The 8 Best Cafe Racer Motorcycles For 2023!

[@motobob]

Go to brilliant.org/MOTOBOB to get a 30-day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual subscription.

[@emrederinsu4270]

royal field and norton are the best looking cafe racers I think 😍

[@GrampsD63]

My choice - The Enfield. Used then toss on an 865 kit, cam, exhaust, intake and electronics. Used bike around $5500 US plus extras at around $2500 (if you can build an engine properly. Add for shop labor if you can't) and you're pushing 70 hp on a very unique bike. And yeah they have fairings like the BMW available for them, even retro full fairings. Like they say "Made like a gun since 1901".

[@nounoufriend1442]

But then you then hit the price of a used Thruxton , the Enfield will be way behind Thruxton for power , torque brakes , and handling , Enfield is great bike but Thruxton 1200 is a better looking bike in my opinion Don't forget you toss in an 865 kit, cam, exhaust, intake and electronics the clutch can't take it ,you also lose the super smooth engine

[@GrampsD63]

@@nounoufriend1442 Here in Cali a new RS is over $20 k out the door. What is the used market like?

[@nounoufriend1442]

@@GrampsD63 Used market in UK for Thruxton 1200R starts at about £6000 and cheapest 650 Enfield I have seen was £4800 (sold pretty fast ) . So about £4000 for a used Enfield plus 865 kit, cam, exhaust, intake and electronics and clutch , you have gone way over the budget for a good s/h Thruxton R . I actually picked up my Thruxton1200 for £2900 but its done a few miles and seen a few winters , runs n rides nice though I do like the Enfield 650 twins and they are great value new but you got to accepted they ain't no super bike but have enough power for most riders

[@nounoufriend1442]

@@GrampsD63 Just found 1200R with lots of extras ABM handlebar conversion, decat x pipe, R&G crash protection, Vance & Hines Exhaust, Heated grips and LED Indicators , asking £6150

[@GrampsD63]

@@nounoufriend1442 I'll check over here. There just aren't that many used. Like I would love a 535 Conti GT but there might he 3-5 for sale at one time

[@djeejah]

perfect choice but I hoped to see the Moto Guzzi V7 a classic on its own

[@whiskeyrock73]

It's what I'm riding and I love it!

[@originalforgery]

Got an 1100 Sport - epic - like riding a train - lol@@whiskeyrock73

[@MrBTRDAYZ]

About to go out on my gorgeous blue and white 2020 Vitpilen 701 from Husqvarna, powered by the most powerful single ever produced. 75 HP DOHC 4 valve head, pulling 350 pounds of cafe race with spoked wheels and Brembo brakes and adjustable front and rear suspension!

[@C64SX]

I'll do the same later today, but Svart instead of Vit :) I do love the looks of the Vit, it is a beautiful bike!

[@andyb2311]

Thruxton RS all day for me , just looks stunning and tough .

[@nmtmrtabz7008]

Make a top "8" cafe racer motorcycle then put a scrambler on it and then score it a "B" because "it is not typical cafe racer style" WTF the name of the bike says it all

[@Zandaia]

The Norton Commando is just so beautiful

[@buzzinadventures4217]

I think it looks bloody awful.................

[@originalforgery]

Can I ask what you ride?@@buzzinadventures4217

[@rochmel1409]

The Thruxton would be my choice. The best combination of retro looks and performance. Shame Triumph didn't put down swept clip ons on it!

[@GrampsD63]

If you don't mind shelling out $20,000 US

[@docmarc36]

@@GrampsD63they are even listed in the states for $20,000 haha

[@aliwhitwell]

@@GrampsD63 £14k in the UK for the Chrome version.

[@GrampsD63]

@@aliwhitwell They were $19,600 last time I took my RE Classic in for service. I have a CBR1000RR I paid $6000 for that's a damn side faster than the Thruxton.

[@aliwhitwell]

@@GrampsD63 My friend just bought one. It's a fabulous looking bike. It's not a pocket rocket like the Fireblade or R1 but it's a beautiful machine and can lift it's skirts to fast enough speed for Scottish twisties!

