CB750 Cafe Racer Tailored with a Worn-in Feel and Upgraded Suspension

I've always been drawn to the lightness and simplicity of motorcycles.
Yet, I deliberately chose an air-cooled four-cylinder CB750.
By engaging with a machine that operates on a different axis than my previous choices, I've discovered new perspectives.
This time, I'd like to introduce my beloved CB750 cafe racer!

(Top image: Photo by Satoru Yano)

1992 HONDA CB750 (RC42)

The Reason I Was Drawn to Lightness

My previous motorcycle choices had a common thread.

Lightness.
Simplicity.
And a touch of imperfection.

Suzuki's moped, the Selpet.
Aermacchi's single-cylinder.
BMW R50/5 with its boxer twin.

Despite their different displacements and characters, I was always attracted to simple motorcycles with minimal equipment and features.

Light, slow, and with a sense of space.
But that also meant a closer connection to the scenery and the passage of time.

That was my standard for a motorcycle.

My beloved motorcycle: 1963 SUZUKI SELPET M31

My beloved motorcycle: 1963 SUZUKI SPORTS 80K11

My beloved motorcycle: 1972 HARLEY DAVIDSON AERMACCHI SPRINT

My beloved motorcycle: 1969 BMW R50/5

A Motorcycle on a Different Axis Than Before

But then, I started to wonder.

What would I feel riding a motorcycle that wasn't an extension of my previous choices?

With that simple curiosity, I began searching for a 750cc class motorcycle.
The criteria were straightforward: "affordable and a little bit interesting."

That led me to a 1992 HONDA CB750 (RC42) listed on a flea market app.

What's more, this particular unit had a history as a former training school motorcycle.
I found that background interesting and asked a few questions. Then, the conversation naturally led to a suggestion: "How about a phone call?"

Things moved quickly after that.
As we talked, I got a sense of the bike's character and the seller's personality, and I decided to buy it on the spot.

I believe this kind of encounter is part of the charm of buying used.

The interesting fact that the base vehicle (engine) was a former training school bike was also a point that attracted me (image provided by the previous owner)

It looked cool even right after delivery!

What is the CB750 RC42?

The RC42, introduced in 1992, embodies the quintessential "nanahan" (750cc) model.
It features an air-cooled inline-four engine and a chassis designed for ease of handling.

It lacks flashiness or sharp edges, but that makes it consistently straightforward and manageable for anyone.
This is why it was used as a training school motorcycle for a long time, leaving a lasting impression on many riders.

It's not a bike built for speed competitions,
but rather one that teaches you "the very act of riding a motorcycle."

The CB750 RC42, inheriting the lineage of the nanahan (image from HONDA website)

The RC42 customized in a worn cafe racer style

A Unique Balance Achieved Through a Mix of Parts

This CB750 is not based on a single stock model.
It's a unique configuration that combines parts from multiple models.

・Frame: 1992 production model RC42
・Engine/Harness: Training school model RC42
・Tank: CB450N
・Front end: CB750F
・Rear end (wheel/caliper/fork/triple): CBX750

What I particularly like are the 18-inch Boomerang Comstar wheels.
That "those who know, know" feeling is irresistible.

The CB450N tank, stripped of paint, and the CB750F front end create a worn look and a sense of weight.

The rear end utilizes parts from the CBX750! The Boomerang Comstar wheels are a favorite.

A Worn Look and a Substantial Feel to the Suspension

The direction of the customization was decided from the start.

The goal was a cafe racer with a worn aesthetic, but with a solid feel to the suspension.

Not just light and nimble, but something rugged and grounded.

The brown leather strap running vertically on the tank is central to this.
I adjusted the overall tone and texture to match its color.

・Headlight: 7-inch Lucas type (GOODS)
・Turn signals: Deliberately chose used bullet-shaped ones to match the worn body.
・Mirrors: Bar-end mirrors (GOODS)
・Grip wraps: Trip Machine
・Tank emblem: Aluminum emblem purchased on a flea market app, attached to a leather base made by a friend.
・Seat: Reupholstered by BLUE MOTIVE.
・Tires: Changed from TT100GP to BT46 (to emphasize a plump contact feel).

None of these are flashy customizations.
But the accumulation of small differences transforms the overall atmosphere.

The headlight and headlight case are classic 7-inch Lucas types.

Indian-made Trip Machine grip wraps provide color consistency, and bar-end mirrors add a stylish touch.

To give a sense of luxury, the HONDA emblem is attached to a genuine leather base (attached with double-sided tape).

We commissioned the custom seat shop "BLUE MOTIVE" to reupholster a cost-effective universal seat, enhancing its luxurious feel.

Switched from the classic DUNLOP TT100GP to BRIDGESTONE BT46 for a plump contact feel.

What the Difference in Riding Taught Me

Riding it, I felt a clear difference compared to the motorcycles I'd ridden before.

The BMW R50/5 is enjoyable for cruising at a relaxed pace with its low-end torque.
It's a bike that runs at a steady rhythm, as if synchronizing with the scenery and time.

In contrast, the CB750 responds directly to my inputs.
Acceleration, deceleration, cornering – each action has a tangible feedback.

If the R50/5 is about "riding in sync with the bike,"
the CB750 is closer to "actively controlling the bike myself."

This isn't about speed.
It feels like my approach to the act of riding itself has changed slightly.

Low-slung front end and a low center of gravity silhouette.

The tail section, slightly lowered, balances the rear profile.

Acceleration, deceleration, cornering… each action has a solid feedback, making this a fun bike to ride.
Photo by Satoru Yano

The Choice Not to Over-Refine

For now, this CB750 is considered complete.

I could still make further modifications if I wanted to.
But I don't see a reason to alter the current balance.

The worn texture, the substantial feel of the suspension,
and the overall tone centered around the brown of the tank.

These elements feel less like they were "created" and more like they "came together naturally."
Therefore, I won't force any changes going forward.
For now, it feels just right to ride it as it is.

Instagram "Minna no Tankito" (Everyone's Single-Cylinder)
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

The worn texture, the substantial feel of the suspension... and the overall tone centered around the brown of the tank are the defining features of my beloved motorcycle!
Photo by Satoru Yano