How to Increase the Top Speed of a Honda CB Café Racer | A Quick guide

So, you’ve got your Honda CB Café Racer, and now you’re ready to take it a bit further. You’re probably asking yourself, “How do I increase the top speed of a Honda CB Café Racer?” It’s a great question, and many café racer fans ask it when they start making changes to their bikes.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to boost your Honda CB’s speed safely and smartly. Whether looking for small, easy fixes or bigger upgrades for more power, this article will cover everything you need.

Let’s break it down, step by step.

Performance Mods to Increase the Top Speed of a Honda CB Café Racer

When it comes to making your Honda CB Café Racer faster, the engine is usually the best place to start. It’s the heart of your bike. Improving how the engine works can make a big difference in how fast you can go.

Air Filters

Think of your air filter like the lungs of your bike. If your Honda CB Café Racer can breathe better, it can perform better. Replacing the stock air filter with a high-performance one, like a K&N air filter, lets more air flow into the engine. This allows the engine to mix more air with fuel, giving it the boost it needs to run faster and smoother.

• Why it works: More air equals more power.
• What to look for: High-performance filters (K&N is a great choice).
• How to install: It’s a simple bolt-on upgrade you can do in your garage.

Exhaust System

Another big upgrade is changing the stock exhaust system for a free-flow exhaust. The exhaust helps your bike get rid of the gases made during combustion, and the faster it does that, the faster your engine can run.

Using an aftermarket exhaust reduces back pressure in the system, helping the engine breathe easier. Options like the Irnox racing exhaust are popular because they not only boost performance but also give your bike that classic café racer sound.

• Why it works: Reduces back pressure, improves airflow.
• What to look for: Free-flowing exhaust systems with performance benefits.
• How to install: Professional installation is recommended, but you can do it at home with the right tools.

Carburetor Tuning

Your carburetor controls how fuel mixes with air, and getting this right is key for better performance. Tuning your carburetor for the best air-to-fuel ratio is one of the easiest ways to increase your top speed. You could also upgrade to a Dell’Orto carburetor for more precision and better performance.

• Why it works: Better fuel mixture means more efficient combustion.
• What to look for: High-quality carburetors, proper tuning.
• How to tune: You can do this with some knowledge, but getting a pro might be safer.

Engine Overhaul

If you’re aiming for bigger improvements, an engine overhaul might be the way to go. Things like porting and polishing the engine, increasing its size (displacement), or even swapping it for a bigger engine are all options.

• Why it works: More power directly from the engine.
• What to look for: Larger displacement, porting, and polishing.
• How to install: This is a major mod, and you’ll probably need professional help.

These videos also offer some ideas. My goal is to give you some ideas that you can easily implement on your Honda CB Cafe Racer to increase your top speed.

Upgrading Gearing to Increase the Top Speed of a Honda CB Café Racer

Once you’ve worked on the engine, the next step is to check your gearing. Adjusting the gearing on your Honda CB can make a big difference in how fast your bike can go. It’s all about finding the right balance between acceleration and top speed.

Final Drive Gearing

By changing the size of your front or rear sprocket, you can either boost acceleration or increase your top speed. For example, a larger front sprocket or a smaller rear sprocket will lower the engine RPM at higher speeds, letting your bike go faster.

• Why it works: It changes the balance between acceleration and top speed.
• What to look for: A good brand for sprockets.
• How to install: It’s a fairly simple change you can do with basic tools.

Transmission Adjustments

Another option is adjusting your bike’s gear ratios. Changing the internal transmission gearing can help you get better top-end speed, but this is a more complex job than just changing the sprockets.

• Why it works: It fine-tunes the gear ratios for higher top speed.
• What to look for: A skilled mechanic, as this is an advanced change.
• How to install: It’s best to leave this to a professional.

Improving Aerodynamics

Now that you’ve sorted out your bike’s engine and gearing, let’s talk about how your Honda CB moves through the air. Café racers are famous for their sleek, minimalist design, but there’s always room to improve the aerodynamics.

Café Racer Design Influence

The shape of your Honda CB Café Racer has a big effect on how fast it can go. Changing the design to reduce drag will help you reach higher speeds. A simple way to do this is by adding a streamlined fairing.

• Why it works: It reduces drag, allowing the bike to move through the air more easily.
• What to look for: Lightweight materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber.
• How to install: Fairings are usually bolted on, but for custom work, it’s best to have a professional fit them.

Weight Reduction

Cutting down the weight of your bike is another easy way to improve speed. You can replace heavy parts with lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. Every pound you remove makes it easier for the engine to push the bike forward, increasing your speed.

• Why it works: Less weight equals more speed.
• What to look for: Lightweight parts like wheels, frames, and body panels.
• How to install: Many parts are simple to swap out, but some may need custom fitting.

Read More: [The Legendary Honda CB 750 Cafe Racer | A Complete Guide]

Read More: [Honda CB550 Cafe Racer | Build & Customize Your Dream Bike]

Read More: [Honda CB350 Cafe Racer | Everything You Need to Know]

Suspension and Handling Adjustments

Now, let’s talk about handling. A faster bike needs to be more stable, especially at high speeds. Upgrading your suspension will not only help you manage the speed better but also make your ride smoother and more comfortable.

Upgrading Shocks and Forks

Upgrading your shocks and forks can improve your bike’s stability when going fast. Stiffer, performance-focused suspension setups like progressive springs and performance shocks will help your bike handle the extra power.

• Why it works: Improves stability and control at high speeds.
• What to look for: Adjustable suspension systems or aftermarket shocks and forks.
• How to install: You can install them at home with some mechanical skills, but a professional might be needed for proper tuning.

