Unveiling the Future of Retro: A Dynamic Honda CB750 Superbike from Italy
The Birth of a Superbike Legend
In 1969, the world witnessed the birth of a legend. The Honda CB750, widely regarded as the world's first superbike, revolutionized the motorcycle industry. Fast forward 57 years, and this iconic bike has evolved into a donor for countless custom projects, each one pushing the boundaries of creativity and performance.
A Modern Take on a Classic
The CB750 has been a staple in the world of custom motorcycles, gracing the pages of BikeExif countless times. But this particular example, crafted by the engineering and vehicle design firm Carriero Corse, is a game-changer. Led by Massimo Carriero, the Italian outfit brings a fresh perspective to the classic big four, resulting in a café racer that's both modern and timeless.
Café Racing: A Legacy of Evolution
Café racing, as Massimo explains, emerged from informal challenges between riders. As competition intensified, so did the evolution of riding skills and mechanical improvements, mirroring the development of motorsport. Carriero Corse took this principle to heart, aiming to create the wildest contemporary café racer possible.
A Radical Reimagination
The team began with a 1991-model Honda CB750 F2, implementing a series of modifications to enhance performance, refine ergonomics, and reduce weight. The rear end underwent a major overhaul, ditching the traditional twin-shock setup in favor of a mono-shock arrangement with a custom-made swingarm. This swingarm combines machined parts with sheet metal and carbon fiber sections for optimal balance and rigidity.
Ergonomics and Handling
The new swingarm is shorter, reducing the Honda's wheelbase by 136 millimeters. Fully adjustable Öhlins forks and a bespoke rocker linkage front and rear suspension ensure a smooth and responsive ride. The rear end is height-adjustable, and the linkage can be swapped out to alter the behavior of the rear suspension.
Performance and Power
Under the hood, the engine received a thorough rebuild, including a bump to 866 cc, custom pistons, bored and honed cylinders, and an increased compression ratio. The carbs were fitted with prototype foam air filters, and the five-speed transmission was replaced by a six-speed box from a Honda CBX750. The clutch system was modified with a hydraulic setup, featuring a CNC Racing slave cylinder and a custom clutch cover.
Breathing and Braking
Carriero Corse also focused on the wheels and brakes, opting for lightweight forged aluminum wheels from Marchesini and Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires. The rear wheel assembly was modified to accommodate a lightweight sprocket and a floating rear brake disc, while Brembo brake calipers grip 320 mm discs at the front.
Exhaust and Cooling
The exhaust system is an impossibly compact four-into-one titanium design, terminating in a low-slung stainless steel muffler. A PWR oil cooler with new plumbing ensures optimal engine temperature, and a Dynojet stage one kit and a tweaked ECU fine-tune the bike's performance.
Modern Meets Classic
The Honda's new bodywork is a major highlight, giving the classic CB750 a remarkably modern vibe. Carriero Corse collaborated with Colombi Design on the layout, manufacturing each part out of carbon fiber using a wet lay-up vacuum bagging process. Fuel is held in a custom-built aluminum reservoir, hidden under the carbon fiber panels.
Lighting and Design
The twin headlight setup combines Yamaha R1 units and LED daytime running light strips, housed in a 3D-printed enclosure. The only off-the-shelf part is the front fender, a Ducati Panigale part. The entire package is cohesive, with sharp lines of the bodywork perfectly framing the Honda's legendary four-cylinder mill.
A Dynamic Livery
A dynamic livery, developed in collaboration with Jackem Design, sets vivid panels of color against sections of exposed carbon fiber. The result is a fresh, progressive, and pixel-perfect café racer that's sure to turn heads.
A Legacy Continues
This Honda CB750 café racer is a testament to the enduring legacy of the CB750. It's a bike that seamlessly blends the past and future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of custom motorcycles. So, what do you think? Is this the future of retro? Let us know in the comments below!
