Café racers are said to have originated in the days before the advent of racer replicas when owners would customize their motorcycles to look like race machines and gather at cafes. As the popularity of neo-classics, with their nostalgic, motorcycle-like style, grows, café racers are also attracting attention as a category of their own.
This time, we surveyed the top 5 café racer models available as new motorcycles and ranked them in Webike's popularity ranking. The word "café racer" in a nutshell varies in character, from those that enjoy the atmosphere and atmosphere of the time to those that can enjoy full-fledged driving like a Supersports driver!
What is the overall popularity ranking?
The ranking is based on the number of times each model was viewed in Webic Motorcycle Selection in the past year. This time, "Cafe Racer" and "Motorcycle within 3 years of launch" were added to the narrowing criteria to extract the results.
Rankings are updated every Friday.
Click here for the "Popularity Ranking" page for Café Racer
https://moto.webike.net/c-caferacer/ranking/?period=3
※ This ranking article was created on February 10, 2023.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200RR
Fifth place went to Triumph. This machine is a café racer equipped with a half cowl, separate handlebars, back steps, and other features of the Speed Triple 1200RS, a street-fighter type sport naked.
Its half-cowl is a modern design in the style of a rocket cowl and is characterized by a strong current element that differs from the atmosphere of the first through the fourth ranks. Performance and equipment are also the most advanced, with a supersport-like 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), traction control that changes its effectiveness according to cornering conditions, ABS, 5 riding modes, bidirectional quick shifter, wheelie control, and a semi-active suspension that automatically adjusts damping force according to road conditions (and made of Ohlins). The semi-active Ohlins suspension automatically adjusts damping force according to road conditions.
The 1160cc parallel 3-cylinder engine delivers a maximum of 180ps. The riding mode also includes a circuit mode, making this the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the supersport-like performance in a café racer design. The price is the most expensive among the top 5 models.
Triumph Thruxton RS
In fourth place is once again a British motorcycle, the home of the café racer. The Thruxton is a Triumph model with a 1200cc liquid-cooled vertical twin at its heart.
While the basic design of the Bonneville series, including the engine, is inherited from the standard-style neo-classic Bonneville series, the exterior of the motorcycle, including the separate handlebars and seat, and the use of high-spec parts such as inverted forks and Brembo calipers, Ohlins rear suspension, and Metzler radial tires for the suspension, make the Bonneville a machine that can meet the needs of riders who want to take on the mountain passes in earnest. The main feature of this machine is that it can fully meet the needs of riders who want to attack mountain passes in earnest. The maximum output is also quite powerful at 105ps.
It is also important to note that the electronic equipment is more extensive than the models introduced in the first three rankings, including three riding modes (ROAD, RAIN, and SPORT), traction control, ABS, a USB power socket, and an anti-theft immobilizer. However, the price is a little high, at over 2 million yen, due to the extensive equipment and performance.
Kawasaki W800 CAFE
The air-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder W is one of Kawasaki's traditional brands that have been around since the W1 in '66.
The W800CAFE ranked third, is a café racer version of the W800 with a bikini cowl, M-shaped low handlebars, and a single-style seat. The engine specs of 52ps and 6.3kg-m (horsepower and torque) are the same as those of the W800 series. The moderate forward lean makes it ideal for riders who want to enjoy a light ride on a mountain pass without getting too fatigued.
The color scheme is changed every year, and the '23 model is available in Ebony with a black engine, wheel rims, and other details. According to owner reports, the average fuel consumption is about 25km/L on ordinary roads, which is relatively economical for a big bike and maybe wallet-friendly in these days of high prices.
The standard equipment of heated grips and ETC2.0 onboard equipment is also a nice feature, as it helps to reduce expenses later on.
Royal Enfield Continental GT650
In second place is Royal Enfield of India. The company was originally a long-established British company, but after its headquarters went bankrupt in the 1970s, it was revived in the 1990s in India, where it had been a knockdown manufacturer.
This Continental GT650 is an air-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine café racer that captures the atmosphere of the British motorcycles of yesteryear. It has an appealing atmosphere not found in Japanese motorcycles.
However, while the styling is classic, it is actually the latest design, reborn in 2006. The engine was designed from the beginning to use injection, and it meets the latest European emission regulations, Euro 5. The old-school double cradle frame was designed by Harris, the same company that made the WGP500 famous.
The brakes are equipped with ABS front and rear, and the rear suspension has a preload adjustment mechanism. In Japan, P.C.I. is the authorized importer, and the lineup is currently available in five different colors. The standard grade can be purchased for less than 1 million yen.
Kawasaki Z900RS CAFE
A variation of the popular Z900RS with special features such as a bikini cowl, low handlebars, and a stepped seat.
Owner impressions show that the forward-leaning position is not as tight as that of the Super Sport, and is well-received for enjoying a sporty feeling without getting tired when touring.
The seat is 2cm thicker than the STD and is also said to be comfortable. However, it is also pointed out that the footrests are a bit tight.
The engine, suspension, brakes, and other specs are the same as those of the STD, so they offer the same satisfaction in terms of driving and sound. The Z900RS series is a popular model, so it has many custom parts, which is a big advantage over its rivals. In addition to the muffler, many owners at CAFE wanted a separate handlebar and rear set to enhance their individuality.
Incidentally, the seat base is the same as that of the STD, so it is possible to install the seat by exchanging the STD seat with the STD seat. For those who are concerned about the stability of the seat, it is recommended to keep in mind the option of using the STD seat in addition to the lowered linkage and uncoiling method.
