Hell Bent for Honda Issue

November 10, 2017 | By Mike Seate

Coming up in our December/January issue, we explore the always fascinating world of customized vintage Honda motorcycles.There are many theories concerning why Big red has become the default cafe bike for the 21st Century, from those who say it’s the sheer volume of machines imported by the firms during the 1970s, to the inherent build quality and resilience of Hondas that keeps them running strong seemingly forever. We take a global view of the current Honda customizing craze with a wicked-fast Rickman-framed special from Germany (see above,)a sweet Chicago CB750 from youthful builders Federal Moto and the much-anticipated feature on the Sallings family’s inspiring work on a quartet of early Honda air-cooled twins. We’ll take a look at which classic Hondas may become tomorrow’s custom creations with a price-guide on a few models you may not have considered for your next project bike while our resident Tech Editor Matt Wiley begins disassembling the factory carburetors on our own CB500 Four project bike to reveal some common problems with these early ’70s flyers. If you’re not a fan of Hondas now, check out the next issue which should surely change your tune. One sale Dec. 4.