As the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, Honda provides an incredible foundation for cafe racer conversions. If you’re dreaming of crafting your own cafe racer and have a Honda in mind as your donor bike, the possibilities are truly vast. From iconic models that have become synonymous with the cafe racer aesthetic, such as the CB750 and the entire CB range, to the distinctive CX500, and more recently, the modern CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe, Honda offers a diverse palette for customization. Today, we’re diving into ten exceptional Honda cafe racer builds that have graced the pages of top motorcycle blogs, showcasing the breadth and brilliance of Honda Cafe Bike transformations.
1. Six Appeal – Honda CBX1000 Cafe Racer
Kicking off our top 10 Honda cafe racer showcase is a model rarely seen in the custom bike world: the Honda CBX1000. Back in 1978, this machine was Honda’s flagship, boasting a powerful 6-cylinder engine and 105 bhp. Despite a short production run of just four years and not quite meeting initial sales expectations, the CBX1000 is now highly coveted by collectors. This breathtaking CBX1000 Honda cafe racer is the creation of Michael Kopec. Standing tall at 6’4″, Michael needed a substantial bike, and the CBX was a perfect fit. Having owned several CBX models over his riding years, he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle a pristine bike. Instead, he meticulously assembled this project from parts sourced online and at swap meets. Starting with an ’82 frame, followed by a ’79 front end, and so on, Michael skillfully filled in the gaps using his CNC programming expertise to fabricate necessary components. From engine enhancements to the striking 6-into-6 exhaust system, every detail was carefully conceived and executed, with truly remarkable results.
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2. Times Two – Honda CB900F Cafe Racers
Sylvain Carignan truly hit it out of the park with his pair of CB900F Honda cafe racers. Initially seeking a single donor bike, he stumbled upon the opportunity to purchase two 1980s Honda CB900F Super Sports in bulk. With two bikes now in his workshop, the logical next step, in his mind, was to transform both into cafe racers. Over a ten-month period, he did just that. The resulting bikes are virtually identical, with only minor cosmetic variations. Sylvain drew inspiration from the classic silhouette of Honda’s CB900 Bol d’Or for the design. Leveraging his expertise in racing catamaran manufacturing, he crafted the bikes’ new tail units and incorporated modern suspension systems for enhanced handling. The electrical systems were revamped with updated components, and the wheels were converted to spokes, achieving that timeless cafe racer aesthetic. These twins exemplify the potential of the CB900F as a Honda cafe bike.
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3. Reproduction Racer – Justified Honda CR550
When considering the motorcycle that propelled Honda onto the global stage, the legendary Honda CR750 undoubtedly comes to mind. A race-spec model derived from the CB750, the CR750, ridden by the iconic Dick Mann, clinched victory at the 1970 Daytona 200. This triumph solidified Honda’s position in the US market, and the rest, as they say, is history. This street-legal CR750-inspired bike was built by South African Justin Steyn. However, this replica has a unique twist. Justin chose the CB550 Four as the base for his build, rather than the more conventional CB750. Initially aiming for a streetable RC181 replica, his vision shifted upon seeing a CR750 replica at a track event. This project was another ground-up endeavor, utilizing a diverse collection of parts to create a complete machine. Justin meticulously refined the reproduction bodywork to complement the CB550’s proportions. Instead of strictly adhering to period-correct specifications, he opted to modernize the suspension for improved track performance and had the engine professionally overhauled for enhanced power. While purists might raise an eyebrow, Justin’s Honda CR550 stands as a remarkable two-wheeled piece of art, showcasing how to create a unique Honda cafe bike.
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4. Vote of Confidence – Garth’s Honda CX500
It’s well-known that the CX500 isn’t universally loved, despite its popularity as a Honda cafe racer platform. Yet, when considering the Top 10 Cafe Racers of 2018, this particular CX500 secured the top spot, and it’s easy to see why. Built by Australian motorcycle enthusiast Garth Allison, this bike embodies countless hours of dedicated work and an exceptional eye for detail. Having worked on CX500s before, the challenges inherent in this type of build are clear. Despite these difficulties, Garth has crafted a perfectly balanced cafe racer with an engine that is impeccably clean. Reading the full story behind this beauty is truly inspiring for anyone contemplating their own cafe racer project. This CX500 demonstrates how even less conventional models can become outstanding Honda cafe bikes.
