First launched in 1970, the Honda CB100 was solely accessible within the US for 3 years—however it loved a 15-year tenure in Asian markets. It was notably well-liked in Indonesia, the place its dimension, weight, and five-speed transmission made it a classy and approachable commuter.
Its recognition hasn’t waned a lot both. Indonesia’s HEREX scene (it stands for ‘Honda Thrilling Riders Excessive’), 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 elements are comparatively simple to come back by.
This 1973 Honda CB100 belongs to Raymond Nainggolan, who personalized it through his workshop, EGO Challenge. EGO Challenge is a collaboration between Raymond and his pals—or, as he places it, “a tight-knit group of kindred spirits fueled by an unwavering automotive ardour.”
Though by no means confirmed by Honda, it’s extensively believed that CB stands for ‘metropolis bike.’ Leaning into that idea, Raymond and Co. determined to take the Seventies Honda CB100 and rework it right into a slick and fashionable city runabout. However by the point they had been achieved, 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 need to mess with the unique design a lot, however he did need to tidy issues up. So the coils and different electrical parts had been relocated to underneath the tank, mounted on laser-cut metal brackets, and the body was bolstered in key spots.
After making an attempt to revive the outdated CB engine, the crew bumped into a difficulty with the manufacturing unit kick-starter operating foul of the brand new foot peg location. They tried their greatest to discover a related kick-start engine however finally 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 huge 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 obligation on the again.
Is the bike over-suspended? In all probability, however it appears nice. 17” spoked wheels with disc brakes add to the smooth look, whereas additionally enhancing the outdated CB100’s rideability. There’s additionally a brand new chrome steel exhaust system, crafted by a neighborhood artisan, that most likely unleashes an additional horse or two.
The Honda’s up to date bodywork has a incredible fashionable industrial vibe. EGO Challenge retained the OEM gasoline tank however constructed an ingenious rear ‘cowl’ 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.
As soon as it was achieved, the tank was painted in beautiful 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 function. Impressed by neo-retro bikes just like the Husqvarna Svartpilen, EGO Challenge 3D-printed a modular seat pan and rear cowl. They then lined 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 putting taillight ‘lens’ was impressed by long-exposure pictures of sunshine trails at evening. Hidden metal brackets had been employed to adapt the brand new elements to the body, minimizing the necessity for chopping.
The management space was stored good and easy. A set of bars, grips, and switches from a Honda CB150R had been bolted on, and completed with a pair of Rizoma bar finish mirrors. Raymond lucked out with the speedo when he came across the right modern-looking LCD unit on-line.
Essentially the most exceptional factor about this hopped-up CB100 is how tidy it appears. A handful of refined EGO Challenge logos are sprinkled all through the construct—however there’s some period-correct Honda branding too, giving the entire thing a pointy manufacturing unit vibe. We’re certain it’ll be a success on the native HEREX scene.
