Skoda Slavia B Electric Cafe Racer Concept Unveiled: Slick Tyres, Leather Details, and Floating Design

Skoda has revealed the Slavia B Electric Cafe Racer Concept as a tribute to its 19th-century motorcycling roots. Featuring vintage leather details and futuristic components like slick tyres and LED headlamps, the bike blends heritage and innovation. However, the concept is unlikely to reach production.

By Shailendra Kushwaha Apr 29, 2025, 09:50 IST

Skoda took a retro trip down memory lane with the introduction of the Slavia B Electric Cafe Racer Concept. The new bike is a contemporary nod to the original Slavia B, a 240cc gasoline-powered motorcycle that debuted in 1899 under Laurin & Klement, a firm that would eventually become part of Skoda.

Laurin & Klement was a pioneer in motorcycle production in Europe in the late 19th century, known for reliability and racing success. Skoda honors its rich motorcycling heritage while looking to the future with the Slavia B electric concept.

A Closer Look at the Skoda Slavia B Electric Cafe Racer

Slavia B electric concept has a frame design reminiscent of the original 1899 model. For added vintage style, it has premium brown leather features — a leather seat, tool bag, handlebar grips, and foot pegs.

Instead of the traditional petrol motor, the electric version features a hovering Laurin & Klement logo, upholding the essence of the vintage motorcycle and adding an innovative minimalist, contemporary appearance. The floating-style rider seat similarly reflects this innovative design philosophy.

Contemporary touches include USD front forks, a low-set handlebar, big alloy wheels with rectangular-shaped spokes, and smooth tyres. Up front, an LED-lit SKODA logo, complemented by a pointed LED headlamp and DRLs, provides a futuristic touch.

But the stretched riding position indicates that the Slavia B electric concept is more for display than for everyday use.\

Production Plans?

It is doubtful whether the Skoda Slavia B Electric Cafe Racer will make it to mass production. It is a concept primarily based on design homage, created to illustrate Skoda's past and cutting-edge 3D modelling ability.

The vehicle was created by French designer Romain Bucaille, first with pencil sketches and then iterated using computer modelling software Skoda uses within its automotive design.

Revisiting the Original Slavia B

Introduced in 1899, the Laurin & Klement Slavia B had a 240cc air-cooled, single cylinder engine with 1.75 hp output and a maximum speed of 40 km/h. No gearbox was present; power to the rear wheel was delivered by a flat belt. Pedals were also fitted, assisting in the starting of the engine and offering auxiliary power.

From 1899 to 1904, approximately 540 units of the Slavia B were manufactured, setting the stage for Skoda's glorious path into the world of automobiles.