Top 5 Cafe Racer Motorcycles

[@prasangsharma7]

Yammie is riding a Royal Enfield (during narration), and not mentioning Continental GT 650. Now that's brutal for RE fan bois.

[@critterIMHO]

We know that Yammie is a child, so it really doesn’t bother us.

[@BerserkerRider94]

Sadly here in my country the after-sale service is not the best and this happen3d to a fellow biker we both ride classic looking bikes. He rides an interceptor 650 and I ride a Street Scrambler. 2 weeks after sale it presented issues straight from the factory. It's been months and they don't want to make themselves responsible nor make the the warranty valid. It's really disappointing cuz I was considering getting a Himalayan myself.

[@ashwynkhatri5789]

It's for custom cafe racer not out of the factory cafe racer

[@brokeandtired]

Pros make a Nitro Turbo Busa Scrambler.

[@yonniboy1]

The GT continental looks great just like the original 250 RE GT Continental.

[@guitarprepnplus1]

Back in 1984 I bought a Honda 750 super sport for 1800 dollars new in the crate. Honda built so many in 81 that they couldn't sell them. Put cafe bars and mini fairing on it. The OG Japan cafe racer. 😎🚀

[@marcbirchley2418]

I picked myself up an XSR125... its actually a great little machine, and thanks to modern tech like Yamaha's VVA, it won't do less than 120mpg, with which the current fuel prices here in the UK, its a very very good thing

[@brokeandtired]

Pros make a Nitro Turbo Busa Scrambler.

[@tempest_november11_works]

lots of potential in that thing I tell you

[@ChiefMoonChunks]

the most important thing mentioned in this video is to NOT BUY SOMEONE ELSE'S PROJECT. There's a reason they're not finishing it themselves and it is not because they "just don't have the time anymore". They either can't find proper parts, can't figure out engine or electrical gremlins, or have found out they never should've started with that particular bike in the first place.

[@ANasCarBoi]

Yuupppp. I did however buy my friends finished 1981 kz750 that was a complete and running build but when he had kids he stopped riding so it collected dust. Needs a solid return, tires, chain and some other little things here and there some but otherwise a finished build.

[@dub537h5]

It's only a bike, pretty simple to troubleshoot regardless of previous owner

[@paulbecket7399]

xs650 , no electric foot, perm mag stator, battery eliminator, 277 crank/cams, Pamcopete 277 Ignition, 750 kit, round slide carbs, cafe tank and frame mods, minimal seat, headlight switch on headlight(easy start) clip ons...fun!

[@257796]

I'm glad the gate keepers let you make this video. It's almost like having to check with the Texas patch riders to make sure everything's golden. Glad everything is kosher, nice video

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@James_Hook]

Although not a true cafe racer, I have a Ducati Italia Independent I love. Always gets a lot of love at the DGR.

[@staticbuzter452]

Im surprised no Suzuki GS's, I just picked up a 81 450T that the guy was planning on turning into a Scrambler but didn't even mess with it other than trying to get it to run. So it was garage kept but there is some cosmetic damage, a small to medium dent in the tank, some peeled pant, so be it. Took it home, got it running on its own the same day, was able to ride it the next day. Just needed some carb cleaning, electrical work, and now I'm riding my first bike.

[@wasterdnb]

Just got 83 gs450l I've cut rear frame&hooped it. Got her bored out,and it's on koni rear shocks&bandit 600 forks. Currently in brat/retro mod style love her,she's tax&mot exempt in uk. I bought her for 45 pound all complete original and running. Great bikes!

[@TeacherPauloPontes]

Awesome to see your take on the cafe racer scene! I used to own an Intruder 250 (GN250 worldwide) and though it is a low cilinder bike, it made for a great cafe racer! Here in Brazil those bikes you mentioned can be quite expensive, unfortunately... but Am definitely coming here for a future mod!

[@christopherandersch1299]

Now imagine this, aYammie exclusive production, the “Yammie Build-A-Bike”workshop, just like the teddy bear place but with motorcycles, there you can truly get a custom bike that you can call “one of a kind” . Really just imagine being able to go to a place and pick everything out from the infinite Yammie catalog of motorcycles parts and build your dream bike!, no really just think about it for a sec or two, man, that would be great!

