Iron Macchina Customs builds a SuperHawk “Beach Tracker”…
In 1961, Honda introduced the CB77 SuperHawk, a 305cc straight-twin destined to become the company’s first sport bike. Developed out of Honda’s Grand Prix racing experience, the bike had a steel-tube frame, telescopic forks, and a power output of 28 hp — good for a top speed of nearly 105 mph.
“The editors at the time couldn’t find anything not to like about the bike. The SuperHawk was truly the “giant killer” of its time — 17 second 1/4 mile and 105mph top speed wrapped up in a tidy, small package. It shamed many a British 500 — not only in performance, but in oil-tight reliability.” –Vince Lupo, Petrolicious
The ’67 SuperHawk you see here is from Iron Macchina Customs of the Philippines, several of whose builds we’ve featured in the past. The donor came from a client who wanted the bike restored — it had been sitting in the garage for years — but with some customization. Says Paul of Iron Macchina:
“The idea was to restore the bike and make it as aggressive as possible. But I realized that the original look of a Superhawk is very iconic as it is. So we retained the whole look of it and only made a few obvious details to make it look like this.”
The team installed a new rear hoop and saddle, extended the swingarm slighltly, and went with 18-inch rims clad in Dunlop 605 tires. Nicknamed “Cholo,” the bike is now running a Monkey headlight, different bars, refurbished suspension, and most of the bike was either repainted or powder-coated.
Overall, we think the Iron Macchina did a great job at retaining the charm and character of the original CB77 while fulfilling the customer’s wishes for a more aggressive machine. Below, we talk to Paul for the full story on the build.
Honda CB77 Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
We are Iron Macchina Customs and we are based in the Philippines. We have been doing custom motorcycles since 2016. Our shop is known for high quality builds and creative concepts. From café racers to scramblers, bobbers and concept bikes. Our passion for custom bikes has been there since day one. As we improve our process along the way, our team continuously work our way up to create quality custom motorcycles.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
This Honda CB77 SuperHawk is a 1967 model.
• Why was this bike built?
Our client commissioned us to restore the bike but a with few modifications to be done. He told us that he wanted the bike restored as it had been sitting in their garage for a while.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The idea was to restore the bike and make it as aggressive as possible. But I realized that the original look of a Superhawk is very iconic as it is. So we retained the whole look of it and only made a few obvious details to make it look like this.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
We started with the chassis. We restored a few of the parts, especially the rusted panels, then we installed a rear u-bend to accommodate the new seat and extended it to have a more balanced look. We also extended the swing arm to keep the whole dimensions of the bike well proportioned. We installed 18” rims and 4.10 Dunlop 605 tires for a more rugged look.
We changed the handlebar to a short low rise and installed a Honda Monkey headlight. We also installed 340mm chrome rear suspension and installed a LED bullet tail light for better visibility at the rear. Painted the whole thing black and powder-coated the main parts including the chassis and engine covers.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Yes. We call it “Cholo”. For some reason it just fits the bike. Haha.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The bike runs like a dream! It’s old but the engine was fully restored. The front suspension had already been re-conditioned, and the rear shocks were replaced with brand new ones. When you ride it, you feel that you’re riding an old bike, but the character remains and still catches a lot of attention.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The whole outcome was indeed a sight. We kept the original look but with a touch of our design. Incorporating both and complimenting each and every part of the concept and making it really nice is something that we are proud of.
Follow the Builder
Facebook: @Ironmacchinaph
Instagram: @Ironmacchinaph
YouTube: Iron Macchina Customs