[@rosco950ss7]

Love the Kawasaki z900RS cafe, especially in the green. Got to ride one for a day and was impressed by how torquey that inline 4 was and it sounded fantastic with a stock pipe.

[@michalnemsak7886]

A+C+A=7.... I feel like I'm in high school again

[@mstelios4259]

Wrong, sit down! * class failed

[@guitar91esp]

😅

[@michalnemsak7886]

@Stoic_eD thanks mate, but that was just my weak joke attempt

[@michalnemsak7886]

@Stoic_eD well considering couple others got it… maybe you could chill out and enjoy your day more 🙂

[@Yeahitsme101]

Lol yeah , that's the best combo , as someone in mid20s used to dream luxury products but nowadays it feels like it not worth anymore .. gt is the best in the list .

[@stevenagy88]

The Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is not discontinued, just not available in the UK it seems. I have the 2023 in black and gold. Love it! Edit: typos

[@regulatorg573]

All beautiful bikes! But I have to say that it’s down to the z900 and the Thruxton! Can’t make up my mind! Great video!

[@prannoypinto5847]

The Fender Stratocaster reference earned this video a like from me😊

[@micklepickle8200]

I've got a 9t roadster custom shaped into a cafe/bobber style ride, and with ABM handlebars I've been on multiple 900km rides, mostly on twisty rides (live in the Rockies) and it's a blast, no discomfort with a couple of short breaks. A day ride.

[@juanicofernandez]

The older night shift looks better! Also, maybe the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701?

[@C64SX]

I don't know if the Qvarna would fit this list since it's not super retro café racer, but it would still be my pick :)

[@wrigman]

Being a BMW GUY,( have a 74 R90/6 and a 07 R1200 G/S),I would do the R9T. Best part of owning a BMW is, if you can turn a wrench(spanner) you can do all of your maintenance. Two wheel Volkswagen all the way makes them super cheap to own. The parts are only slightly more than a bike from Japan.

[@jean-yveslegall2562]

Definitly I'll go for the Thruxton !! The quality of finish and the style give it a lot of class 😍❤✌

[@originalforgery]

Should be made in England.

[@sangeethsuresh9320]

My favourite cafe racers are the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (the new one with alloy wheels&LED light ) and the Kawasaki Z900 Rs cafe. Please do a review on the new version of GT 650.

[@markferguson6215]

My first choice if I had the money would be the Norton, stunning looking bike, second-definitely the Thruxton.

[@davidcrilley2171]

I've got the RE Conti, but if I had the money, I'd go for the Thruxton.

[@cjn80]

I bought the Royal Enfield Continental GT and love it! Add a Booster Plug, Iridium spark plugs, low resistance high performance ignition wires, and modify the airbox for more air intake and it becomes a rocket 😉 I also installed a Metzeler Roadtec 01 tire on the front, and a Metzeler Roadtec Z8 tire on the rear. Mine has the S&S exhaust (baffles removed) and it’s a phenomenal sound. Just ordered a short wind deflector fairing as well. Definitely recommend for anyone looking into a beautiful vintage/clsssic cafe racer with ABS, electronic fuel injection, adjustable preload rear suspension and amazing clutch with smooth gearbox.

[@FABGallery]

I have a 23' GT in the Dux Deluxe color scheme, S&S 2 into 1 qualifier exhaust (no baffles 😈🎶) K&N air filter, NGK spark plug kit plus more to come and this thing freaking rips man 🏍🔥 I'm also running a Michelin commander 2 rear tire 150/70 B18 👌

[@cjn80]

@@FABGallery glad I’m not the only one ripping the streets on a modified GT 650 😎

[@Fr99763]

The Thruxton is by far the best, not only for looks, quality and power but also because you can ride it every day. The Bmw cannot do that as you are too stretched on it. And thats why its discontinued. Other RnineT are a great success and produced to this day.

[@sd3457]

I think we could have had a better Italian contribution than the Duc. I'm currently thinking Guzzi V7 racer or Conti GT for my next bike.

[@guitar91esp]

Go for conti gt, you won’t be disappointed.