[@ianwazowski5607]

I'm pretty sure Arch Motorcycles do that already

[@epbrown01]

That BMW at 9:23 is gorgeous. That said - no. I'd just buy an R9T. The retro craze means there's no old bike I'd spend hours fiddling with; my time's worth more than that.

[@richardclegg7846]

Triton. Norbsa. Norvin. Basically the best engine to hand in a Norton Featherbed frame. These are the genuine classic cafe racers. Way before Japanese bikes

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@Livedracersteve]

Wooooo the cx500 got some love!! I bought mine this year and it’s been my first bike, mine is pretty stock aside from the fact I changed to a tunable ignition box because the CdI went bad. As much as I love the bike I am looking into a early 2000’s shadow 1100 because I would like the forward controls and larger motor for longer trips. It’s gonna be a hard bike to part ways with that’s for sure.

[@gizmobuddy805]

Yeah, the CDIs have a bad habit of doing that. You should have seen the faces of the techs at my local Honda power sports location when I showed up looking for parts for my 79.

[@gizmobuddy805]

My first bike made a list woo! Man, I learned everything I know about bikes and wrenching because of my old 79 cx500. I got her in a non running condition, and replaced almost every electrical component, including the CDI.

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

#1 Cafe Racer, CB650R

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@hvymax]

750-4. Best motorcycle ever made!

[@Dareios4297]

The cx 500 has the nickname "güllepumpe" in germany. Translates to dung pump.

[@toddwebb7521]

LOL

[@hyenahallstrom7034]

I got a 1976 Honda CB500T for 2k$ unmolested and am slowly turning it into a retro-modern cafe racer, it's my first bike ever so I don't wanna full send into the look just yet.

[@aleky98]

Hey Yammie, ever thought about making a video about the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer? It's my first bike and what a ride it is! Honestly, I think it's a pretty good beginner as long as you're not a euro boy 'cause it's an A bike.

[@mygistinks]

Whoa, I legitimately thought I was alone in using the word “Sisyphian”

[@yonniboy1]

I went to a vintage customs club show outside of Belfast N.Ireland a few months ago, there were some really great old bikes ,loads of Tritons (Triumph Bonneville engine in a Norton featherbed frame) though there was a couple of old Trident engines as well, there was also two Norvins (Vincent Black shadow engines in featherbed frames), there was even an Ariel square four which drew more of a crowd than a Brough Superior, unfortunately these shows are dying out ,simply because the average age of the owners was in their late seventies, there were exceptions but very few under the age of fifty, It'd e a sin if bikers and just the public weren't able to see these beautiful old bikes that tell us a lot about the evolution of biking but a week ago I felt relieved after going to a Japanese Classics show, as well as 60s and 70s bikes like the CB750 ,Z1 ,H1, H2, S1s, S2s and S3s, CB400/4, CB500, Suzuki super sixes, T500s, RG500s and GT750s there were all the Yamaha RDs, 125s, 200s, 250s, 350s and 400s and the water cooled 250s, 350s and 500s all these bikes looked like they'd just come of the production line and some even better! but the custom/cafe racers were amazing, the most widely used engines were the CB750, Z1 and H2 ,and I had a totally unexpected wonderful surprise when I found my old Magnum H2, I had an H2 in 1976 that used to regularly scare me shitless till I bought a magnum frame and rolling chassis and dropped the H2 engine in after getting a Stan Stephens stage two tune which took it to 105bhp ,which doesn't sound much today but in the 70s in a superb frame that thing was untouchable or "the dogs bollox" as was the term used back then, to see it again just transported me back to my youth, I asked the owner if it was for sale and he told me he'd already had an offer of £32,000, too rich for me but worth every penny, this show confirmed to me the future for classic bikes and cafe racers is safe and in good hands.

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@Revival.Motorcycles]

From Belfast myself man! Me and my dad co-own a custom 1973 CB 500 four cafe racer that we built over that past year. Video of its first run is on my Channel if you’re interested. But it’s true that it’s dying out, but I’m 25 coming and I’m more interested in seeing older bikes at shows and races as they have a lot more character and the history behind them. 🤙🏼

[@Bbbbad724]

The XS650 with a 750 bore kit and weight reduction to 375 lbs. Rude. Rowdy and They thump!

