It’s a fact: cafe racers are here to stay.
While there is debate as to whether or not factory-built cafe racers are actually cafe racers, this style of motorcycle has continued to captivate enthusiasts all over the world for its aesthetic design, especially for those who revel in the journey and challenges of building their very own cafe racer.
Building Your Own vs Buying
Building (or buying) a cafe racer is an exciting journey, but before you take that first step, you’ll still need to find that first bike. No bike, no cafe racer. Most buyers opt to search locally first as that’s the most obvious and convenient answer, but sometimes inventory can be slim in your area.
Alternatively, there are car transport service companies that can ship vehicles across the country and handle all of the logistics for you. There are deals to be had all over the country and the final price may save you a pocketful of cash (more money for mods and parts!), so it’s always worthwhile to obtain auto shipping quotes to see how much it costs to ship a motorcycle to your doorstep.
Once you have your bike, this is where the fun begins. All cafe racers start somewhere; whether as a base motorcycle that’s been completely rebuilt from the ground up or a polished product off of a showroom floor, some owners still want to take it a step further and add their own flair.
So, what kind of skills and know-how do you need to equip yourself with?
- How to Build a Cafe Racer – 10 Key Ingredients
- Building a Cafe Racer: Choosing a Motorcycle
- 5 Essential Skills For Building Custom Motorcycles
The guides above will provide a preliminary guide on where and how to hone your skills. Or, you can just stick with our list of bikes above. They’re plenty of fun and powerful enough for that adrenaline rush!
For those who are not creatively inclined, there’s always the option of buying a prebuilt cafe racer or getting an off-the-shelf modern cafe racer that’s ready to roar.
Some of these have made our previous list, but today we’re focusing on the options available in the 2024 market.
Triumph Thruxton RS Final Edition
- Price: Approximately $17,995 USD / $19,395 CAD
- Engine: 1200cc parallel-twin
- Horsepower: 103 hp
Kicking off our list is the 2024 Triumph Thruxton RS Final Edition.
This limited edition model marks the end of an era by celebrating the iconic cafe racer with an exclusive Competition Green paint scheme with hand-painted gold lining, retaining all of the well-known and beloved Thruxton details such as the single bullet seat, Monza-style fuel filler cap, and brushed stainless steel tank strap.
The Thruxton has long been known for blending classic cafe racer aesthetics and modern tech with features like ride-by-wire and continues to feature the same 103hp engine as the regular RS.
Triumph’s decision to end the Thruxton line with this special edition underscores the model’s legacy and significance in the cafe racer scene, which is why it deserves a place on this list.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
- Price: Approximately $6,239
- Engine: 648cc parallel-twin
- Horsepower: 47 hp
Another well-known British brand (Indian, technically) in the cafe racer scene, the Continental GT 650 has gained popularity for its authentic vintage design, performance, and exceptional value for money.
The 2024 model is a knockout as it offers an off-the-shelf nostalgic riding experience and, of course, you can’t discount the fact that its simple and classic design provides the perfect canvas for those who want to further personalize their bikes.
The 648hp parallel twin engine gives it plenty of pep with modern amenities such as electronic fuel injection, ABS brakes, and telescopic forks, so you’ll be in for a safe yet thrilling ride.
BMW R nineT Racer S
- Price: Approximately $15,495
- Engine: 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine
- Horsepower: 110 hp
While BMW has released the R 12 nine T for 2024, the BMW R nineT Racer S is still a favorite that combines retro styling with modern performance. It had a production run between 2017 and 2019, but the Racer S version is notable for its striking retro design which draws inspiration from 1970s sport bikes.
Powered by a 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin putting out 110hp and 116 nm tq, the wire-spoked wheels, half-fairing design, and stretched-out riding position bring a pointed cafe racer look. However, due to the clip-on handlebars, its riding position can be rather uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, the Racer S combines old-school charm with good ol’ BMW engineering, making it a popular choice despite its short production run.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good air-cooled boxer motor and impressive handling?
Yamaha XSR900 GP
- Price: Approximately $15,500
- Engine: 890cc 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 119 hp
We absolutely love the look of the 2024 Yamaha XSR900 GP. This modern motorcycle captures the essence of Yamaha’s racing heritage while incorporating cutting-edge technology and performance, with an upper cowling and seat hump inspired by Yamaha’s Grand Prix racers of the ’80s, with a distinctive color-matched seat cover and retro-styled cockpit.
You’ll enjoy creature comforts with the addition of modern amenities such as a 5-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple display themes.
The bike boasts Yamaha’s 890cc CP3 engine, putting out 119hp. It also features a two-way quickshifter, cruise control, and advanced electronics such as a six-axis IMU, lean-angle sensitive traction control, ABS, wheelie control, and a motor slip regulator for enhanced riding safety.
Best of all? It’s priced competitively (relatively speaking) with an estimated MSRP of $15,500. The bike has it all and barely needs anything else. If you’re a racer and a cafe-racer lover, this just might be the bike for you.
Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
- Price: Approximately $12,000
- Engine: 803cc L-twin
- Horsepower: 73 hp
Capping off our list is the 2024 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift: an elegant, high-performance bike that pays homage to classic café racers while incorporating the latest in Italian engineering and design.
What we particularly like about it is the sleek design that also brings a classy minimalism. The shortened front fender, full-black spoked wheels, and minimal LED indicators give it an understated look that says “I’ve got the power, but I’m class AF.”
The Nightshift is powered by Ducati’s 803cc L-twin engine putting out 73hp and 65nm tq, which delivers enough power for city and spirited rides (we don’t typically recommend any roadtrips on a cafe racer).
Like the other bikes in Ducati’s fleet, the Nightshift comes equipped with a 4.3-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, and modern electronics such as ABS and traction control. Smartphone connectivity is part of the Ducati multimedia system. All the elegance. All the power. All the creature comforts.