[@ReisterJP]

Moto guzzi v7 all day! Hand-made in Italy! Nothing looks like a guzzi.

[@andrewhannam.]

Agree with the W800 but it should get bonus points for the bevel driven camshaft! In between the cylinders also has a gap for equal cylinder cooling (since no timing chain etc) plus it is a long stroke true 360 degree crankshaft parallel twin. Oh and the cafe version had M bars (clubmans)

[@victorkorando]

You forgot Moto Guzzi V7...

[@Foxtrot_Woof]

"7" making me feel pretty good about buying an 2020 RE Continental GT650 a couple of years ago. Yeah it's not a street sweeper, but damn I love my bike. The Norton is beautiful but has a CRAZY price tag. The Thruxton 1200 is overpriced also. I couldn't find a used Thruxton 900 or a Z900RS anywhere, and the W800 had zero appeal. So the GT650 is where I landed and I'm super happy about it.

[@GovindYadav-ny5ei]

Your choice is amazing 😇❤️

[@gessler555]

In my dreams: the Commando In Reality: the Conti GT

[@TriumphLover]

Already I'm biased with the Thruxton RS Ton Up I have. Great video Rob!😊

[@vegasmike]

The Ton Up was a sucker bike.

[@TriumphLover]

@vegasmike I absolutely love the sucker bike! I can afford it. Along with my Daytona 765 Moto2, Speed Triple 1200RR. Also soon to own the Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition. Suck it up baby!

[@russellleggatt4269]

Love the Beemer, the Zed, and the Thruxton!

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

I strongly disagree with putting the enfield over the w800. The w800 has a lot of potential with one of the more beautiful modern engines which coaxes you into prettying up the rest of the bike.

[@viennapalace]

Hmmm... I have several questions & I should note I am NOT trying to make you look stupid or biased. You have already done an admirable job of that all by yourself. - Why was the Ducati on the list? It clearly says "SCRAMBLER" on the side. - Why did the Thruxton get a bonus point for having a fairing when it obviously doesn't have one? - Have you never heard of a small Italian company called Moto Guzzi? They have been churning out genuine cafe racers for some time now & deserve a place on this list more than at least 2 bikes you mentioned. I could tell from your accent which bike would be your favourite before any were shown. I hope the money you were paid to put this list together went to a good cause. Like a nice little car...

[@lazypanda88]

ive owned both the Thruxton and the RnT and while they're quite similar in specs on paper, the Thruxton is more lively in terms of spirited riding. Its got more punch down low and its much lighter overall. While the BMW has a much more RAW visceral experience, more meaty exhaust note, the bike rocking to the right when blipping the throttle at a stop, minimal tech (2023 and it doesn't have a fuel gauge), in my opinion, still not as exciting to ride than the TTR.

[@mariokasapi8961]

Every time KZbin channels dismiss the best looking cafe racer ever built (my 2019 Honda CB1000R), I thank my lucky stars. It means fewer people will buy one, and it becomes a rare classic …even while it’s in production!

[@ampassionstruck9138]

...the Norton commando is the most gorgeous of them all !!😍😍

[@jaredmotopnw]

That Norton for 77hp? Eeck! Sticking with my Speed Twin 1200. Although I do like the Z900. The Enfield I had for a bit. But not worth it. I’d rather pay more, for better. Great vid!

[@jonmartin88]

I had the green Kawasaki and it was really fun to ride, light, quick handling and powerful. It is very green though.

[@LooxJJ]

I have the best one not on the list - Harley Davidson Sportster Roadster with Roland Sands. Barebone 2016 model (no ABS, no aid) - will be replacing pipe with VH. Absolute roar, and so much fun just throttling - absolute ball rattler.

[@Durkan34]

What no Vitpilens? 401 you can ride new off the forecourt a £4k 701 low mileage used for about £7

[@rccmrccrawlermods4517]

Thruxton indeed! It is a great bike that has had decades to evolve!

