To those who are unfamiliar with the evolution of racing motorcycles, the phrase “cafe racer bike” might sound a little unorthodox. A quick search on the internet or a little curious bit of asking around will gain more than a few bits of information; because cafe racer bikes in India are steadily gaining popularity. So what defines a cafe racer bike – a lightweight minimalist outlook, clip-on handlebars, fork legs, globally termed ‘bum stoppers,’ sporty manifestation, and last but not least, ease of handling.
India’s best cafe racer bikes also belong to the global eminence list. Cafe racer bikes first ignited trending in London in the early 1960s, when motorheads started wanting a little more out of their motorcycles. Although cafe racer bikes began production on a local scale at first, owners intended to optimize their existing bike models to deliver maximum speed and steady handling while stripping them down to the bare essentials. Soon this phenomenon reached a global scale. Nowadays, cafe racer bikes can be made from scratch, keeping in mind the potential buyer’s demands. The thread of these lightweight cafe racer bikes in India consists of some heavyweight manufacturers – both Indian and foreign.
Without indulging in too much internet information, let’s dive into the list of best cafe racer bikes in India, their current price, and specs.
5 Best Cafe Racer Bikes in India: 2022
1. Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Let’s start the list with India’s beloved brand, Royal Enfield, from whose stable comes a classic cafe racer bike variant, Continental GT 650. A competent bike with a 648 cc oil/air-cooled twin cylindrical engine with fuel injection. Providing a top speed of 160 kph, 47 bhp of power @ 7,250 rpm, and maximum torque of 52 Nm, it can gain 0 to 100 kph within 7 seconds.
Continental GT is a worthy companion both in and outside city limits, with a 6-speed gearbox, double silencer, and deceleration hinges on dual disc brakes and dual-channel ABS. Due to a 13.7-liter fuel tank, Continental GT can take over 300 km at a single stretch. It is pre-installed with a lower set of clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, both of which contribute to maintaining a comfortable posture of the rider. RF Continental GT has an ex-showroom price of 2.82 lakhs INR.
2. Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 defines the notion of the cheapest cafe racer bikes in India, with an ex-showroom price of 1.9 lakhs INR. This bike delivers precisely what a cafe racer bike in India is supposed to enact – a brief burst of speed within a limited distance. Vitpilen sports a 6-speed 248 cc liquid-cooled engine, with a fuel tank of 9.5 liters and a good mileage of 31 kph. The rear and front come with dual disc brakes, including dual-channel ABS, whereas the show has USD Forks, and the rear features Monoshock suspension.
Vitpipen is not precisely lightweight; it has a kerb weight of 166 kgs. Maximum power of 30 bhp and peak torque of 24 Nm add to its charms while delivering a power-packed performance. Therefore the chassis and overall dynamics are impressive to look at. These factors contribute to it being the best cafe racer bike in India, under 2 lakhs.
3. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The segment of cafe racer bikes in India is incomplete If there’s only one contribution from Royal Enfield. Enter RE Intercepter 650, featuring a powertrain engine displacement of 648 ccs; exterior focused on a retro look and signature features ensuring riding comfort. Along with ease of riding, safety measures are also there, like dual disc brakes, ABS, and top-class suspension. 174 mm ground clearance, 14 liters fuel tank providing 26 km/liter of mileage, and a six-speed manual gearbox. All this heightens the Interceptor’s enhanced charms. This retro bike’s top variant, Interceptor Chrome’s price, can go as far as 2.91 lakhs INR.
4. Ducati Scrambler 1100
The last two additions are relatively expensive but necessary to complete the best cafe racer bikes in India list. Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro Sport’s price can go as far as 14 lakhs INR. It has a highly potent engine of 1079 cc. As the name denotes, it belongs in the Scrambler lineup, whose distinguishing traits are considerable kerb weight, bigger ground clearance, varied instrument cluster, and significant acceleration the torque of 88 Nm and 84 bhp of power. Top-notch suspensions guarantee easiness of handling, 6-speed manual gearbox ensures smooth shifts in upward and downward slopes, and three distinct ride modes (Active, Touring, and City) make it all the more vibrant.
5. BMW R nineT Scrambler
As it has already been established, the Scrambler series is highly popular among cafe racer bikes in India. At the same time, these are more expensive than others. The same goes for BMW R nineT Scrambler (approximately 17 lakhs INR). A massive 1170 cc engine displacement, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, and fused with ABS & ASC – all these contribute to BMW R nineT Scrambler, making it one of the most desired cafe racer bikes in India and abroad. The instrument cluster consists of only the essentials.
Thanks to their body design and comprehensive ergonomics, cafe Racer bikes are a delight to look at. However, for daily commuting, they are naturally not suitable. Put it simply, cafe racer bikes in India or anywhere in the world are for pleasure rides. Accordingly, every potential buyer should test drive their desired bike before sealing the deal.
You might also be interested in the Best Touring Bikes in India.
