Honda motorcycles have always been a favorite choice for cafe racer builds. Their engines are reliable, and the designs are perfect for customization. Over the years, we’ve seen builders from all over the world create stunning cafe racers using classic Honda models. Each build reflects the unique style and skills of its creator. In this article, I will share the top 10 most popular Honda cafe racers. These are not just any custom bikes; they are standout examples of creativity, craftsmanship, and performance. Whether you love the classic look or want to see modern twists, this list has it all.
Let’s dive into the first incredible build and explore what makes it special.
1. Six Appeal – Honda CBX1000 Cafe Racer by Michael Kopec
Michael Kopec’s Honda CBX1000 stands out for many reasons. It is not your typical cafe racer. The CBX1000 has a massive inline-six engine, giving it a unique look and sound. Michael sourced parts from various places, piecing them together like a puzzle. This bike features a 6-into-6 exhaust system, which you rarely see in cafe racers. The sound of the engine combined with the custom exhaust is something you must hear.
Michael paid attention to every small detail. He kept the look minimal but made sure each part fit the cafe racer style. The frame, bodywork, and even the handlebars are carefully chosen. This bike is a masterpiece of design and engineering. It shows what is possible when you have a clear vision and the right skills.
Michael’s Honda CBX1000 isn’t just about looks. The ride quality is superb too. He upgraded the suspension for better handling and stability. This build is one of the finest examples of how to turn a classic Honda into a jaw-dropping cafe racer.
2. Times Two – Honda CB900F Cafe Racers by Sylvain Carignan
Sylvain Carignan built not one but two identical Honda CB900F cafe racers at the same time. He decided to build them together, which is rare and shows his passion for the project. The Honda CB900F is known for its strong engine and classic design, making it a great base for a cafe racer.
Both bikes have a sleek and clean look. Sylvain kept the frame close to the original but updated key parts. He used modern suspension and added spoked wheels for a classic touch. The bikes are almost like twins, sharing the same features and style.
Sylvain found inspiration in the CB900 Bol d’Or, a famous racing model from the past. He wanted to bring that spirit into his builds. These bikes feel like a tribute to the original but with fresh, modern upgrades. They handle well on the road, offering a smooth and stable ride.
These two cafe racers are perfect examples of what you can do with a classic Honda model. Sylvain’s work shows his skill and love for vintage motorcycles. He gave new life to the CB900F, making it look timeless and stylish.
3. Reproduction Racer – Justified Honda CR550 by Justin Steyn
Justin Steyn’s Honda CR550 is a real eye-catcher. He started with a Honda CB550 and transformed it into a cafe racer inspired by the classic Honda CR750 racing bike. The result is a sleek and aggressive build that looks ready for the track.
Justin crafted custom bodywork to match the classic racing style. The fairing, tank, and seat fit perfectly, giving the bike a sharp and streamlined look. He focused on every little detail, making sure the parts looked good and worked well together.
Justin didn’t stop with just the body. He upgraded the suspension, brakes, and other parts to make sure the bike rides as good as it looks. The new suspension improves handling, giving the rider more control on twisty roads. This bike isn’t just about looks; it performs well too.
The Honda CR550 by Justin Steyn is a great example of blending old-school racing design with modern upgrades. It honors the history of Honda racing while giving the CB550 a fresh, new life.
4. Vote of Confidence – Honda CX500 by Garth Allison
Garth Allison took a different path with the Honda CX500. The CX500 is often overlooked as a base for cafe racers. Many think it’s too bulky. Garth proved them wrong. He turned this bike into a stylish, sleek cafe racer that catches everyone’s attention.
The most noticeable change is the clean, balanced look. Garth reshaped the tank and built a custom seat to fit the new design. He kept the frame simple but strong. The bike looks lean and well-proportioned, which is hard to do with a CX500.
Garth also made smart upgrades to the engine and suspension. The bike runs smoother and faster than before. He added modern shocks for better handling, making the ride more enjoyable. The exhaust system is unique, giving the bike a deep, powerful sound.
The Honda CX500 by Garth Allison is a real statement. It shows that with the right vision and skill, even an unexpected bike like the CX500 can become a top cafe racer.
5. The Evil Twin – Origin8or Honda CB900F by Rob Chappell
Rob Chappell from Origin8or took the Honda CB900F and turned it into a bold cafe racer called “The Evil Twin.” He named it well. The bike looks mean, with a dark, aggressive style that makes it stand out.
