Top Brands for Stylish Cafe Racer Motorcycles

Cafe racers have a legacy that combines the thrill of speed with a vintage aesthetic appeal, drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. From their minimalist design to powerful engines, these bikes have become icons in the motorcycle world. Many brands have taken up the challenge to create the perfect cafe racer, merging classic charm with modern technology. If you're curious to discover which brands lead the pack in crafting these timeless machines, explore the list below.

Illustration of cafe racer

Best brands of cafe racer in 2025

Triumph

Triumph, a renowned British brand, stands out as one of the best producers of cafe racers, boasting a significant market presence. In 2024, Triumph is projected to sell around 70,000 motorcycles worldwide, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, and holds a 10% market share in the premium motorcycle segment in Europe. The company's global market share is anticipated to be around 6.5%, with an estimated revenue of USD 0.69 billion in 2024. Triumph's sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.75% from 2024 to 2029, reaching a projected market volume of USD 0.87 billion by 2029. With a strong presence in regions like the UK, Europe, and increasingly in Asia, Triumph continues to expand its market footprint. For more comprehensive insights, visit Triumph statistics.

Ducati

Ducati is renowned as one of the premier producers of cafe racers, boasting a strong market share in the premium motorcycle segment, particularly in Europe with 11%, North America with 9%, and Asia with 5% as of 2023-2024. Known for their finely engineered and balanced machines, Ducati's models like the Ducati 900 Campione del Mundo Desmodue Supersport have garnered significant attention for their speed and responsiveness. Despite a 5% decline in sales in 2023, Ducati delivered 58,224 motorcycles worldwide, marking the third-best year in the company's history. The brand's focus on high-end, sophisticated, and technologically advanced bikes has contributed to its success, with models like the Multistrada V4 and Panigale V4 seeing significant demand. Ducati's operating result in 2023 was its best ever, with a 10.5% increase in profitability. For more detailed Ducati statistics, you can explore their impressive achievements.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield stands as a dominant force in the motorcycle industry, particularly in the cafe racer segment, with its models like the Continental GT 650 garnering significant market share. In the 500-800cc segment, Royal Enfield captured a staggering 96% market share in Q1 FY2025, driven by strong demand for its 650cc models such as the Continental GT 650, Interceptor 650, and Super Meteor 650. The brand's popularity is further underscored by its 95% market share in the 251cc to 500cc segment between April and November 2020, with the Classic 350 contributing significantly to these sales. Royal Enfield's success is also attributed to its broad range of products, customization options, and the 'Make it Yours' platform, which enhances customer satisfaction. The brand's historical significance and cult-like following add to its appeal, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts.

BMW

BMW Motorrad, a division of the BMW Group, has solidified its position as a leading producer in the motorcycle industry, including the cafe racer segment, with its robust sales and innovative models. In 2023, BMW Motorrad achieved its highest sales in corporate history, delivering 202,895 motorcycles and scooters, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. The R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure models, popular among cafe racer enthusiasts, contributed significantly with combined sales of almost 60,000 units. The brand also saw strong performance in the supersport bike segment with the S 1000 RR, selling 11,442 units and maintaining its market leadership. Additionally, BMW Motorrad's urban mobility segment, including electric scooters like the CE 04, showed a 44% increase in deliveries. For more detailed information about BMW Motorrad's record-breaking sales, follow the link.

Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi is renowned as one of the best producers of cafe racer motorcycles, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1921 by Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi. The brand has consistently delivered high-quality, performance-driven bikes, such as the V7 Racer III, which features a 744cc air-cooled v-twin engine producing 38 kW of power and 60 Nm of torque. Moto Guzzi's commitment to innovation is evident in its first motorcycle-specific wind tunnel introduced in 1954, which has significantly enhanced the aerodynamics of their bikes. In 2024, Moto Guzzi is projected to generate approximately USD 93.95 million in revenue, with a volume-weighted average price of USD 14.83k per motorcycle, and the brand has seen a notable increase in sales, particularly with the popularity of the V85 TT model. With over 10,000 bikes produced annually and a loyal following of over 25,000 members worldwide, Moto Guzzi remains a prominent name in the motorcycle industry. For more information, you can visit Moto Guzzi statistics.

Norton Motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles, acquired by TVS Motor Company in April 2020 for £16 million, is revitalizing its legacy as a premier producer of cafe racers. The brand's latest offerings, such as the Commando 961 and the Norton V4CR, showcase top-spec components and a superb level of finish, with the V4CR boasting a 1200cc V4 engine producing 185bhp. Despite recent financial challenges, including pre-tax losses of £38.2 million in the year to March 2024, Norton is investing heavily in new products and global expansion, with a £100 million investment from TVS aimed at cutting-edge technology and sustainability. This investment is expected to create 250-300 direct jobs and 500-800 indirect jobs over the next three years. Norton's commitment to luxury, high-performance motorcycles is evident in its handmade aluminium frames and titanium exhausts.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, though not traditionally associated with café racers, made a significant entry into this market with the XLCR 1000, introduced in the 1970s. Designed by Willie G. Davidson, this bike was an attempt to capture the café racer scene, known for its sleek design and performance. Despite its unique appearance and capabilities, such as reaching speeds of 110 miles per hour and a quarter-mile time under 12 seconds, the XLCR did not achieve the expected sales, with only 3,133 units produced over three years. This endeavor, however, marked a departure from Harley-Davidson's typical chopper and bobber designs, showcasing the brand's willingness to innovate. The XLCR remains a notable example of Harley-Davidson's experimentation in the café racer segment.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the top producers of cafe racers, with models like the Yamaha MT15 and R15 showcasing significant growth in sales. For instance, the Yamaha MT15 saw a 24.89% month-over-month (MoM) increase to 13,359 units, and the R15 experienced a 44.58% year-over-year (YoY) increase, selling 11,128 units in February 2024. Yamaha's market share has also been increasing, reaching 24% in 2024, highlighting its strong market engagement strategies. The brand's global sales are recovering, with a 5.0% increase to 3.2 million units in the first eight months of 2024, projecting a year close to 5 million units. Yamaha's focus on target audience segments and effective marketing campaigns continues to drive its success. For more insights into Yamaha's performance, visit the Yamaha statistics page.

Honda

Honda is renowned as one of the best producers for cafe racers, leveraging its rich history and innovative designs. Since the introduction of its first major motorcycle model, the Dream D-Type in 1949, Honda has achieved significant milestones, including reaching 400 million units in global motorcycle production by 2019. The company's global presence, with production facilities in 21 countries, and its dominance in regions like ASEAN, where it controls a significant market share, contribute to its success. In 2024, Honda's motorcycle sales are projected to be near 20 million units, highlighting its strong market position. The brand's commitment to quality and design makes its models, such as the Honda CX500, popular choices for cafe racer conversions. For more insights on how to build a cafe racer, explore this detailed guide.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki, a renowned Japanese manufacturer, is celebrated for its high-performance motorcycles, including the iconic cafe racers. Known for their green-colored sports bikes, Kawasaki has a long-lasting tradition of producing exceptional vehicles. Despite a slow recovery in global sales since 2020, Kawasaki has seen significant growth in specific regions, such as West Europe (+17.2%) and East Europe (+58.6%) in 2024. The brand's motorcycle and engine segment achieved record net sales of approximately 592.4 billion Japanese yen (USD 3.66 billion) in the fiscal year 2023. Kawasaki's global sales are projected to reach around 0.41 million units by the end of 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. For more detailed insights, visit Kawasaki's sales performance overview.