Love old school aesthetics but looking for modern tech? Cafe Racer Bike is your answer. The perfect mix of classic charm and modern tech is embedded in a cafe racer bike. They have sleek designs and powerful engines that pack a punch. Cafe racer bikes are not made for daily commuting, they are best suitable for short sprints or leisure riding. In India, these bikes are gaining popularity recently. However fast or charming your bike may be, make sure you do have a good bike insurance plan for your cafe racer. Lets dive into the world of cafe racer bikes in India in 2025.

What are Cafe Racer Bikes?
In the 1960s, cafe racers were first introduced in the UK (Britain). Young motorcyclists used to customize their bikes to race between cafes (Hence the name). These bikes had minimalistic design and were heavily focused on speed; a mix of classic old style with modern tech for speed. The low-slung handlebars, elongated fuel tanks and the distinct single seat cowl makes it stand out from the rest of bulky and sport bikes. Cafe racers focus on high-speed urban cruising, classic aesthetics and a raw riding feel. These bikes are perfect for someone who's looking for classic retro styled yet a bike that can pack a punch on the road.
List of Top Cafe Racer Bikes in India in 2025
As Cafe Racers are gaining popularity, new and upcoming bikes are tending to this segment. Here is a top 10 list (Not in particular order) of Cafe Racer Bikes in India in 2025 that also include new and upcoming bikes.
Model | Ex-Showroom Price (Mumbai) |
---|---|
Keeway SR250 | ₹1,49,000 |
TVS Ronin | ₹1,35,000 – ₹1,72,700 |
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | ₹1,49,900 – ₹1,74,655 |
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 | ₹2,21,805 |
Zontes GK350 | ₹3,47,000 |
Royal Enfield Bear 650 | ₹3,39,000 – ₹3,59,000 |
Benelli Leoncino 500 | ₹4,99,000 |
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo | ₹6,89,000 |
Ducati Scrambler | ₹12,00,000 – ₹13,98,000 |
BMW R nineT Racer | ₹21,10,000 |
*Note: Prices may differ depending on location, make, model and other factors.
Let us take a closer look at each of them:
1. Keeway SR250
The Neo-retro bike from Keeway. SR 250 is the second bike in the SR segment. First launched at the Autoexpo 2023, the SR 250 has a minimalist design, a tear-shaped fuel tank and a flat seat packed with modern amenities. It is a perfect choice for classic lovers with a bit of modern tech.
Key Specifications of Keway SR250
- Engine: 223cc, Single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke, 2-valve
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 11 seconds (estimated)
- Fuel Capacity: 14.2 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 36.5 kmpl
- Features: LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS
2. TVS Ronin
TVS Ronin is the answer from TVS for the cafe racers segment. It is the first neo-retro bike launched by TVS in 2022. With features like round LED headlamp, tear-shaped fuel tank and wire spoke wheels, it completely gives a retro vibe. TVS ronin weighs only 159 kg, making it agile and has modern tech like Bluetooth connectivity to make it ideal for daily commuting as well as casual sprints.
Key Specifications of TVS Ronin
- Engine: 225.9cc, Single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 12 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 14 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 42.95 kmpl (as per internal testing)
- Features: LED headlamp, asymmetric speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity
3. Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Launched in August 2022, Hunter 350 is an affordable retro bike that was targeted to young and new riders. It is the only Royal Enfield with 17 inch front and rear wheels, making it ideal for manoeuvring in city traffic. Just like other cafe racers, Hunter 350 has a round headlamp, and a tear-shaped fuel tank along with upright riding posture.
Key Specifications of Royal Enfield Hunter 350
- Engine: 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled, 4-stroke, EFI
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 16.4 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 13 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 37 kmpl
- Features: Dual-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, digital-analog instrument cluster
4. Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
The “Vitpilen” in Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 means “White Arrow” in Swedish. It reflects speed with elegance. The Swedish cafe racer was launched in early 2020 with a blend of style and agility, appealing to aesthetic and speed lovers. This bike has a complete Scandinavian look, providing comfortable seating and a comfortable riding posture.
