When we talk about custom motorcycles, the Honda CB series is a big name, especially in the café racer community. These bikes have been around for a long time, but people still love them. Why? Because they have the perfect mix of old-school style and modern power.
But what makes Honda CB café racers still so cool today? Are they just old bikes from the past, or are they still popular in today’s motorcycle world?
In this article, we’ll find out why people still love Honda CB café racers. It’s not just because they are reliable and easy to change, but also because they make riders feel excited and happy. Whether you’re a long-time motorcycle fan or new to the café racer scene, you’ll see why these bikes are still so special. Let’s look at why the Honda CB series is still on top.
What is a Honda CB Café Racer?
Before we explore why they’re so loved, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a café racer is. A café racer is a lightweight, powerful motorcycle built for speed and control, not comfort. It started in the 1960s when riders in Europe would race from café to café, which is where the name comes from. The Honda CB series, known for being reliable, affordable, and easy to customize, quickly became a top choice for turning into café racers.
But there’s more to it: it’s not just about the bike. It’s also about the community and the lifestyle around it. The café racer community is a close group of fans who love modifying their bikes, exchanging ideas, and keeping the tradition going. Honda CB models, like the CB750 and CB550, often lead these discussions.
Why Are Honda CB Café Racers Still Popular Today?
1. Reliability and Customizability
One of the main reasons Honda CB café racers have lasted so long is their reliability. Honda’s engines, especially in the CB series, are famous for being almost indestructible. These bikes, especially the Honda CB750 and CB550, can handle rough treatment and still run perfectly.
Even after many years, you’ll see plenty of Honda CBs on the road. They’re often customized to look amazing but still provide the same steady performance. The large supply of aftermarket parts also makes these bikes perfect for anyone wanting a custom build. Whether you’re upgrading the suspension or adding a custom exhaust, you can easily find parts without much trouble or expense.
2. Affordability of Honda CBs
When compared to newer motorcycles, Honda CB models are usually more affordable. This makes them a great starting point for those just entering the café racer world. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a CB550 or CB750, and once you own one, the cost of parts and upkeep is quite reasonable.
For many, the low cost combined with the ability to customize makes the Honda CB series very appealing. It gives both new and experienced riders the chance to own a one-of-a-kind bike that shows off their personal style, without spending too much money.
3. A Classic Look That Never Goes Out of Style
Café racers are all about that retro style, and the Honda CB series is the perfect base for this look. There’s something special about the clean lines and simple design of a Honda CB café racer that keeps winning over motorcyclists.
The classic look of Honda CB café racers never gets old. Even though modern bikes are faster and more high-tech, the café racer’s smooth, vintage look always stays in style. Whether you’re riding down the street or stopping at a bike meet, a Honda CB café racer will definitely get attention.
4. The Community Loves Honda CBs
Ask any café racer enthusiast, and they’ll tell you that the Honda CB series has a special place in their heart. These bikes have built a strong legacy in the café racer community, and that legacy keeps growing. Whether it’s on online forums, at bike meets, or in social media groups, there’s always a lot of love for Honda CB café racers.
This feeling of community is a big reason why these bikes stay so popular. Riders enjoy sharing tips on how to modify their CBs, what parts to use, and how to keep them running smoothly. It’s not just about owning a bike—it’s about being part of something bigger.
Which Honda CB Models Are Best for Café Racers?
Now, if you’re thinking about joining the café racer community, you might be wondering: Which Honda CB models are the best for café racer builds? Let me break it down for you.
Honda CB750
The Honda CB750 is probably the most iconic model for café racer builds. It’s often called the “Original Superbike,” and for a good reason. With its strong engine and sturdy frame, the CB750 is a great base for anyone wanting to build a café racer. Plus, there are plenty of aftermarket parts available, making customization easy.
Honda CB550
If the CB750 feels a bit too big for you, the Honda CB550 is another great option. It’s lighter and more agile than the CB750, making it ideal for those who want a more nimble bike. Many riders also prefer the CB550 for its handling and balance, which are key for a café racer.
Honda CB350 and CB400
- Honda CB350
- Honda CB400
For those looking for something smaller, the Honda CB350 and CB400 are great choices. These bikes are perfect for riders who don’t need a lot of power but still want that classic look. They’re simple to work on, and like the bigger models, parts are easy to find.
Modern Builds and Customizations for Honda CB Café Racers
While the classic look of a Honda CB café racer is what first catches people’s attention, many builders are now adding modern technology to their builds. Tools like CAD modeling and 3D printing are used to make custom parts that fit each bike perfectly. This mix of old-school style with new technology is keeping the café racer scene fresh and exciting.
Builders are also adding modern parts like USD forks and monoshock suspensions to boost the performance of these vintage bikes. These upgrades not only make the bikes more fun to ride but also improve handling and safety.
How the Café Racer Community Feels About Honda CB Models
In the café racer world, the Honda CB series holds a special spot for many riders. People really love these bikes because they’re reliable, easy to customize, and offer a great starting point for building something unique. Ask any rider about their first CB, and you’ll often hear stories about long nights in the garage or the excitement of that first ride. For most, these bikes are more than just machines—they’re a passion.
Of course, owning an older bike like a CB comes with some challenges. They need regular maintenance, and parts will wear out over time. But for most café racer fans, this is part of the charm. There’s a lot of satisfaction in learning how to keep these bikes running well, doing the repairs yourself, and making them truly yours. It’s not just about riding; it’s about keeping a piece of motorcycle history alive while putting your own personal touch on it.
Why Honda CB Café Racers Continue to Stand the Test of Time?
So, are Honda CB café racers still popular in the café racer community? Absolutely! Their reliability, affordability, and customizability make them a top pick for riders of all skill levels. The classic look of these bikes, along with the strong community around them, ensures that Honda CB café racers will be loved for many years to come.
Whether you’re building your own custom café racer or just admiring the beauty of these bikes, the Honda CB series remains a key part of the café racer world. And with modern technology bringing even more creativity and customization, the future is bright for these iconic machines.
FAQs
Why are Honda CB models so popular for café racer builds?
Honda CB models, like the CB750, CB550, and CB350, are popular for café racer builds because they are reliable, affordable, and easy to customize. These bikes have strong engines that last a long time, and there are plenty of parts available to modify them. Riders also love the simple, classic look of the Honda CB series, which fits the café racer style perfectly.
What makes a Honda CB a good base for customization?
The Honda CB series is great for customization because of its simple design, strong engine, and easy access to parts. These bikes can be modified in many ways to match a rider’s personal style. Whether you want to upgrade the suspension, change the exhaust, or alter the bodywork, the Honda CB’s straightforward frame and engine make it a favorite for café racer builds.
What are some common challenges with owning an older Honda CB model?
Even though Honda CBs are reliable, owning an older model can come with challenges. These bikes need regular maintenance, and parts can wear out over time. Finding original or aftermarket replacements might take some extra effort. Since these bikes are vintage, owners may also need to learn basic repairs to keep them running smoothly.
Which Honda CB model is the best for a café racer project?
The Honda CB750 is often seen as the best model for café racer builds because of its power and size. It’s called the “Original Superbike” and provides a lot of space for customization. For those who want something smaller, the Honda CB550 or CB350 are also great options. They’re lighter and easier to handle but still offer plenty of customization possibilities.
Is it difficult to maintain a Honda CB café racer?
Maintaining a Honda CB café racer can be a bit challenging because the bikes are older, but that’s part of the fun for many enthusiasts. Regular maintenance like oil changes and checking parts is necessary to keep the bike running well. Learning basic repairs and having access to replacement parts will make things easier. Many riders enjoy the process of working on their CB and find it rewarding.
