One-Off Honda CX500 Has Superbike-Worthy Running Gear and Looks to Match

4 weeks, 2 days ago - 22 October 2024, autoevolution

When Asen Zahariev and his team get started on a custom project, you can be sure the outcome will be utterly mind-blowing. The motorcycles built by Tossa R go far beyond the cosmetic side of things, with tons of mechanical upgrades to really take their performance to new heights. That same approach has manifested on the breathtaking cafe racer pictured here, so let’s dive in for a closer look.

It all started with a Honda CX500 in need of a comprehensive overhaul, and the Bulgarian shop left no stone unturned. After the initial teardown, they came up with a new steel subframe of sorts and had it topped with a curvy seat pan. Next up, the guys turned to the suspension department, replacing the bike’s original shock absorber with a state-of-the-art Ohlins item initially destined for a CBR1000RR.

At the opposite end, we find bespoke triple clamps holding a 2006 Yamaha R1’s upside-down forks. The same Yammie also donated its beefy four-piston brake calipers and 320 mm (12.6-inch) discs to Tossa R’s cause, but the front wheel is still the factory CX500 module. Out back, Asen and his crew fitted a disc brake and solid lenticular wheel covers, while cloaking the rim in ContiRoadAttack rubber from Continental.

A Heidenau K 65 tire provides ample grip at the front, and the rolling chassis was completed with some engine-related work. The V-twin motor was refurbished but otherwise left unchanged on the inside, while gaining a premium pair of aftermarket pod filters and new exhaust plumbing. This custom pipework was fabricated from scratch using stainless-steel, ending in twin silencers right below the engine.

With the performance mods done at last, Tossa R tackled the aesthetics. The steel subframe and seat base we’ve mentioned earlier were topped with a handmade saddle, which was meticulously wrapped in three different types of upholstery and stitched up with red thread. A detachable tail section has been thrown into the mix, as well, it being the only piece of bodywork besides the fuel tank.

Speaking of which, the gas tank originates from a later CX model and is fronted by a thoroughly updated cockpit area. The latter is home to a single Daytona dial and clip-on handlebars, sporting adjustable control levers, underslung mirrors, and Kellermann bar-end turn signals. Complementing these clip-ons are billet aluminum rearsets.

The license plate will henceforth be supported by a swingarm-mounted bracket on the left-hand side, and front-end illumination comes from a Brixton Crossfire 500’s repurposed LED headlight. Finally, the motorcycle’s paintwork combines white and red on its minimalistic attire, with bold Honda logos beautifully applied onto the fuel tank. The engine, frame, and wheels were all painted black, while the new suspension bits have all retained their original color.