Specifications of Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
- Engine: 249.07cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 8.7 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 13.5 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 31 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- Features: LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS
5. Zontes GK350
The modern tech-packed GK350 was launched in October 2022 as a modern cafe racer. Zontes GK350 is lightweight, making it easy to handle and nimble. GK350 has a keyless ignition system, allowing riders to start the bike without inserting a key.
Key Specifications of Zontes GK350
- Engine: 348cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 8.5 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 31.25 kmpl
- Features: Keyless ignition, TFT display, dual-channel ABS
6. Royal Enfield Bear 650
The Bear 650 is an inspiration from Royal Enfield's racing heritage, particularly the "Fast Eddie" victory at the 1960 Big Bear Run, adding a touch of nostalgia to its modern appeal. Coming into the market in 2025, Royal Enfield Bear 650 is an epitome of modern day cafe racer. With round LED headlamps, sculpted fuel tank, and upright riding posture, it is reminiscent of traditional café racers.
Key Specifications of Royal Enfield Bear 650
- Engine: 648cc, parallel-twin, air/oil-cooled, SOHC
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 13.9 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 13.7 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 22 kmpl
- Features: Tripper Dash with Google Maps navigation, dual-channel ABS, LED lighting
7. Benelli Leoncino 500
Launched in 2019, Benelli Leoncino 500 is a scrambler that has aesthetic appeal through its cafe racer like designs. Leoncino 500 has a small lion emblem on the front fender, paying homage to its name, which means "little lion" in Italian. Working with a 500 cc engine, this cafe racer surely packs a punch.
Key Specification of Benelli Leoncino 500
- Engine: 500cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valve, DOHC
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 5.7 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 12.7 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 23 kmpl
- Features: Dual-channel ABS, LED lighting, digital instrument cluster
8. Moto Morini Seiemmezzo
This Italian bike was launched in India in 2022. Moto Morini Seiemmezzo comes in two variants, the STR (Street) and the SCR (Scrambler). Of course, the Scrambler variant depicts a cafe racer. The word ‘Seiemmezzo” means 6 and a half in Italian, referring to the 650 cc engine this bike possesses.
Key Specifications of Moto Morini Seiemmezzo
- Engine: 649cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 4.29 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 15.5 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 22 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- Features: 5-inch TFT display, dual-channel ABS, LED lighting
9. Ducati Scrambler
Launched back in 2015, Ducati Scrambler has all the basics of a cafe racer; Round LED Headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, and upright riding posture. Along with these, the 803cc L-twin engine makes this bike ideal for short sprints and city manoeuvring. This Scrambler is on the premium end of the line.
Key Specifications of Ducati Scrambler
- Engine: 803cc, L-twin, air-cooled, Desmodromic 2-valve per cylinder
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 4.1 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 13.5 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 19 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- Features: LED lighting, digital instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS
10. BMW R nineT Racer
This roadster sport bike from BMW was launched in 2017 at India Bike Week Expo. Although a sports bike, the R nineT Racer has retro-style characteristics like round LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, and a sporty riding posture. The nineT Racer has an engine so strong that it needs to be air-cooled.
Key Specifications of BMW R nineT Racer
- Engine: 1170cc, air/oil-cooled, flat-twin boxer, DOHC, 8-valve
- 0–100 kmph: Approximately 3.5 seconds
- Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
- Fuel Mileage: Approximately 17.8 kmpl (42 mpg)
- Features: ABS, shaft drive, classic café racer styling
Maintenance Tips for Cafe Racer Bikes
While Cafe Racer bikes are aesthetically pleasing and also can cut through air, they do wear out faster than an average commuter bike. It is necessary to have regular maintenance of your prized possession to make sure it works in its full capacity. Here are a few maintenance tips for your cafe racer:
Regular Chain Lubrication
Café racers often feature exposed chains. Cleaning and lubricating these chains from time to time makes sure they wear out less, and also prevents rusting over time.