[@stevesteve201]

I had my heart set on an r nine T. I use my bike to commute and as a weekender. Rode the Ducati, then the r nine. Ducati is just more practical and fun. Have had the 2023 full throttle a month / 1000 miles! No issues, and I love it. The R9 does sound amazing though🤷‍♂️

[@caseyddr]

Ayeee, the bike I own won with a perfect score. They look even better after some mild mods as well. Nice.

[@hanksun267]

Triumph don't make them anymore, but Street Cup is a really good looking one too. less power but also cheaper

[@nounoufriend1442]

Don't they still make the Thruxton RS ? , Street Cup great bike but think the Street Twin is worth paying the extra , I have a Thruxton 1200 s myself because it was good price second hand and think its the best looking bike

[@ishamkader2696]

R9t racer with unique look,engine & transmission❤

[@ShashvatKumar]

Thruxton RS... all the way ! Back here in India, Thruxton is no more on the catalogue and hence I had to pick a Speed Twin 1200 instead. Not truely into a cafe racer attire but it comes pretty close to how relishing Thruxton are. And they are a head turner indeed.

[@stevereyes]

The Kawasaki would be my choice, I didn’t know it was discontinued; isn’t the 2023 a nice black with gold highlights? Maybe it’s only in the US?

[@stevenagy88]

You are correct. I have a black-and-gold 2023 down here in Brazil. Love it!

[@chewitt6426]

yes, the W800 is a gem

[@davidkeppler56]

I went for the Enfield. At 5 and a half grand new, if you look for deals, it’s a bargain. My heart wanted the Norton, just to sit and look at. But at three times the price, sadly, I just couldn’t justify it.

[@fasthracing]

You will I suspect soon get bored of it. I did.

[@davidkeppler56]

@@fasthracing I don’t think so, I just want something that looks good for bumbling round the back lanes. 48 BHP is more than enough for me nowadays!

[@fasthracing]

@@davidkeppler56 I thought that too initially. But for me, on occasion I want to yank the throttle back and go f.....................k! Best of luck with yours though.

[@davidkeppler56]

@@fasthracing What did you swap it for? I came the other way, had a KTM690Enduro which was stupidly fast and wheelied everywhere. But I knew I’d either hurt myself or get caught!

[@fasthracing]

@@davidkeppler56 I replaced mine with a BMW R 9T. The so called "classic" version with the better (which it isn't) suspension. Still trying to bond with it.

[@JoisonFernandes]

I ride the Z900rs Cafe in black and its such a fun ride, a perfect motorcycle that takes you back in time and so stylish, that you cant ignore people’s reactions on streets. Handles like a charm despite being so beefy.

[@Themotograndpa]

Great vid would have to say it would be the triumph for me 👍keep up the great vids

[@MA-ji2qv]

I have the Thruxton RS 1200 Chrome...and it is BEAUTIFUL! And pretty darn fast too!

[@yannisfotis923]

I loved the comparison of Triumph Thruxton with the Fender Stratocaster! Clever and to the point! I do wish Triumph built a 900 cc Thruxton too, though.

[@originalforgery]

Interesting comparison as a lot of Fender's are now made in China. I think Triumph dine out on their English heritage and as such should continue to make bikes here and not Thailand pretending they're British

[@TDelux]

SV650X? Talk about the better low priced option vs RE GT...?

[@stevendegoodmojosmet4034]

Okay Stratocaster is not bad, I do like the Telecaster more.. and the ES335 is magic.. Roll and rock .

[@jeremykeller211]

Bob! You are paying attention to the frosting (clipons, bum stop saddle, etc.) Don't overlook the cake--the WEIGHT! "The bike handles well because it's a Triumph (?). Not if it weighs over 180 kg/400 pounds. You tend to forget your countryman, Colin Chapman, who said "ADD LIGHTNESS!" Many if the retros are cafe racers only in appearance. Excess weight means they are "cafe," but not "racer."

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Cafe Racers don't require fairing of any kind. The majority were, and are naked bikes, as they were intended. You want modern Vintage, the Royal Enfield Continental GT is the best example, a REAL PIECE OF HISTORY!👍👍🏁

[@GovindYadav-ny5ei]

Exactly He is giving score on the basis of fairings Even without fairing 650 GT looks best among the retro cafe racer bike I think only power and displacement is less Otherwise it is simple and very good looking bike without any stupid tech ❤

[@LesterSuarezGonzalez-dz9ns]

No doubt at all my favorite one is The Awesome Norton Comando!, Thanks for The information and Great video, thanks!!

