At its introduction in 1978, the 95-hp Yamaha XS1100 — aka the XS Eleven — was the world’s fastest production motorcycle, clocking off the quarter mile in 11.78 seconds — a time unmatched by any […]
Tag: Cafe Racers
Honda CB500T “Sakura” by Unik Edition
Only available from 1975-76, the Honda CB500T was an evolution of the CB450, featuring a longer stroke parallel twin engine, 50cc more displacement, and a few assorted upgrades, such as ball-type main bearings. While it […]
Fur1ous 9e0rge: 190cc Honda Z50R Monkey
The meanest little monkey in California… Some ten years after the introduction of the original Honda Z50A monkey bike, Honda noticed an increasing demand for a more aggressive, race-ready minibike to meet the needs of […]
Honda CB650 “Jasmine” by Red Right Hand
Introduced in 1979, the Honda CB650 would become the last of the air-cooled SOHC fours. An evolution of the beloved CB550, the 650 was built on the same production line and included a nearly identical […]
WKND Virago: Yamaha XV750 by De Stijl Moto
A JDM-inspired Virago from Portland… Introduced in 1981, the Yamaha XV750 Virago was the company’s first foray into the market for V-twin cruisers, featuring mono-shock rear suspension, shaft-drive, and an air-cooled 75° V-twin producing 55 […]
Two-Stroke Triple: Kawasaki S2 “V2.0” by Brian Cox
In 1972, Kawasaki introduced the S2 Mach II, a 350cc two-stroke triple that made 45 horsepower at 8000 rpm and weighed 330 pounds. Unlike its legendary big sibling, the widow-making 500cc H1 Mach III, the […]
The Low Rider: Honda CX500 by Seb’s Atelier
The Honda CX500 was a strange bird when introduced in 1978, sporting a host of innovative technology for the era. The most obvious feature was the transverse 80° V-twin that led some enthusiasts to term […]
Street Sweeper: Kawasaki ZRX1100 by Motor League
A ZRX risen from the Philly streets… The Kawasaki ZRX1100 was a throwback to the muscle bikes of the 1980s, a retro-styled machine that recalled the Eddie Lawson superbikes of yore, sporting a retuned 1052cc […]
’80s Glory: Honda CBX750 “Flávia” by Unik Edition
An ’80s sport bike, well upgraded… Introduced in 1984, the Honda CBX750 — aka the RC17 — was developed from the CB750 and sold mainly in Europe and Australia. The bike’s DOHC 16-valve engine produced […]
La Mama: Aprilia “RS154” by AG Custom
“La Mama” — a GP-inspired two-stroke, created in tribute to the builder’s mother… Built from 1994 to 2012, the Aprilia RS125 was a street-legal two-stroke GP replica, derived from the company’s racing success in the […]
