From a modest commuter bike, this 1974 Honda CB200 cafe racer was transformed through the painstaking efforts of first-time builder, William Tisnes, Florida.
Known for its lightweight and rev-happy engine, the CB200 was a staple of the 1970s and a club racer favourite. Honda produced this four-stroke, vertical-twin between 1973 and 76. Its offroad variant was the much-loved CL200.
Honda CB200 Cafe Racer Vision and Design Inspiration
William’s vision was a café racer honouring the 1960s while embracing unique modern touches. The project began with extensive modifications, including chopping the original bulky rear subframe – then, welding a custom rear hoop and adding seat supports.
The front end was augmented with a set of 1973 CB350 forks and the triple tree fettled to work with the CB200 chassis. The rear got an upgrade too. RFY shocks with progressive springs were installed, enhancing the ride.
Attention to Detail: Wheels, Controls, and Aesthetics
The wheels underwent a significant overhaul. Polished hubs were paired with blacked-out rims, wrapped in Continental Classic Attack tyres. The bike’s controls were also upgraded. Clip-on bars, Renthal grips and foldable levers were added, giving it an aggressive, race-ready stance.
For aesthetics, William was inspired by ’60s café racers and 1970s semi-truck paintwork. The original tank was retained, but a custom tail unit was added, finished in a striking House of Kolor paint scheme. A leather seat from Tuffside with yellow stitching completed the vintage look.
Honda CB200 Cafe Racer: Engine Performance and Exhaust Customisation
The trusty small-displacement engine of the CB200 then received a thorough refresh alongside a new coat of heat-proof paint. Performance was further enhanced with custom headers from Hutch’s Welding, leading into a GP-style muffler. The twin carburettors were rebuilt and re-jetted to match the new exhaust setup, boosting overall performance.
A Tribute to Café Racer Culture
William’s CB200 cafe racer is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a tribute to the café racer culture of the 1960s. With its blend of classic styling and modern enhancements, this build showcases the potential of the Honda CB200 as a canvas for customisation. It’s a perfect example of how vintage motorcycles can be revived and given a new lease on life.