Rob kept the classic frame but upgraded many parts. He swapped the old suspension for a modern setup, giving the bike a better ride and handling. The new suspension makes it feel firm and responsive, perfect for city streets or mountain roads.
The engine got special treatment too. Rob added performance parts to boost power. The bike roars when you twist the throttle. He also built a custom exhaust that gives it a deep, loud sound. It grabs your attention right away.
The design is sleek and simple. The tank and seat flow together, making the bike look like one solid piece. The black paint and polished metal parts give it a clean, sharp look. Rob didn’t add any extra fluff. Everything on this bike serves a purpose.
The Honda CB900F by Rob Chappell is a masterpiece. It’s fast, stylish, and made for riders who love the thrill of a powerful cafe racer.
6. Done and Dusted – Honda CB750 K2 by Andy
Andy’s Honda CB750 K2 is a bike with a story. He faced many problems while building it, but he did not give up. This cafe racer shows his hard work and patience.
Andy started with a rusty old Honda CB750 K2. It was in bad shape, but he saw the potential. He stripped it down, removed the old parts, and began rebuilding it from scratch. The bike now looks clean and sharp, with a minimalist design that catches the eye.
The tank has a classic shape that fits the style of the cafe racer perfectly. He chose a single-seat setup, which gives the bike a sleek and sporty look. The frame is simple and light, making the bike feel agile on the road.
Andy upgraded the engine and added a new exhaust system. The bike sounds loud and powerful, like a proper cafe racer should. He also fitted modern brakes and shocks, so the bike rides smoothly and stops quickly.
This Honda CB750 K2 shows that you can bring an old bike back to life. Andy’s build is a great example of how patience and effort can turn a worn-out motorcycle into a stunning cafe racer.
7. The Scout – Honda CB400 Cafe Racer by Jake
Jake’s Honda CB400 is a mix of old-school style and modern tech. The Honda CB400 may be a smaller bike, but Jake made it a true cafe racer. It’s light, fast, and looks amazing.
Jake used advanced tools like 3D scanning to design custom parts. He made sure everything fit perfectly. The tank, seat, and tail piece look like one smooth line. The design feels balanced and simple, with no extra parts or clutter.
The engine got a full rebuild. Jake wanted the bike to be quick and reliable. He added new pistons, tuned the carbs, and installed a performance exhaust. The bike sounds great and feels strong when you ride it.
He also upgraded the suspension and brakes. The new shocks give a comfortable ride, even on bumpy roads. The modern disc brakes make stopping easy and safe. Jake chose spoked wheels to keep the classic look, but they are lightweight for better speed.
This Honda CB400 by Jake is a perfect blend of the past and the future. It’s a great example of how a small bike can pack a big punch.
8. Honda CBX Raw Cafe Racer by Vaughan Ryan
Vaughan Ryan took a bold step with the Honda CBX1000. This model is known for its powerful inline-six engine, which makes it different from most cafe racers. Vaughan decided to keep this engine as the main feature of the build. The result is a raw, aggressive bike that looks and sounds incredible.
Vaughan stripped the bike down to its basics. He wanted it to feel light and fast. He removed the heavy stock parts and replaced them with custom-made pieces. The tank and seat have a simple, sleek design that fits the cafe racer look.
The engine stands out the most. Vaughan left it exposed, showing off its size and power. He added a custom exhaust that amplifies the deep, growling sound of the six cylinders. It is loud, and it turns heads wherever it goes.
Vaughan upgraded the suspension and brakes too. The bike handles well at high speeds, giving the rider a confident, smooth experience. He kept the paint and finish minimal, focusing on the raw metal look. It feels like a pure machine, built for speed and performance.
The Honda CBX Raw by Vaughan Ryan is a rare and unique cafe racer. It shows what can be done with a bit of imagination and a lot of skill.
9. Sacha Lakic Honda CX500 GTS
Sacha Lakic built a stunning cafe racer based on the Honda CX500. The CX500 is not a typical choice for cafe racers. It has a bulky engine and unusual shape. Sacha took this challenge and made it work beautifully.
The first thing you notice is the sleek design. Sacha reshaped the tank and seat to give the bike a smooth, flowing line. It looks fast even when it’s standing still. He removed all extra parts to make the bike as light as possible. The focus was on a clean, minimalist style.