[@JaySyu_]

Awesome Cafee racer DNA i like Triump Thruxton RS

[@aarshjeet]

god commando is just mesmerizing

[@karlbratby4349]

z900rs cafe is not discontinued, they just did not sell well in the UK so they no longer bring them over here, over in the US and Canada they sell loads, lots of colour choices as well, 2023 sees a black and gold accent to match the old JPS colours and 2022 had a cool looking grey number. Thruxton tries to hard with its fake carbs imho.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Should have had a Enfield Super Meteor on this list. Put dome mid pegs , small fairing on it an you can change the stock personality !

[@pistolpete6321]

Solid list, great video!

[@baldingoldbiker]

Nice reviews. I 've just ordered a 2019 - R9T, should really know better at my advanced age (had a Dunstall Dominator in the 60s). Uncomfortable, but what the heck it's such a beauty. After being introduced to cancer years ago and encroaching arthritis, the bucket list needed some attention... i.e. ~ dilligaf ! ~ Short rides in the sun 🤔🤞will do nicely. 😀👍

[@postman2237]

In the terms of true cafe racer for me, 1. Norton 2.Thruxton RS. 3. GT 650

[@MotorNews007]

Norton is amaaaaaaazing!

[@rocketrides2096]

Great video and good refresher

[@NoPastNoFate]

Except false information.

[@davetaylor4741]

Some nice bikes. The tester for me would be the height. And just how uncomfortable they are. A mate has a thruxton. He never goes far on that. Not comfortable for him. Some say the enfield is tall. The Norton is beautiful and nostalgic. But the price is very modern. Might pick the Kawasaki. I have owned a few in my time. And ridden more. Usually reliable. And it's Kawasaki green. Brings back memories. Now on old age pension. Do they do a matchbox version.

[@78Outlaw]

Nice list, but you missed the CB1100RS 5Four Rob 😞 and the XJR1300 Cafe 🤷‍♂️

[@tntpickelz2410]

Great stuff Triumph simp… Thruxton all day! Although, if Ducati re-released some GT’s or Sports Classic I would be in on that 100% Royal Enfield 👎🏼 👎🏼

[@FunWithAJ]

Thurxton RS all day. Had my eyes on a very lightly 2021 used model but someone scoped it up.

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

The Z900rs Café is not discontinued I have the 2022 and the 23 model came out couple months ago in the US Maybe not for the European market…

[@scottamolinari]

Although it's getting a bit long in the tooth, the Honda CB1000R is my absolute favorite as a "(neo) café racer".

[@TheInimitableEd]

I’m reluctantly selling my 2020 Continental GT right now, as it’s great for short hops to town but on wrists and my lower back, crippling on anything longer than 30 minutes. It’s a shame as the noise is intoxicating and it rides beautifully, but needs must.

Perfect lineup... That 10 on the nineT does mirror my affections also, but reaching 50 years old I need to start looking into my back pains.

[@stevesteve201]

The ducati comes in 3 handle bar options. Must be one position that suits your back🫰

[@COLdavidm.wardCRNA]

Thanks. This is a well-compiled list. Nice job.

[@NoPastNoFate]

He was wrong on basic facts.

[@sergioromano4901]

i changed my BMWT90 for The Thruxton Rs and I’m a happy bun

[@darkmean65]

My 81 CB900 is nice and fast! Still have the original fairing and bags incase I want to put her back to OG

[@jamesridley9178]

I went with the Enfield GT and absolutely love it. If and when I outgrow the performance, I'd love the Z900 RS if I can swallow the cash pill. Thruxton is a close second. Guess I'll have to ride them both.

[@aliwhitwell]

Think you'd find the Enfield would run out of breath if you were out for a group run. Be hard to keep up.

[@TigerDavidson]

What do you think is best if I’m 6’1”? 33” inseam. I’m trying to find something I fit on.