Regularly Check Tyre Pressure
Cafe Racers are used for daily commuting and short sprints. Uneven tyre pressure can lead to mishaps that no one accounted for. Check the tyre pressure weekly and before every long ride.
Oil and Filter Change
Try to use high quality oil for your bike. As nutritious food helps the human body to grow well, a quality engine oil makes sure the engine works in its prime condition. Also, do not forget to change oil every 2000km or so (Or as per manufacturer guidance).
Brake System Check
While these bikes are meant for commuting and for some spirited riders, make sure the brake system has proper fluid levels and works properly from time to time, as these bikes undergo aggressive braking more frequently.
Battery Maintenance
If the bike is not used daily, the bike’s battery health deteriorates quickly, especially as these bikes come with modern tech like digital dashboard, speedometer, etc. Make sure the battery is regulated in a timely manner.
Inspect the Suspension
Check front forks and rear shocks for leaks or damage. Proper suspension setup is key for the stability and café racer cornering experience.
Clean the Air Filter
Make sure you clean air-filters on a regular basis, especially if they are customized or after market cone filters. A clean air filter ensures optimum air-flow.
Check for Loose Bolts and Nuts
Café racers often vibrate more due to their performance tuning. Make it a habit to inspect fasteners every month or after spirited rides.
Protect the Paint and Metalwork
Use microfiber cloths and motorcycle-friendly cleaning products to keep that polished tank and chrome parts gleaming.
Ride It Often
Regular riding ensures the battery maintenance, the fluids will be in check, and if any problems occur they will be spotted sooner instead of getting a shock later.
Importance of Two Wheeler Insurance for Cafe Racer Bikes
Cafe Racer bikes are a piece of art. It takes a lot of time to customize bikes, maintaining and giving a sleek look to it while making it perform well. As Ben Parker says, With great power comes great responsibility. A bike insurance will make sure to take up that responsibility. You can get best bike insurance quotes from different insurers from Coverfox today. Here are a few reasons why opting for a two-wheeler insurance plan is necessary for your prized possession:
Protection Against Accidental Damages
Cafe racers are built for speed and agility. Accidents can happen, big or small, but the repair costs of these bikes are always a huge burden on the wallet. Insurance helps protect your wallet against these accidental damages.
Theft Coverage
Café racers are eye-catching and often targeted by thieves. Comprehensive insurance protects you financially if your prized bike is stolen.
Coverage Against Natural and Man-Made Disasters
Be it floods, fire, riots or vandalism, your insurance covers damages from these unforeseen events.
Third-Party Liability Protection
By law, you must have at least third-party insurance. It covers any injury or damage you cause to others.
Access to Cashless Garage Network
Insurers offer access to cashless garage networks, ensuring quick repairs without upfront costs.
Custom Part Coverage (Add-on)
Café racers are often customised with parts like handlebars, exhausts, seats. With the right add-ons, you can get coverage for these non-stock parts too.
Key Takeaways
Cafe Racer bikes are aesthetically pleasing and pack a wallop at the same time. Agility and style are the pillars of cafe racers. But in India, the unpredictable roads, weather, potholes, and even theft possess a high risk to cafe racer riders. Do not worry though, a good bike insurance plan can make sure you do not suffer financially because of these challenges. Just make sure you ride safely!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cafe racer legal in India?
Yes, cafe racers are legal in India, but make sure the customizations are within the legal limit or else fines are going to pile up.
Which cafe racer bike is under 2 lakh in India?
There are many options to choose from. However, Keeway SR 250 and TVS Ronin definitely stand out in the 2 lakhs segment.
Why is it called a cafe racer?
The term "café racer" originated in 1960s England, where young motorcyclists customised their bikes for speed and style-racing between cafés like the famous Ace Café.
Are café racer bikes good for daily commuting?
Café racers can be used for daily commuting, especially in urban areas, thanks to their lightweight frame and nimble handling.