Tire Selection

Tires are a big part of both speed and safety. High-performance tires offer better grip and handling, which is essential when you’re pushing your Honda CB to higher speeds.

• Why it works: Better tires give better grip and control.
• What to look for: Tires made for high performance and speed, like Pirelli Diablo Rosso or Michelin Pilot Power.
• How to install: Tires should be installed by a professional to make sure they’re balanced and safe.

Electrical and Spark Plug Upgrades

We’ve talked about engine mods, gearing changes, and handling, but did you know that even smaller, simpler upgrades to your electrical system can make a big difference? Yes, they can! Especially when it comes to getting the most out of your Honda CB Café Racer’s performance. By improving ignition and making sure your bike’s electrical system runs at its best, you’re ensuring your engine gets the strongest spark possible. This leads to better combustion, which helps boost your bike’s top speed.

High-Performance Ignition Coils

One of the easiest electrical upgrades is swapping out your stock ignition coil for a high-performance one. The ignition coil converts your bike’s battery voltage into the higher voltage needed to spark the spark plugs. The stronger the spark, the better the combustion of your air-fuel mixture.

• Why it works: A stronger spark gives better combustion, which means more power for your engine.
• What to look for: High-performance ignition coils from brands like Dyna or Accel.
• How to install: It’s an easy swap that can be done at home with basic tools.

Iridium Spark Plugs

When it comes to spark plugs, a small upgrade can make a big impact. Standard plugs work fine, but if you want to boost your bike’s performance, upgrading to iridium spark plugs is a great choice. These plugs last longer and give a stronger, more consistent spark, leading to better combustion and a small but noticeable power boost.

• Why it works: Iridium spark plugs provide a more reliable spark, which leads to more efficient combustion.
• What to look for: Iridium plugs from brands like NGK or Denso.
• How to install: It’s a simple job. All you need is the right socket wrench to switch out the old plugs for the new ones.

Brakes and Safety Considerations

Let’s step back from all the speed talk and focus on something just as important: safety. Speed is exciting, but you’ll want to make sure your Honda CB Café Racer can handle all that new power. Upgrading your brakes and keeping safety in mind as you modify your bike is crucial.

Upgraded Brake Systems

The faster your bike goes, the more stopping power you’ll need. Upgrading from stock brakes to high-performance disc brakes will give you the stopping power you need to ride safely. Plus, you’ll have better control when taking corners at higher speeds.

• Why it works: Better brakes mean better stopping power, which is very important at higher speeds.
• What to look for: Disc brake upgrades, performance brake pads, and brake fluid that can handle higher temperatures.
• How to install: It’s best to have brake upgrades done by a professional to ensure proper installation and safety.

Safety Gear

Finally, if you’re making your Honda CB faster, you should also upgrade your personal safety gear. This means getting a good-quality helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. A full-face helmet is a must for higher speeds, and it’s smart to look into armored jackets and pants for extra protection.

• Why it works: The right gear protects you if there’s an accident.
• What to look for: DOT or ECE-rated helmets, armored jackets, and gloves from trusted brands.
• How to use: Always wear your safety gear, even for short rides!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Modifying your Honda CB Café Racer is an exciting project, but there are some common mistakes that many riders make. Let’s look at a few of these mistakes so you can avoid them.

Over-Tuning

A common mistake is trying to upgrade too many parts at once without thinking about how they’ll work together. For example, upgrading your carburetor, exhaust, and air filter all at the same time can cause problems if the changes aren’t balanced. Over-tuning can lead to a bike that’s hard to ride, unreliable, or even dangerous.

• What to avoid: Making several big changes without proper tuning.
• Solution: Upgrade in stages and consult a mechanic to make sure everything works smoothly together.

Ignoring Handling

Another mistake is focusing only on speed and forgetting about your bike’s handling. A fast bike is great, but it won’t be fun if you can’t control it at higher speeds. Always upgrade your suspension and brakes along with the engine to make sure your bike is both safe and fun to ride.

• What to avoid: Only upgrading speed without improving handling and safety.
• Solution: Balance speed upgrades with handling and safety improvements.

Cheap Parts

It’s tempting to save money by buying cheap aftermarket parts, but this can lead to poor performance and reliability issues later on. Always invest in high-quality parts, especially for important areas like your engine and brakes.

• What to avoid: Using low-quality aftermarket parts.
• Solution: Invest in trusted brands and get professional installations for key components.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Now that you know the best ways to boost the top speed of your Honda CB Café Racer, it’s time to get started! Whether you go for small upgrades like an air filter and spark plugs, or take on bigger projects like a full engine overhaul and gearing changes, always remember to balance performance with safety.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

• Engine Upgrades: Start with simple mods like air filters and exhaust, then think about bigger changes like carburetor tuning or engine overhauls.
• Gearing Adjustments: Adjust your sprockets or transmission to find the right mix of acceleration and top speed.
• Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction: Streamline your bike and swap out heavy parts for lightweight options.
• Suspension and Handling: Upgrade your shocks, forks, and tires to handle the extra power.
• Electrical and Spark Plug Upgrades: Improve your ignition system for better combustion and efficiency.
• Brakes and Safety: Don’t forget to upgrade your brakes and always wear the right safety gear.

By following this guide, you’ll not only increase the top speed of your Honda CB Café Racer, but also ensure it’s a safe, reliable, and fun ride. 

FAQs

Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Modifying your Honda CB Café Racer for more speed involves mechanical changes that can affect the safety, legality, and reliability of your bike. We strongly recommend talking to a certified mechanic or professional before making any major changes. Also, some modifications could void your warranty or be against local traffic laws. Always make sure any changes you make follow the rules in your area, and prioritize safety by using high-quality parts and professional installations. Riding at high speeds comes with risks, so please ride responsibly and always wear the right safety gear.