The Most Beautiful Honda CX500 Cafe Racers

Source: Popbang Classic

Beneath its classic touring appearance, the Honda CX 500 holds hidden potential for cafe racer enthusiasts.

With its sturdy frame and V-twin engine, it's perfect for becoming a café racer.

This motorcycle style combines performance and elegance.

Our selection of the most beautiful Honda CX500 cafe racers

Honda cafe racer CX500 BT01 

The Honda CX500, once overlooked by motorcycle enthusiasts, has become a favorite for cafe racer builders.

Sacha Lakic, a seasoned designer, transformed a 1982 model into a sleek, high-performance machine.

Key points of the transformation:

• Modified rear loop and suspension for a mono-shock and single seat.
• Marzocchi RAC front fork and reinforced swingarm.
• 17-inch Excel wheels with supermoto tires.
• Nissin brakes and CBR125 radiator.
• Clip-on handlebars and adapted CBR1000 footrests.
• Two-into-one exhaust and matte black, red, and aluminum finishes.

Final result: a lighter (125 kg), more maneuverable motorcycle with a decidedly sporty look.

See the full project here.

AUTOFABRICA TYPE 8 Honda CX Cafe Racer

While most builders attempt to mask the often-criticized frame line of the Honda CX500, Auto Fabrica took a very different approach.

Instead of hiding its unique traits, the workshop decided to highlight the frame’s distinctive organic shape.

By keeping the original frame and enhancing it with careful craftsmanship, Auto Fabrica created a cafe racer with a distinctive look.

A hand-shaped aluminum tank, custom seat, and exhaust line complete the picture.

Key points of the transformation:

• Preserved frame: The workshop highlighted the original frame’s organic shape.
• Custom bodywork: Aluminum tank and custom seat.
• Upgraded cycle parts: Reworked suspension, spoked wheels.
• Engine optimization: Reworked cylinder heads, tuned carburetors.
• Refined aesthetics: Custom exhaust line, detailed finishes.

This bike is a fine example of how a creative workshop can turn an ordinary motorcycle into a unique work of art.

See more photos of this project.

Honda 500 CX Cafe Racer NCT Motorcycles

It’s surprising to see tire warmers on a Honda CX500.

Known for its unique V-twin engine, shaft drive, and particular aesthetics, the CX500 isn’t exactly renowned for performance.

Yet, it’s amazing how this bike, once a favorite for delivery riders, has become a custom builders’ favorite.

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The Austrian workshop NCT Motorcycles never fails to amaze us and has a knack for perfecting every detail.

This 1978 CX500 was a personal project, a way for NCT to unleash its creativity.

The workshop's owner, David Widmann, drew inspiration from Honda's CB1100 TR concept to design this machine.

The team completely disassembled the motorcycle to transform it.

Key points of the transformation:

• Revamped cycle parts: Shortened frame, premium suspension, inverted fork.
• Custom bodywork: Redesigned tank and seat.
• Engine optimization: Air filter, custom exhaust.
• Modern electronics: Motogadget system, digital dashboard.
• Refined finishes: Special paint and high-quality components.

This bike is a true success and showcases the talent of the NCT Motorcycles team.

Join the community of cafe racer enthusiasts and create your own legendary motorcycle.

Discover our selection of parts and accessories to customize your Honda CX500 and share your project with us on social media.