Readers Rides: Honda CX500 Cafe Racer

 

Chris, the owner of this Honda CX500 Cafe Racer built the bike after deciding it was time to have a ride that was a little different to everything else. He found the Honda neglected and decaying in the shed of it’s previous owner and had come up with a direction for the build before he even had it home.

The build began with a full tear down and subsequent restoration of all components going back on the bike. The frame was detagged and shortened before being resprayed in metallic brown; a salute to the Wrenchmonkees CX500 that inspired his build. Chris built the seat and tail from scratch himself which he fit to the redesigned rear loop. To maintain as close to standard handling as possible Chris had to make some suspension adjustments once the bulky Firestones were fitted. By lowering the front end and raising the back the Honda sits parallel with the tarmac and by all reports handles beautifully. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery then I’m sure the WM boys would be blushing right now.