We are starting with a very different pair of Hondas this week: a sleek CX650 from Bulgaria and a fierce CB750 from Texas. Add to that the limited edition GSX by Suzuki France and a stunning Ducati 750 F1 Bol d’Or replica.
Tossa’s Honda CX650 CHEAP The custom based Honda CX500 is two cents, but we don’t see many people using its big brother CX650. Which is a pity, because the 673cc variant is a significantly sportier bike, with 25% more power and a much wider torque curve.
This elegant cafe racer from the workshop in Bulgaria Cheap Tossa evoke that sporty feeling, with an upgraded suspension to match.
Shop owner Assen Zahariev intentionally avoids researching previous CX builds, preferring to start with a clean plate. The main work included swapping the front end using Yamaha R6 forks, along with dual disc brake discs and floating brake calipers.
The exhaust system has been removed just below the V-twin engine, lightening the image at the rear. The breathable subframe reveals the new rear monoshock, which sits directly behind a pair of free-flowing air filters.
The new tail unit also introduces a clear line running from the rear through the cylinder heads and header tubes, highlighting the forward hunched stance. And for added visual balance, the rear wheel has been fitted with a lightweight moon disc.
It’s a clever trick and a very modern look for the CX650. If you don’t want to eat, contact Tossa R in Sofia for your own version — they’re planning to build a bunch of these bikes. [Via]
Suzuki GSX-S950 R by AD Koncept The French company Suzuki has a long track record of producing interesting ‘special’ cars. A few months ago, they released a set of accessories for the GSX range to celebrate their victory at the World Endurance Championship. And at the last French GP, they launched the limited edition GSX-950.
We don’t know what this bike is meant to celebrate, but Suzuki probably won’t give up the MotoGP championship at the end of this season.
There will be fifty ‘R’ examples of the GSX-S950 built and the workshop behind this program is AD Koncept by Pons — highly rated carrosserier motorcycle. AD Koncept raided Suzuki’s spare parts bins and accessories catalog, and made a few more discreet upgrades as well.
There’s the Akrapovič silencer, new saddle, complete headlight assembly and new carbon fiber composite body panels. The entire frame is finished with a new black and gold paint job.
The cost for this work is completely justified: €1,550 ($1,670) is higher than the price of the regular GSX-S950. We think these will improve and they will likely hold up well in the years to come. [Via]
Tyson Carver’s Honda CB750 The classic Honda CB platform makes for some of the nicest customs to be found, but to be honest – many of those bikes are show bikes and inactive. This machine is from Texan Tyson Carver though very different, with Bill Benton drag racing frame and a seriously hot rod engine.
Tyson built the occasional custom in a workshop in his backyard, and here’s a commission from a fellow enthusiast. The customer saw the first bike Tyson built — another CB750, way back in 2013 — and wanted a “classic approach to premium parts.”
Those parts are definitely premium. The genuine racing chassis is now powered by a 915 cc engine and powered by 34mm Mikuni RS carbs. Internal upgrades were handled by Cycle X specialist, and Tyson fitted a freestyle 4-in-1 exhaust system to take full advantage of the new-found power.
After modifying the frame to make the engine more accessible, Tyson assembled the front end from the 2010 Suzuki GSX-R and the longer swingarm – taken from the CB550. (It connects to Öhlins’ new shocks.)
This tank is still original, albeit repainted, and has a custom seat and tail section for an old-fashioned cafe racer look. The ARD magnet housing is another classic, but after discovering that the insides were toast, Tyson traded them in for a Dyna electronic igniter and new coils.
A modern, more visible edge comes from new clamp bars, LED headlights and a Motogadget mo.unit box for power.
“I’ve ridden CB750s and this is a monster by comparison,” says Tyson. “The engine will go straight up to scare you — it spins like an F1 car!” What we won’t offer to see (and hear) this machine is screaming down a quarter mile. [Via]
Ducati 750 F1 Bol d’Or gratitude We discovered this incredibly durable racer tribute a few days ago when it first went on sale. Unsurprisingly, it went on sale for a listed price of $18,900.
The bike was built by South African Johann Keyser, the operator Moto Moto factory in Raleigh, North Carolina. It started out as the 1993 Ducati 900 Supersport, which Johann upgraded the engine and wheels from the 2005 1000SS.
The tank is imported from Japan, and dates back to 1989 750 Sport. However, the seat is the original Ducati 750 F1. The beautifully integrated full crank is an aftermarket item of choice and the titanium exhaust is crafted by StradaFab.
Whoever bought this bike got a great deal. It’s a superbly crafted build, without the flavor distortions you’re used to seeing with replicas. And it will certainly be fun to ride.
We’re talking Panigale V2 money here, but even so, we’ll still struggle to choose between a new Ducati and this one. [Via]