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5. The Evil Twin – Origin8or Honda CB900F
Though not typically a first choice for Honda cafe racer transformations, the CB900F offers a solid starting point. Honda marketed the CB900F as “a thundering Super-Sports bike with devastating performance and unwavering stamina,” and it lived up to the hype. Its strong sales figures mean that numerous secondhand examples are readily available on classifieds websites at surprisingly affordable prices. Canadian builder Rob Chappell, of Origin8or workshop, is well-acquainted with the CB900F platform. After selling his beloved bike to a buyer with deep pockets, Rob decided to stick with what he knew best. His ’81 Honda CB900F features a host of modifications, all aimed at enhancing performance. If any bike deserves the title of a modern cafe racer, Rob’s CB900F is a prime contender. It shows how the CB900F can be transformed into a powerful Honda cafe bike.
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6. Done and Dusted – Honda CB750 K2
Any rider who has experienced a motorcycle drop knows that sinking feeling. However, when Andy’s CB750 project took a spill, the damage went beyond minor scratches. After nearly a year of work, the bike toppled off its stand, falling from a significant height. The resulting damage was substantial and almost brought the entire project to a halt. Fortunately, Andy persevered, and the outcome of his extra effort is truly impressive. Honda CB750 cafe racers might be common these days, but there’s something special about this one. If simplicity is key to a great Honda cafe racer, then that key undoubtedly belongs in the ignition of Andy’s CB750. This build is a testament to the enduring appeal of the CB750 as a Honda cafe bike donor.
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7. The Scout – Honda CB400 Cafe Racer
Before meeting Jake, rapid prototyping and CAD modeling were unfamiliar concepts. Witnessing him 3D scan his entire Honda and then model parts directly onto the digital representation was eye-opening. He then 3D-printed test components and had the final parts laser-cut to millimeter-perfect precision. Jake’s project wasn’t without its hurdles. Despite his technological resources, the CB400 presented numerous challenges that extended the build timeline considerably. Jake’s determination and pursuit of perfection were inspiring, and seeing the finished bike was more satisfying than any TV reveal. If you’re considering a modern bike for a custom project, Jake’s CB400 is a valuable example of potential obstacles and the immense rewards of a completed build. It highlights the versatility of even smaller Hondas as a base for a Honda cafe bike.
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See also Honda Cafe Racer & CB750 on steroids – DTown Super Cafe Racer
8. Honda CBX Raw Cafe Racer
It might seem contradictory to say the Honda CBX1000 is an uncommon Honda cafe racer platform and then feature two in this list. But truly, they are exceptionally rare! This beast is the creation of Vaughan Ryan, a leading figure at Sydney’s Motor Retro workshop. At Motor Retro, Vaughan and his business partner, Georgio, teach enthusiasts the art of steel shaping for automotive applications and also craft their own custom builds. This particular bike was completed before the Motor Retro workshop opened. Although it was featured online years ago, it remains a personal favorite. The standout feature is the uniquely hand-beaten bodywork of this cafe racer. Similar to the Kawasaki Z900RS, the sheer size of the fuel tank is only truly appreciated in person. However, unlike the Kawasaki, this tank appears perfectly proportioned atop the wide 6-cylinder engine block beneath. This CBX is a prime example of a unique and powerful Honda cafe bike.
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9. Sacha Lakic Honda CX500 GTS
When Garth Allison constructed his remarkable CX500 cafe racer, he drew inspiration from a bike built over 16,000km away. This was the creation of Sacha Lakic, a furniture and interior designer from Luxembourg with a passion for motorcycles. Sacha’s Honda CX500 GTS embodies everything a great cafe racer should be: lightweight, performance-oriented, and strikingly beautiful. It served as the foundation for his Blacktrack Motors business and was eventually produced in limited quantities. Before Sacha’s work, the Honda CX500 was often unflatteringly nicknamed the “plastic maggot.” Sacha’s transformation of the CX has ensured that no one will ever view it that way again. His GTS model is a testament to how a CX500 can become a desirable Honda cafe bike.
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10. The Behemoth – Honda Goldwing Racer
Last but certainly not least is this unexpected Honda cafe racer project from Adam’s Custom Shop in Sweden. If asked to name the Honda model least suited for a cafe racer conversion, the Goldwing tourer would be a top contender. However, Adam clearly isn’t one to follow conventional wisdom, and that’s a good thing. His Goldwing might not be the most agile or lightweight cafe racer, but it undeniably makes a bold statement. And let’s be honest, a significant part of building and riding a cafe racer is about making a statement. This Goldwing proves that even the most unlikely models can be transformed into eye-catching Honda cafe bikes.
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