“A café racer is a lightweight, lightly powered motorcycle optimized for speed and handling rather than comfort – and for quick rides over short distances. With bodywork and control layout recalling early 1960’s Grand Prix road racing motorcycles, café racers are noted for their visual minimalism, featuring low-mounted handlebars, prominent seat cowling and elongated fuel tank – and frequently knee-grips indented in the fuel tank.

The term developed among British motorcycle enthusiasts of the early 1960s, specifically the Rocker or “Ton-Up Boys” subculture, where the bikes were used for short, quick rides between cafés – in other words, drinking establishments.”

And Royal Enfield has left no stone unturned in making sure it fits that definition.

This stunning piece of eye candy looks absolutely stunning in the bright set of colors it comes in – Red, Yellow and Black; and looks exactly as if it just popped out of a 70’s automotive magazine. But amazingly though, the engineering that has gone into making the 535 cc. EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) engine is the exact opposite. The dynamic “Butterfly” chasis along with the Brembo disc setup on both the front and back along with braided brake cables work like a charm. And so does the instrument cluster which comes with a digital odometer and trip meter, much unlike other Royal Enfields, except the latest Thunderbird ofcourse.

Its an amazingly nimble and fast machine even though it weighs near about  184 kilos. The motorcycle looks really premium from a distance, but on close inspection, the plastic mudguards on the front and rear along with welding marks throughout the entire chasis really makes you lose the premium feel.

The bike felt really compatible for the highway but on the city roads it felt like a pain in the butt. I’ve made a city ride and review video on the motorcycle which you can see below.

Well if I had to reach a final verdict on this bike, then I’d have to say that one should not buy this motorcycle if they want it for all round use. This definitely isn’t an everyday bike. The price it comes for is also not on the very affordable end; 2.35 lakhs on-road. But for the occasional tourer hiding inside of you which only loves coming out on weekends and holidays, this is the bike that best fits your taste.

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