[@modusop8]

Those Cafe Bmers are just 🔥!!! My next Bike !!!

[@MrPassantino]

The fact that you didn’t mention any Suzuki GS platform tells me all I need to know about his channel lol

[@elusiveDesires]

I'm a little surprised/disappointed to not see any two strokes in the list, like the Yamaha RD350. It apparently had quite the reputation at the time. Every older rider I've spoken to seem to have a memorable experience involving the RD350/RD400. Two stroke, parallel twin with a reliable oil injection system so you don't have to premix every tank. Being a two stroke, it's pretty cheap and easy to rebuild if the need arises. On the other hand, I almost never see them for sale. Not in the Northeast US, at least.

[@georgebamforth7372]

The best bike in this video is the Royal Enfield Interceptor, a future classic.

[@supermcbrian]

I have a 82 silverwing gl500 that is just sitting in my shed dying. i wish i could give it to someone who was gonna cafe it.

[@zendiver8283]

'79 CX 500 C was my first bike, and the one I learned to ride on! Sold it 20 years ago; wondering if I could buy it back now? Yam, what about my dad's '70 R5 350? Two-stroke cafe racer?

[@wedgeserif556]

"pride and accomplishment" What, is this the Bethesda Noob channel now?

[@papatorr3669]

The K 1,000 is another bad choice. Would vibrate your right foot to sleep, needles and pins discomfort. Besides, with the exception of the CX500/650's water-cooled bikes don't have that nostalgic cool factor, and they're unnecessarily heavier. We're just hopping from one café to another here!

[@Matteos50]

I think the old moto guzzis are also a perfect base for a cafe racer build

[@papatorr3669]

The list is inexplicably missing Triumph or Royal Enfield, specifically the Bonneville models.

[@aaronleverton4221]

Which era are you referring to?

[@papatorr3669]

@@aaronleverton4221 the reliable era

[@napoleonbonaparte5774]

own an xs750 that I was going to cafe, but due to noob-ness and lack of time, I was unable to finish it. Got a frame and a once running engine on it. The brief time I had it while it ran, it sounded real nice though. Sitting in a buddy's shop now though. Sad.

[@LS6dad]

Keep at it. Our Triples need the love

[@garyk8285]

I was gonna do the whole Cafe Racer thingy, but I ended buying a CB400SF, and that's more my themes, 1980s baby oooooh yeah

[@Bricklinsv1970]

That last BMW is really cool!

[@aaronleverton4221]

The CX/GL is a great platform to build on, but if that's your chosen route and you've never had one before, be aware: they love to eat their cam-chain tensioners and the loose cam-chains enjoy wearing through engine metal. Or simply failing completely.

[@clasdauskas]

That was only early models, which, most likely will have had the mod done or they wouldn't still be around.

[@meyszorr7619]

Got a honda cx 500 am currently working on it

[@jsxr8917]

the only reason i want to own a honda cb750 is to convert it into a cafe racer to look like bruce waynes one from the batman movie, finna look cool as shit.

[@donaldcameron8909]

Oh God but you place your heart and soul in those carbs and the music the four cylinders produce is magical, yes ! I mean yes fucken -A man it don't stop there

[@neilhamill318]

If it's your first cafe build a Yamaha SR 500 single cylinder is a good choice with endless supplies of go fast parts fiberglass kits still readability available and no I'm saying that because I own one or use to have one because I haven't.

[@aaronleverton4221]

The SRV brother looks even better.

[@neilhamill318]

@@aaronleverton4221 SRV are snowmobiles.

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@neilhamill318 Not the SRV400 I see daily.

[@neilhamill318]

@@aaronleverton4221 Seen plenty of SRX Yamaha's. Never seen any SRV motorcycle's here. But there probably the same bike's in different countries. Like FZ 09 and MT 09. Same bikes just different names.

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@neilhamill318 No, they're not the same bike. The V stands for V-twin, just as it does in Honda's VTR. The SRX is just the update of the SR with less soul, the SRV is a factory cafe racer (like the Honda GB series) and the 250 outperforms the SR500 by having a Virago engine with a changed cam profile and twin carbs. But, hey, it's not like you could have typed "Yamaha SRV motorbike" into Google or anything.