The engine got a full tune-up. Sacha made sure it runs strong and sounds good. He fitted a new exhaust system that gives the bike a deep, throaty sound. It grabs your attention right away.
He added modern shocks and brakes to make the ride safer and more comfortable. The bike feels firm and balanced on the road. The wheels are lightweight, helping the bike move quickly and easily.
This Honda CX500 GTS by Sacha Lakic is a beautiful mix of old and new. It shows how you can take a unique model and turn it into a stylish, fast cafe racer.
10. The Behemoth – Honda Goldwing Racer by Adam’s Custom Shop
Adam from Adam’s Custom Shop took a big risk with his build. He used a Honda Goldwing, a bike known for touring, not racing. Most people would never think of turning a Goldwing into a cafe racer. Adam made it happen, and the result is amazing.
The first thing Adam did was strip the bike down. The Goldwing is heavy with lots of extra parts. He removed everything not needed, leaving only the essentials. The bike now looks slim and strong. He reshaped the tank and seat to fit the cafe racer style, giving it a fresh and sporty look.
The engine of the Goldwing is big. It is what makes this build special. Adam kept the engine but added performance upgrades. The bike now sounds loud and deep, like a powerful muscle car. The custom exhaust highlights the growl of the engine, making it unforgettable.
Adam also upgraded the suspension and brakes. He added modern shocks to handle the extra weight and power. The new brakes are strong, giving the rider full control even at high speeds. The bike feels surprisingly light and easy to handle.
The Honda Goldwing Racer by Adam’s Custom Shop is unique. It pushes the limits of what a cafe racer can be. It shows that even a big touring bike can become a fast, stylish cafe racer with the right vision.
The Final Word on Top Honda Cafe Racers
We have seen some amazing builds in this list. Each bike shows the creativity and skills of its builder. Honda motorcycles are popular in the cafe racer world because they are strong and versatile. Whether it’s a Honda CB750, a CX500, or even a big Goldwing, these bikes can transform into stunning cafe racers.
Each of the bikes we covered has its own story and unique style. Michael Kopec’s CBX1000 impressed with its loud exhaust and smooth design. Sylvain Carignan built two beautiful CB900F twins that look like classic racers. Justin Steyn turned the CB550 into a track-ready machine inspired by Honda’s racing history.
Garth Allison’s CX500 showed us that even a bulky bike can become a sleek cafe racer. Rob Chappell’s “Evil Twin” proved the CB900F can be both fast and stylish. Andy brought a worn-out CB750 back to life, showing that patience can turn a rusty bike into a masterpiece.
Jake’s modern take on the CB400 blends classic style with new tech. Vaughan Ryan left the CBX1000 raw and powerful, showing off the huge engine. Sacha Lakic turned the CX500 into a work of art. Adam’s Goldwing build pushed the limits, turning a heavy touring bike into a true cafe racer.
All these bikes inspire us. They remind us that a cafe racer is more than just a motorcycle. It is a piece of art. It is a way to show the builder’s vision and style. These bikes tell stories of hard work, passion, and creativity. If you love cafe racers, these Honda builds are great examples to look at.
I hope you enjoyed this list of top Honda cafe racers. Maybe it gave you some ideas for your own bike or helped you appreciate the craft behind these builds. Each bike on this list proves that with the right vision, any Honda motorcycle can become a stunning cafe racer.
FAQs
What is a cafe racer?
A cafe racer is a lightweight, fast motorcycle designed for quick rides over short distances. It has a minimalist look, with a focus on speed and handling. The style began in the 1960s in England.
Why are Honda motorcycles popular for cafe racer builds?
Honda bikes are reliable and have strong engines. They are easy to find and have a simple design, making them good for customization. Many builders choose Honda models for these reasons.
Can I turn any Honda model into a cafe racer?
Is it expensive to build a Honda cafe racer?
The cost depends on the bike’s condition and the parts you choose. Starting with a used bike can save money. Custom parts and professional help will add to the cost. Planning your budget is important.
Do I need special skills to build a cafe racer?
Basic mechanical skills are helpful. Tasks like changing parts, painting, and tuning the engine are common. If you are new to this, you can learn or ask for help from experts. Many builders enjoy the learning process.
