In the mid-20th century, Britain was when youthful riders modified standard motorcycles so they could race at extreme speed, style, and spirited dashes between local cafés. Although the appeal to fame and friendship defined the culture of this subculture, factory designs of modern café racers go further by combining an all-new classic look with sharp technology engineered on the machines. These motorcycles exhibit minimalist designs, powerful engines, and amazing top speeds. Below are four of the fastest motorcycle café racers currently produced.
Norton Commando 961 CR
The Legendary Legacy
Norton Motorcycles has been in production since 1902, and its Commando series is quite iconic. The Norton Commando was originally launched in 1967 as a speed icon with style. The current model is the Norton Commando 961, which was introduced in 2009 and refreshed in 2022. The CR is the Café Racer version that gives a highly aggressive stance and high performance.
Key Features
- Engine: 961cc air- and oil-cooled parallel twin
- Power: 76.8 hp @ 7,250 rpm
- Torque: 59.7 lb-ft @ 6,300 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
- Top Speed: 120 mph
- Fuel Range: 130 miles per tank
The Norton Commando 961 CR is a balance of heritage and modernity in a way that gives the perfect ride to the café racer enthusiasts.
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BMW R 12 nineT
Vintage Style, Modern Technology
BMW Motorrad, meanwhile, celebrates its heritage through the R 12 nineT, which is the successor of the R nineT. Designed with a minimalist yet vintage aesthetic, the R 12 nineT is supposed to deliver an authentic feel of a café racer. Optional single-seater and headlight fairings allow it to increase its style while featuring functionality and nostalgic appeal for a rider.
Key Features
- Engine: 1,170 cc air- and oil-cooled H2 boxer
- Power: 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 85 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh with shaft drive
- Top Speed: 134 mph
The BMW R 12 nineT is a full-pledged café racer by its characteristics of performance ability and bespoke design.
Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS
Racing Heritage
The Triumph Thruxton series finds its roots in the 1959 T120 Bonneville, a motorcycle inspired by racing success. Its modern classic design carries the 2024 Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS. Riders can make it look even more like a café racer with the help of “Track Racer Inspiration Kit” from Triumph, which consists of clip-on handlebars and sleek front fairing.
Key Features
- Engine: 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
- Power: 103 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm
- Torque: 83 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with O-ring chain drive
- Top Speed: 140 mph
From the Thruxton 1200 RS, there is an appealing mixture of classic lines and modern performance all with a thrilling riding experience.
Kawasaki Z900RS Café
Modern Muscle Meets Retro Style
Kawasaki’s Z900RS Café draws from decades of Z-series motorcycle innovation. Introduced in 2018, this model combines retro styling with modern engineering. It features a signature front cowl and a powerful inline four-cylinder engine, offering both aesthetics and high-speed capability.
Key Features
- Engine: 948cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
- Power: 111 horsepower
- Torque: 72.3 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with sealed chain drive
- Top Speed: 140 mph
Delivering raw power along with style, the Kawasaki Z900RS Café is one that puts forth a difference compared with most café racers.
Comparison: Fastest Café Racers
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Commando 961 CR | 961cc parallel twin | 76.8 hp @ 7,250 rpm | 59.7 lb-ft @ 6,300 rpm | 120 mph |
| BMW R 12 nineT | 1,170cc H2 boxer | 109 hp @ 7,000 rpm | 85 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm | 134 mph |
| Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS | 1,200cc parallel twin | 103 hp @ 7,500 rpm | 83 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm | 140 mph |
| Kawasaki Z900RS Café | 948cc inline four-cylinder | 111 hp | 72.3 lb-ft | 140 mph |
These four café racers reveal the development of the style, fusing vintage styling cues with new performance elements. Heritage, style, and raw power appeal to enthusiasts interested in the pure, authentic spirit of the café racer. Here, you find Norton’s legendary Commando, Kawasaki’s muscular Z900RS Café, each a very unique take on the style that defines café racers.
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My name is Santosh Kumar and I am a resident of Bihar, a state in India. On this website I give information about automobile, bike, car, scooty and top news. I am a sensitive character on the life stage of this world who is trying to play my role fairly and with all my heart.