[@hvymax]

Honda made the Rune and that Batbike thing! That's pretty Balls Out!

[@davidvaughn7778]

I'm partial to the XS650. But I bobbed mine. Next I'm thinking either a KZ or CB for a cafe style.

[@XxjoeyxXify]

Papa yam graces us with another great video!!

[@tjtjmich16p]

The k100 looks beautiful.

[@samseverino2788]

I'd like to see you review the cf moto clx-700 sport it's a neo retro Cafe racer

[@thedeependschanger1089]

And here i had a free CB750 fall in my lap, but i cant find ANY carburetors for it under $600. And all i want is a functioning bike first, cafe later

[@kkamino]

been waiting for this topic

[@Anton-dl7me]

6:23 is the most beautiful motorcycle I've seen

[@MrRourk]

Shogo Yahagi from Megazone 23 is very disapointed the Suzuki GS650 not on the list. Some of the models had Shaft Drive!

[@sebaelmanco]

Duuude i miss so much my little 2 stroke cafe racer, at least have a giant scar to remember how she ended R.I.P. Little Honda

[@Jk-tq8kq]

I've been thinking of turning my 1982 Honda cm450e into a calf racer or a bobber haven't decided yet

[@BattleJacket]

If you live in Europe and have an A2 licence there is also the Yamaha XS400.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well you picked my CX build as the lead-in image so now life is complete! 🙏🙏🙏 Agreed on all points though and especially that pretentiousness lol. Lots of angry brits out there in a hurry to type out "but the mudghads!"

[@rustyblade5845]

I actually acquired a CX500 because of you. Never noticed your disdain for the Brits before. Remember it's almost constantly raining in the UK, seems like starting a bike up in England is better than a rain dance. Maybe that's why they are crying about mudguards?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@rustyblade5845 I have no distain for Brits. Just annoyed by mudguard comments as it's like they have never seen custom bikes and can't fathom that we have weather forecasts and sunshine lol. These aren't daily commuters

[@rustyblade5845]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Must be nice seeing your bike pop up on someone elses channel.

[@Randolini]

I rode a 75 XS-650 to California in 77 and to D.C. IN 78.

[@ringsoffire5947]

If you dug this, check out KZbinr Racer TV. Great content imo. Good callout on the Silverwings Yams! A rare one being only produced for two years, however. Easy to strip down and build-I own one love it. No cafe build for me though. dual sport tires, a WWII fighter plane motif with dual gattling guns, made for a fun low maintenance beater bike, that looks killer. With only 500cc's pathetically slow. At least compared to my other bikes. But still fun!

[@helenaguenther2305]

This guy is better at editing than anything else

[@femacampbandleader9603]

Leave the Silverwings alone! Don’t cut them up! Just enjoy a really comfortable, a bit slow, but very nice little touring bike for what it is ffs. Unless you’re rescuing one that’s abused badly then knock yourself out (er well don’t but have at it so to speak).

[@rottweilerfun9520]

What you know bout Nick Cave and them Bad Seeds , Clammy Pube ? The Mercy Seat is my jam , brings back great memories of Frankfurt .

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@justforwards2701]

We want it came from Craigslist BACK!

[@zelachotv8940]

I was thinking about K100 but there is no parts.. Beautiful sounding engine tho.

[@Rudolf.Winkler.Verlag]

Its so nice that the path of every bike starts and ends with squids

[@AkaBull]

It's funny, I just gave a friend my 1996 Honda CB 750, he's building a café racer with it.

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@daveco1270]

The Brickhouse Builds Honda CX500 at 7:20 is pretty sweet.

[@Deuceblank]

Cafe bikes are just glorified "naked supersport" bikes just have lil more low-end torque for city riding

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@ElGuapoDeSantoPoco]

Missed the Yamaha XV platform....

[@davevalliharrell]

Thanks for the video Yammie! I've been working on a K1100 build for about 4 years. Still looks like a junk heap but... That's normal for the first 10 years, right?

[@motocannon1838]

The lack of two stroke street bikes on this is disappointing. T500? GT500, GT750 waterbuffalo? what about h1, h2, rd350, rd400, any of the 200cc hustlers were cheap cafe bikes.

