If you enjoyed yesterday's Vespa film, but prefer something a bit more powerful, you should check out these stylish bikes. Influenced by the grand prix cycles of the sixties, a subculture of motorcycle enthusiasts developed what would become known as the café racer. Similar to the hot rodders' practices, these owners turned their common bikes into custom rides that were faster and handled better. Manufacturers noticed and sold their own variations. The minimalist style has reemerged today with more powerful powerplants but the true café racer experience is unmatched on a modern bike. Here are five of the best café racers for sale on eBay, right now.
The car: 1969 BMW R60/2
Price: $12,000 (BiN)
Location: Owosso, Michigan, USA
Seller's Info: Click here
The 600cc shaft-drive R60 was designed as a rugged work-horse but was commonly transformed into a café racer. Despite the R60's weight disadvantage the handling was surprisingly nimble. This unmolested R60/2 is listed with only 10,186 miles. The seller claims it starts on the first kick.
The car: 1978 Honda CB 550
Price: $5,300 (BiN)
Location: Tulsa, California, USA
Seller's Info: Click here
This list wouldn’t be complete without one (or two) Honda CBs. The affordable price tag, mass production, and availability of aftermarket parts catapulted the CB into middle of the scene. The four-cylinder CB 550 needed few modifications to be a bona fide café racer. This tastefully modified Honda has new tires, shocks and a custom seat.
The car: 1975 Suzuki GT 380
Price: $1,900 (starting bid)
Location: Lake Worth, Florida, USA
Seller's Info: Click here
The Suzuki GT 380 is a screaming, air cooled two-stroke. Although not the fastest bike, it was smooth and had a reputation for reliability. In addition to the usual racer styling modifications, stiffening the suspension was a must for the 380. These bikes are plentiful and sold at or below their original sticker price making them a great entry level bike to transform. This GT is a café racer blank canvas. It’s equipped with a front disc brake and includes a new battery.
The car: 1969 Triumph Bonneville
Price: $11,300 (Current bid)
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Seller's Info: Click here
Triumph fueled the flame with bikes like the Trident and Bonneville. The Bonneville was a popular café racer because of the 650cc engine capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph, a desired watermark. This Bonneville was restored to its original glory ten years ago and has only been ridden 212 miles since.
The car: 1974 Honda CB 750
Price: $6,000 (BiN)
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Seller's Info: Click here
Seeking to compete in the American market, Honda built the legendary CB 750. This bike came with excellent power, handling, and fade-free braking which set the standard for other manufacturers for decades. This bike only has 12,345 miles and has already been transformed into a modest café racer.
If you know of a great, stylish car for sale and would like us to feature it, please let us know!
Petrolicious makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information contained in the car’s original listing, nor will it be held responsible for any errors in said information. If you’re interested in any of these cars, do your homework and research extensively before you buy.
