Honda’s CB750 was a game changer when it was first released, but by 1975 the bike had been overshadowed by the Kawasaki Z1. Honda responded with the F Super Sport alongside the K5 model. The F got a new gas tank, a rear disc brake, and a 4-into-1 exhaust. Other modifications improved horsepower and the chassis – Cycle magazine said …
“Krazy KZ” – 1978 Kawasaki KZ400
Built by Seth Hensler, this KZ400 was originally acquired for just $100 before he customized it into what you see here. There’s several clever bit, including a tail section made from a BMX helmet and a speedo from an airplane that’s driven off a pitot tube which measures air speed.
2000 AXR 1200 Cafe Sportster
View PostEnding Soon – 1993 Ducati 900SS Cafe Racer
This 900SS was cosmetically customized by the seller – he finished a month ago but needs to sell this for financial reasons. What do you think of it?
Ending Soon – 1975 Honda CB500T Cafe Racer
The T in CB500T meant that the 498cc engine was a parallel twin which produced 34 horsepower. Journalists considered the bike fairly bland and not a standout. Depending on your perspective, that either makes it an excellent or a terrible choice for customization like what’s happened with this example that’s for sale.
1989 Honda GB500
Post Listing Update: This GB500 did not meet reserve with 31 bids up to $4,292. Every so often Honda brings a bike to market just because they can. The GB500 TT seems to be one of these. Originally offered in the Japanese market Honda brought the bike to America for 1989 and ‘90. It had the look of a classic …
1986 Moto Guzzi 1000 Cafe Racer
3-15-2017 Update: Looks like that sale from a few months ago did not go through, because the bike is back up for sale. Find it with bidding up to $5,000 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post Sale Update: This Guzzi cafe sold for $7,100 after 21 bids on eBay. Built by Unique Cycles out of Monrovia, …
“Frank” – 1977 Honda CB550 Custom
2-12-17 Update – Reader Bob K notes that this bike is back up for sale. You can find it for sale here on Craigslist outside of Dallas, Texas for $13,500. Post Listing Update: Frank got a healthy 74 bids on eBay, but the final result of $7,000 was not enough to meet reserve. Called “Frank” because it’s a ‘Frankenstein’ build, …
The Bullitt Build – 2005 Triumph Bonneville Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: After 26 bids on eBay, this cafe’d Bonnie sold for $8,100. The Bullitt is a “motorcycle blog dedicated to both modern and vintage cafe racers, scramblers, trackers, bobbers and the people who ride them.” They also occasionally create some custom builds, and one of them is now back on the market.
1970 BSA Lightning Cafe Racer
In 2014, this custom BSA won first place in the Vintage Radical class at the Boardwalk Classic Bike Show in Daytona. Now this hybrid of a Lightning motor and a Firebird Scrambler frame can be yours.
“La Belva” – 2001 Buell X1 Cafe Racer in Italy
Built by Sartorie Meccaniche, this custom based on a Buell X1 Lightning is called “La Belva” – which translates to “Wild Beast.” The builders say it’s “American power with a British flavor mixed up with Italian taste.” What do you think of it?
Tonti Cafe – 1978 Moto Guzzi SP1000 Custom
12-30-16 Update: This Guzzi is back up for sale, bidding is currently at $4,600 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This Guzzi custom did not meet reserve with bidding up to $5,600 on eBay. This SP originally started as a touring bike, but this example was restored in 2013 and turned into a custom …
Jason Paul Michaels Build – 1988 Honda VT800 Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: After 19 bids on eBay, this Shadow cafe sold for $6,100. Built by Jason Paul Michaels, this Honda Shadow VT800 (a one-year only bike) was turned into a cafe racer called “Payback.” The paint scheme is reminiscent of iconic Hondas like the Black Bomber, though the riding position is quite a bit more aggressive now!
Eastern Spirit in Poland – 1979 Suzuki GS550 Custom
I love featuring custom builds that have had some internet fame because I find the asking prices/sale prices fascinating. Here’s a pretty Zook built by the Polish duo of Eastern Spirit. Asking price? $16,500.
Ending Soon – 1994 Ducati 900SS/SP Custom
This SS/SP had been sitting in the “back of a garage in Orlando” for years, until the seller (Bare Bone Rides) brought it back to life with a custom twist. Those of you that were able to make it out to AIMExpo this year may have seen this on display in the Spectro Oil booth, but it’s got a lot …