
CCM SPITFIRE CAFE RACER (2019 - on) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 55 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (33.7 in / 855 mm) |
Weight: | Low (313 lbs / 142 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe CCM Spitfire Café Racer is something rather special, managing to mix hand built elegance with serial-production build quality.
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Draped in swathes of billet aluminium and designer labels, it would cost double the price if it was built in an artisan’s lock-up and its exclusivity makes it more appealing than anything you’ll find in your local dealer.
It might not have the performance and handling of its most popular rivals, but it’s extremely light, easy to ride and perfect for sunny Sunday cruising.
The Spitfire Cafe Racer is available alongside the Bobber. Both bikes were introduced when the original CCM Spitfire went off sale in 2018.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineDespite its name, the Café Racer isn’t a machine for tearing up the backroads, it’s more for those Sunny Sunday morning rides we all dream about. Weighing just 145kg dry, it’s supermoto-light and agile, but it doesn’t have the easy refinement of the best from BMW, Ducati, Triumph or Kawasaki - more a tougher, rawer feel.
Ride quality is on the firm side of compliant and girder-stiff billet aluminium yokes give the CCM’s front end the distinctively jarring feel of a new-generation Norton or Hesketh, or an old Bimota or Confederate.
A 19 inch front wheel and knobbly tyres don’t offer the last word in pin-sharp handling and the single front disc brake set-up won’t launch you over the bars, either, but if you want that you’re better off with a Triumph Thruxton R, or BMW R nineT.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilitySitting neatly between mass-produced and artisan, the new Café Racer is powered by a 55bhp, 600cc single-cylinder BMW-designed Husqvarna motor, hung like a piece of art in a lacquered tubular steel trellis frame, so beautiful it’ll make your beard and turn-ups itch with lust.
If it’s a performance bike you’re after, look elsewhere because the CCM is all about taking it easy, feeling good and enjoying two wheels with the gentle breeze in your face. The motor offers just the right mix of smoothness and burbling character. Power is modest, but delivered seamlessly with a throttle response so buttery it would put any mass-produced retro to shame.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueWith high quality chassis parts and a tried and tested Husky engine, you shouldn’t expect any serious problems. CCM doesn’t have a dealer network, so you’ll have to order your Spitfire Café Racer directly from the factory.
Dealing directly with the people who’ll build your bike fits right in with the ethos of the Spitfire Café Racer. Your bike will even be delivered to your door and CCM will come to you for servicing (every 3500 miles), set-up and repairs. You can also spec your bike a host of official performance accessories and cosmetic trinkets.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentFor the price you can either have 185 cut and beard trims at the Bike Shed, or an exclusive, beautifully hand built British motorcycle, dripping in mouth-watering design and parts…and a two-year warranty.
The CCM Spitfire Café Racer is a bargain. Sure, it won't have the performance of its more expensive rivals, but then all retros are going the same speed when you’re cruising past a plate glass shopfront checking out your reflection.
Equipment
You get a lot of mouth-watering kit for little money: a hand-built frame, spoked wheels, fully adjustable suspension, lots of billet ali, carbon goodies and a hand stitched seat from the same people who make posh Range Rover interiors.
Specs |
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Engine size | 600cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4v single |
Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
Fuel capacity | 14 litres |
Seat height | 855mm |
Bike weight | 142kg |
Front suspension | Marzocchi 43mm forks, fully adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single rear YSS shock, fully adjustable |
Front brake | 320mm wave discs with four-piston radial Brembo caliper |
Rear brake | 240mm rear disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper |
Front tyre size | 130/60x19 |
Rear tyre size | 130/60x19 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | £67 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £9,274 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 55 bhp |
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Max torque | 43 ft-lb |
Top speed | 110 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2016: CCM’s Spitfire range of machines born, all using the same Husqvarna-built 600cc single cylinder engine, mounted in a hand built tubular steel frame.
- 2019: Spitfire Café Racer released with clip-ons, spoked wheels, knobbly tyres and '71' race number (CCM were formed when the UK went decimal).
Other versions
Spitfire Bobber, Scrambler, Flat Tracker, Six, RAFBF 100 Sptifire, Foggy Edition. All styled differently, but the same basic spec.
Owners' reviews for the CCM SPITFIRE CAFE RACER (2019 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their CCM SPITFIRE CAFE RACER (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your CCM SPITFIRE CAFE RACER (2019 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Version: Cafe racer
Year: 2019
Great bike so easy to ride , such a laugh
Such a good standard of build quality
Buying experience: Brought from ccm new , fantastic experience
Version: Flat tracker
Year: 2019
A simple but mad little bike. Side stand will drive you mad, (and that’s it)
Riding is a blast but I’m sorry I didn’t buy the optional Front second disc and calaper🙄
Very happy with build quality and had no issues.
It’s basic but perfect for this type of bike.
Buying experience: Excellent sales team and very experienced