy, whether it’s a Triumph or a Kawasaki, the cafe racer insurance experts at Bikesure will have an equally pleasing quote for your machine. Call 0808 588 1010 to find out how much you could save.