[@albertocomesana1248]

As an owner of the Ninet Racer, I’m happy it’s been so praised but let’s be fair it’s the only one in this list that has no passenger seat. That can be a dealbreaker for many

[@steveearnshaw720]

And to be fair, a cafe racer shouldn't have a pillion seat. Its a purely selfish thing :-). So, in effect, you have the only true cafe racer in the list!

[@wesleydasilvasantos7948]

For me, Norton first, BMW second and Triumph in third... These model represent something more close of a home made café race design...

[@steveconnellan1531]

Hi Bob, my first post to you, though I have been subscribed a while. I'm a Harley rider in Australia, though I enjoy all your reviews. For me it's the Norton based purely on looks, absolutely gorgeous bike. Thanks for the review, love your work Cheers Steve

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid as ever but you forgot the SV650X.

[@AbzScotland]

SV650X for best value?

[@yashwin2815]

it's the BMW for me

[@landonfolken03]

You can get some really good looking fairings for the Enfield.

[@Gaurav_9339]

Continental Gt is the only one I can afford 😅

[@Therealslimshady0831]

Take it easy guys RE decent looking and as it's cheap you save money for customisations and yeah it pretty reliable but the handle bar isn't that strong..I have seen a lot of continental GTS with broken front

[@ricatiman]

Why no mention of the cruel and punishing ergos on the R9T... it's brutally painful to ride - and sold poorly, so BMW axed it.

[@fisherman9589]

Ohh BMW Nine T Racer, my dream bike

[@aliwhitwell]

Gotta be a 1200 Thruxton for me thank you! 🙂

[@iamcaferacer]

Another one is a Triumph street cup bonneville $7k for a used one or less

[@bijouxsurroues2897]

The moto guzzi v7 racer is also not bad, at least on the used market, it's cheaper than the Enfield and has better looks, brakes and engine. I'm.waiting.for.the newer 850cc cafe raver tho

[@chirag4]

CAFE-RACERS : Ducati Scrambler Cafe 54 (used) (not the new Nightshift) CCM Spitfire 600 Cafe (used) BMW R9T Racer (used) Kawasaki W800 Cafe (used) Kawasaki Z900RS (used) Yamaha XSR 700 & 900 Thruxton 1200 RS Moto Guzzi V7 Vitpilen 701 (used) Norton Commando 961 Norton V4CR (not available yet but overpriced) MV Agusta Superveloce-S (used) Triumph Speed-Triple 1200 RR Honda CB1000R (sport-neo-cafe) Suzuki SV650X __________________ Ducati Scrambler 54 Cafe :-- Although the side plates with the 54 graphics have a historical significance (Ducati racer Bruno Spaggiari’s number when he won the GP in 1958) I don’t see their relevance on a cafe racer styled machine I’d also love to have seen the bike rolling on the same spoked rims used on the Scrambler Classic and perhaps a different shaped set of mirrors since round ones always look cheap to me. Additionally, while the license plate and fender over the rear wheel keep the tail tidy I’d opt to move the plate back up to the tail and ditch all that additional weight. Those twin Termi pipes look and sound great, but they could also do with being replaced by something more akin to an old-school megaphone.

[@rroberts6800]

You can still ket the Z900's new mate, if you're looking

[@fedetokyo2090]

Got the Nightshift, the BMW, the Royal and the Thruxton. By far, the Thruxton is the best. Easier to ride and better looking than the BMW. Also, the BMW are not that cheap.

[@norbertovillarealiii6750]

The W800 will outlast all of these bikes, thats another point for it.

[@MoisesDelgado507]

Beatifull and spectacular BMW and Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe 10 and 9 points respectively i really like the Kawasaki

[@plap.]

Agree, Thruxton all the way for many years now. Every time I see or think about this thing a little dribble forms on my lip. I have more powerful and sporting bikes than these on the list but somehow I keep thinking I need this bike

[@88FUNTIME]

Love Cafe Racer!!!

[@BharathCalgary]

Royal Enfield my first choice, second a Norton.. we stick to the tradition, always!!!