[@oscararcemx]

fuck those bikes foo 😂

[@stg.wendigo1655]

This is maybe a bit of a bummer to send something into the trenches of this comment section but is it possible to build a cafe racer into a chopper? Like the Thundertribes do it?

[@myvu-mv5ix]

Or Simple Just buy yourself a RE continental gt 650 and just try and modify the handlebars....👍

[@mociczyczki]

Dont disapoint us yammie we need to see like sportster 1200 beat interceptor 650 in dragrace 👌🏻😁😉

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@yonniboy1]

Only if it's off a cliff were the Sportsters weight will make it hit the ground first 😂.

[@paint1016]

Can you do a new video on a Triumph Bonneville T100 mods. I saw one for the scrambler but not the T100

[@aditya_k43]

I love cafe racers bikes too much but here in India there are only limited options. You didn't get much variety.

[@officialphycoshack6828]

I'm building a replica Honda monkey as a firstbike 360mm shocks 10 inch wheels and 150cc lifan with a heavily modified head

[@andyc9902]

Here is my hot take! Blinking lights

[@officialphycoshack6828]

@@andyc9902 it will have them where I live it's super strict on what it needs to be legal

[@andyc9902]

@@officialphycoshack6828 it is

[@imkaneforever]

Was hoping to see the yamaha xs650 and I found it!

[@BlakesPipes]

W800 Cafe is a wonder lazy Cafe racer with dependability

[@GrumpyIan]

See's a list for best bikes for cafe racers. Me: *starts eyeing my R65*

[@nicholasbaker2904]

What's the red bike at the beginning of the video that you say is more modern.

[@abossx]

Buy a Guzzi V7 and call it a day!

[@aurahvn8669]

We not gonna bring up triumph?

[@williammilner3466]

Love it

[@bradhunt120]

Not me knowing Japanese standard screws are completely different and us spec one will fuck them lol, the amount of screws ive fucked on my poor cb400

[@carlosvejar3938]

I was a cafe racer fanboi until I met the MT 09.

[@stepbrotoksik6907]

The cheaper old crap bike that possibly works is very appealing for poor people like me 😂

[@kylecoughenour41]

Does the CB1000R get an honorary shoutout?

[@pranavdubey3333]

Bruh no mention of the continental gt650? Sacrilegious

[@cherryicebox3775]

Picked up an old ninja 250 and stripped it naked.....jobs done dollar store edition

[@augustusczar7375]

Forgot about the suzuki gs750

[@eros.manitari]

You got some of the facts wrong, such as: "the horizontal V-twin" of the Honda CX500. What does that even mean? You don't seem to know anything about engines or motorcycles. That engine is a longitudinal V-twin. What you said is just nonsense.

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOW AWESOME AMAZING FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[@Truenofan86]

Nah , I’ll stick with my shit CG 125 that is technologically older than an FSO Polonez

[@alesterpadua7884]

best part is, they still make brand new CG 125 and parts are really easy to find and maintain

[@Truenofan86]

@@alesterpadua7884 And i love it since i never have to worry about spare parts

[@bajaadventurerider]

Can you do the same for scramblers PapaYam?

[@Xx0StuktedSellout0xX]

Would you say not to get a k100 as a first bike?

[@curtrn]

BMW K'S Run for 400,000 miles! Great motorcycle. Built on quality not price

[@clipofthedayyup4907]

Just buy a 1200rr triple speed or whatever it is called

[@warmongerairsoft]

I LOVE cafe racers, I just wish the yuppies and nerds didn’t love them too. Giving them that hipster association and inflating prices

[@5thgalaxytv734]

I'm sure they use more fuel than a car!

[@kevinedwards4253]

It's caffracer not cafaraer or it's cafferacer only the Americans call it that WHY?

[@KVenturi]

0:03 Hey that's Freddie Dobbs he's a KZbinr as well credit him for using his picture wtf?

[@ilanmetoudi]

How about a Honda cbx?

[@papatorr3669]

We used to call that XS650 the paint shaker. The vibration was in a league it's own, literally shook you. Awful choice, terrible, Fo get about it!