The BMW R100 was the last of the airheads, with nearly 1000cc of flat-twin punch on tap and all the history of the legendary boxer engine concentrated into a single machine. When Sebastien Ledis of […]
Tag: Cafe Racers
Sharp & Aggressive: Honda CX500 by Be Unique Original Customs
It’s safe to assume that no Honda engineer or executive anticipated that the Honda CX500, more than 40 years after its launch, would become a mainstay of the 21st century custom motorcycle movement. Introduced in […]
Softail Cafe Racer: Harley-Davidson “Gnews” by Mr Martini
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is a softail best known for its solid-cast wheels and massive presence. The Evolution version, built from 1990-1998, featured an 82 cubic-inch (1340cc) V-twin and quickly earned a firm place in […]
The Raven: Yamaha XS1100 “Il Corvino” by Licari Co.
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 […]
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 […]
