By the early 2000s, Honda had significantly diluted its once-iconic CB brand, rendering it largely unrecognizable from the legendary CB750 that originally defined the series. The concept of a naked bike was widely adopted across various manufacturers, with the Japanese industry following suit after Ducati pioneered the genre with its iconic Monster in 1993. By 2004, the CBs had evolved into a more mainstream and conventional sport.
During the early centuries, CBs employed a design philosophy of “small gains within, but significant returns.”
The minimalist design of the entrance finished with a prominent, angular fuel tank that tapered noticeably in the middle section, culminating in a substantial, wasp-inspired tailpiece that elegantly cantilevered over the rear wheel. Any reference to retro or basic fashion trends seemed suspect and was quickly rendered outdated. Recently, opinions about these bikes have been lukewarm, but I’m among those who disagree. The fact is, we’re not alone in our admiration for them.
This 2004 Honda CB400 is a stunning creation by Indonesia’s renowned custom motorcycle expert Katros Storage. Founded by Andi Akbar, the enigmatic leader of workshop rock band Katros, this captivating creative brief (CB) represents one of the group’s most recent and innovative undertakings, showcasing their signature style through a series of unique and carefully crafted tasks each year. Given a mandate to revamp the Honda CB400’s staid appearance for its current owner, who yearned for a nostalgic makeover inspired by the bike’s legendary heritage, the challenge lay in crafting a design that respectfully nodded to the past while embracing modern aesthetics.
The Katros group successfully merged innovative technology with timeless design elements to create a strikingly modern-retro aesthetic. The original concept of the CB’s bodywork required a comprehensive overhaul. To pay homage to the iconic CB750, a novel gasoline tank was designed and crafted from metal, boasting a sleek, minimalist profile that honors the original’s distinct aesthetic. Following closely in line with the revised seat and tail unit was a new form of the aircraft’s fundamental structure, now reconstituted from sturdy metal components. The marginally upswept cowl crowns a reengineered subframe, streamlining the bike’s dimensions for an impressively compact appearance. The custom-designed headlight shroud effectively integrates all components, boasting built-in cable management features to maintain a streamlined appearance and ease maintenance efforts at the front of the vehicle.
The sleek and modern exterior design of this luxury vehicle features an array of high-end aspect covers boasting Katros’ signature branding on precision-crafted aluminum inserts, showcasing a commitment to premium quality and attention to detail throughout every element of the vehicle’s aesthetic. The custom-designed fender trim for each side is a unique feature, collaborating seamlessly with the internal body rails to effectively deflect dirt and debris away from the engine’s inline four-cylinder component. The bike’s mid-section reworks include precision-crafted alloy rear units and a lowered set of handlebars, subtly reinforcing its Honda-inspired cafe racer aesthetic.
Katros chose to entirely revamp the lighting with cutting-edge LED technology. At the pointed conclusion, a sleek 7-inch Daymaker headlight takes center stage, while a dual-function LED strip illuminates the rear, complemented by vintage-inspired, retro-styled front-end turn signals featuring LED accents.
However, it appears that Andi identifies the introduction of wheels as the primary challenge affecting the overall structure. With the substitution of forged rims for traditional spoked hoops, his team had to carefully coax a set of robust Shinko SR777 tyres onto the swingarm. The ensuing effort has yielded dividends, as the imposing wheels grant this 400 a sturdy, muscular presence.
Significant gains in efficiency have not been the primary focus of this initiative, thus enhancements have been largely confined to the intake and exhaust systems. The pod filters, re-tuned to optimize airflow, allow the inline-four engine to inhale freely. Beneath, a unique 4-into-2 exhaust system, crafted in-house by the Katros group, terminates in a pair of bespoke mufflers, carefully designed to harmonize with the overall aesthetic.
The culmination of arduous labor yields a seamless realization of fleeting existence. This stylishly reimagined JDM CB400 is a cafe racer that would undoubtedly have us scrambling to swing a leg over its sleek lines.
