A few years ago, a café racer was usually a classic bike, modified with sleeker bodywork, a tuned engine, and a stubby solo seat. If you had a mental picture, it was most likely a 1970s Honda CB or a 1980s BMW airhead.
But as the mainstream factories dress up their bikes with fairings and clip-ons, many builders are moving on and ditching the classic vibe. They’re turning towards more modern machines—and blurring the lines of what a cafe racer should be.
This slick Ducati Monster 600 from England typifies the change. The café racer ethos is still there, but the retro aspect is dialed down.
Called ‘Ghost,’ this machine comes from Manchester-based builder Antony Ruggiero, a man who’s comfortable with a grinder in one hand and an iPad in the other.…