The silhouette is everything. A 1978 HONDA CB750 cafe racer that pursues the ideal form.

A cafe racer version of a 1978 HONDA CB750, built with the pursuit of "the shape I think is the coolest." This machine is captivating for its exquisite balance, a fusion of the ideal silhouette envisioned by Kodaka, who works in the video industry, and the technical expertise of MINAMI MOTORCYCLE.

(Top image: Photo by Kona)

1978 HONDA CB750 FOURⅡ Cafe Racer

Achieving a Childhood Dream in My 30s

Kodaka harbored a secret desire to ride a motorcycle since childhood.

To fulfill this dream, he obtained his motorcycle license in his 30s. And he thought, "If I'm going to ride, I want a bike in the shape I find coolest."

This led to the beginning of creating his ideal custom motorcycle.

He commissioned MINAMI MOTORCYCLE TOKYO for the build.

The first step was to find a base model that would allow him to realize his ideal style.

Kodaka's requirements were:

・ A horizontal line for the frame shape
・ Large wheel size
・ A long tank

These three points.

Instead of simply choosing a favorite model, he first envisioned "a bike with this kind of silhouette" and selected the 1978 CB750 FOURⅡ as the base model that met these criteria.

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Kodaka and his beloved CB

The HONDA CB750 FOURⅡ, the base for this cafe racer (from the HONDA website)

The "Overall Balance" When Viewed from the Side Was My Top Priority

The overall proportion of the motorcycle is indispensable when discussing the appeal of this CB750.

While keeping the horizontal line from the tank to the fender in mind, the aim was to create a silhouette where the entire body draws a single semicircular arc.

Emphasis was placed on the harmony of all elements—not just the tank, seat, and fenders, but also the ride height, length, and tire size—as a cohesive whole.

"My favorite aspect is the 'overall balance' when viewed from the side. I feel that all elements, such as the ride height, length, and tire size, harmonize with each other to maintain an exquisite balance."

As someone who works in video production, Kodaka may perceive the motorcycle not as individual parts, but as a single frame.

Indeed, this CB750 doesn't aim for flashy individual parts; its silhouette is exceptionally beautiful when viewed from the side.

A meticulously crafted vehicle pursuing horizontal lines and overall balance

The "B-side" also showcases a beautiful cafe racer finish while retaining the "nanahan" (750cc) character.

Intricate Customizations Packed into a Simple Appearance

While the overall impression of the CB750 is clean and streamlined, a closer look reveals numerous modifications.

The rear section features a modified subframe combined with a short-type seat and tail cowl. The seat uses Toray Ultrasuede, and the rear is equipped with an LED taillight, turn signals, and a neatly integrated license plate mount.

The suspension utilizes the original Comstar wheels, fitted with Coker tires. The front forks have been lowered, and the rear shocks have been replaced to achieve the desired ride height and overall proportion.

An aluminum fender is mounted on the front.

The handlebar area features Magura clip-on handlebars and a dedicated top bridge, combined with CNC-machined switches, leather-wrapped grips, and a compact Daytona speedometer.

OVER Racing rear sets are installed.

The engine remains largely stock, but the intake system has been upgraded to Keihin CR carburetors with pod filters. The electrical system has been completely rewired, and the exhaust system uses the original exhaust headers paired with reverse cone-type mufflers.

The body is adorned with a deep blue-teal color scheme.

By combining the tank, which retains the original Honda emblem, with the aluminum front fender and handmade side covers, the bike has been transformed into a modern custom machine while preserving the classic CB750 atmosphere.

The rear section, with its modified subframe and short seat and tail cowl

The seat features Toray Ultrasuede for enhanced comfort.

The suspension utilizes the original Comstar wheels fitted with Coker tires.

The handlebar area features Magura clip-on handlebars and a dedicated top bridge, combined with CNC-machined switches, leather-wrapped grips, and a compact Daytona speedometer.

The carburetor chosen is a Keihin CR.

Leaving the Details to the Professionals to Create the Ideal "Overall Picture"

Actually, when Kodaka commissioned MINAMI MOTORCYCLE, he didn't have extensive knowledge about motorcycles.

Feeling anxious about whether a beginner could get a custom bike built, he sent a long and detailed email to Kenji-san (Representative of MINAMI MOTORCYCLE).

While waiting for a reply, he received a phone call.

"Just come by and see it!"

Nervously accepting the casual invitation, he visited the shop and found Kenji-san to be a very friendly and kind person.

Feeling at ease, he was able to entrust the build to him.

Kodaka conveyed his vision for the overall design, while Kenji-san handled the details of parts and functionality.

The result is the CB750 as it is today.

"I am very grateful to Kenji-san of MINAMI MOTORCYCLE for providing me with such a valuable and enjoyable experience in building this motorcycle."

Communicating his envisioned "overall picture" and entrusting the details to a reliable professional.

This motorcycle reflects such an exquisite division of roles between the two.

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Minami Motorcycle's custom build, which preserves the essence of the CB750, including the original Honda emblem, while giving it a modern touch.

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Kenji Heianzan, Representative of Minami Motorcycle, who handled the customization.

Enjoying a Classic Bike Without Overworking It

Since taking delivery less than two years ago, Kodaka hasn't experienced any major maintenance issues.

However, being a classic bike born in 1978, he is conscious of not riding it in harsh conditions.

He particularly avoids traffic jams and extreme heat.

On the other hand, he finds joy riding on the mountain roads of his hometown, Nagano.

"The engine clearly runs better when I ride on the mountain roads of my hometown Nagano at a comfortable speed."

Instead of being overly cautious with a classic bike, he enjoys it by choosing environments where the bike can run comfortably.

This approach suits this CB750 well.

A front view that exudes power within its simplicity.

The compactly designed rear section creates a nimble cafe racer style.

The deep blue color harmonizes exquisitely with the classic lines of the CB750.

Even if the Riding Position is Strenuous, I Want to Keep Riding Until My Body Gives Out

The CB750 FOURⅡ was completed by pursuing the ideal silhouette.

It is a motorcycle to be enjoyed not only for its appearance but also for riding.

However, with its cafe racer style, the riding position is by no means comfortable.

"The riding position is tough, but I want to keep riding as long as my body holds up," Kodaka says with a smile.

He realized his long-held childhood dream of motorcycles by obtaining his license in his 30s.

And he didn't just want to ride a motorcycle; he pursued the shape he considered "the coolest."

MINAMI MOTORCYCLE was the one who brought his vision to life.

The line connecting the tank to the fender.

The ride height, length, and tire size.

Each element harmonizes to create a single beautiful silhouette when viewed from the side.

The focus is not on the luxury of parts, but on the "overall balance."

This dedication is what gives this machine its presence.

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Kodaka and his 1978 HONDA CB750 FOURⅡ, having achieved his ideal silhouette. The time spent with this machine will continue.