First launched in 1970, the Honda CB100 was solely obtainable within the US for 3 years—nevertheless it loved a 15-year tenure in Asian markets. It was notably in style in Indonesia, the place its dimension, weight, and five-speed transmission made it a trendy and approachable commuter.
Its reputation hasn’t waned a lot both. Indonesia’s HEREX scene (it stands for ‘Honda Exciting Riders Extreme’), the place bikes just like the CB100 and different small-capacity Hondas rule the roost, is booming. It helps that they’re dependable and straightforward to customise—and that real and aftermarket components are comparatively simple to come back by.
This 1973 Honda CB100 belongs to Raymond Nainggolan, who custom-made it through his workshop, EGO Project. EGO Project is a collaboration between Raymond and his pals—or, as he places it, “a tight-knit community of kindred spirits fueled by an unwavering automotive passion.”
Although by no means confirmed by Honda, it’s broadly believed that CB stands for ‘city bike.’ Leaning into that idea, Raymond and Co. determined to take the Seventies Honda CB100 and remodel it right into a slick and fashionable city runabout. But by the point they have been executed, there wasn’t a lot of the unique bike left.
To kick issues off, the workforce stripped the bike down till there was nothing left however a naked body. Raymond didn’t wish to mess with the unique design a lot, however he did wish to tidy issues up. So the coils and different electrical elements have been relocated to beneath the tank, mounted on laser-cut metal brackets, and the body was strengthened in key spots.
After attempting to revive the previous CB engine, the crew bumped into a difficulty with the manufacturing facility kick-starter working foul of the brand new foot peg location. They tried their greatest to discover a related kick-start engine however ultimately determined to swap the entire thing out for an electrical begin Honda GL200 engine. Even higher, the GL200 engine is analogous sufficient to the CB’s that it went into the body with minimal tweaking.
One large visible change is the bike’s stonking upside-down entrance finish. The EGO workforce put in a set of fifty mm Kayaba forks, with a contemporary fender mounted on the backside and a 5” headlight up prime. A pair of gold RCB shocks do responsibility on the again.
Is the bike over-suspended? Probably, nevertheless it seems nice. 17” spoked wheels with disc brakes add to the modern look, whereas additionally bettering the previous CB100’s rideability. There’s additionally a brand new stainless-steel exhaust system, crafted by a neighborhood artisan, that in all probability unleashes an additional horse or two.
The Honda’s up to date bodywork has a implausible fashionable industrial vibe. EGO Project retained the OEM gasoline tank however constructed an ingenious rear ‘cover’ out of fiberglass to stretch it visually. It’s an enormous enchancment over the inventory setup, cleverly filling within the hole between the tank and seat.
Once it was executed, the tank was painted in gorgeous champagne silver with darkish gray for the brand new fiberglass bit. The resin Honda badges are customized gadgets, drawing inspiration from the vintage-style badges that sit on Honda’s fashionable mini-bikes.
The CB100’s new again finish is undoubtedly a stand-out characteristic. Inspired by neo-retro bikes just like the Husqvarna Svartpilen, EGO Project 3D-printed a modular seat pan and rear cowl. They then coated the seat pan in foam and stylish oxblood leather-based.
The workforce additionally 3D printed the LED flip sign housings and the taillight housing. The placing taillight ‘lens’ was impressed by long-exposure photographs of sunshine trails at evening. Hidden metal brackets have been employed to adapt the brand new components to the body, minimizing the necessity for chopping.
The management space was saved good and easy. A set of bars, grips, and switches from a Honda CB150R have been bolted on, and completed with a pair of Rizoma bar finish mirrors. Raymond lucked out with the speedo when he discovered the proper modern-looking LCD unit on-line.
The most outstanding factor about this hopped-up CB100 is how tidy it seems. A handful of refined EGO Project logos are sprinkled all through the construct—however there’s some period-correct Honda branding too, giving the entire thing a pointy manufacturing facility vibe. We’re certain it’ll be a success on the native HEREX scene.
Raymond Nainggolan Instagram
Source: www.bikeexif.com