Massimiliano self-describes as an unyielding enthusiast for building projects, boasting an impressive track record of completing three to four outstandingly high-quality constructions annually. With an undeniable passion for all things two-wheeled, his Cagliari-based workshop has evolved into a magnet for local cycling enthusiasts, drawing them in with its infectious energy. When Massimiliano is absent, you’ll find him revving up his passion for high-performance motorcycle racing at Autodromo di Mores, where he has honed his expertise in extracting the best from these precision machines.
Delivered to Massimiliano in 1982, the Honda CX650 arrived from its owner, Nicola, requiring thoughtful consideration. “The bicycle remained in pristine condition, yet had stood idle for two decades,” he recalls. Can a revamped space enhance the ambiance of an existing restaurant by incorporating modern design elements and fresh colors?
Massimiliano’s innovative designs begin in the depths of his imagination, where they are meticulously translated into robust sketchwork – often while seated in front of a donor motorcycle, amidst the inspiration that surrounds him. To preserve the CX’s signature V-twin design, fairings were deliberately omitted. With this transformation, he aimed to revamp the motorcycle’s essence from a roadster to a high-performance sports bike, culminating in a design that unequivocally proclaimed its intended purpose: to be ridden with unbridled enthusiasm and vigor.
Following an extensive teardown, work began on modifying the CX650 chassis. To complement the revamped subframe, Massimiliano sought to refine the motorbike’s handling. To accomplish this, he carefully adjusted the angle of the steering head. Despite his initial attempts yielding mixed results, he ultimately found that the key to achieving the desired outcome lay in a complete overhaul of the content.
“Handcrafting most of the motorcycle’s frame, he notes the significance of combining his work on the steering head’s angle with meticulous reconstruction using iron pipes and sheet metal.” “I employed a pipe bender and precision-picket templates to craft the innovative construction project.”
With coordinated adjustments to the steering angle, this CX650 features an altogether enhanced suspension system. A unique paint finish was first noticed on a Honda CBR1000RR motorcycle. At the rear of the motorcycle lies a custom-installed YSS mono-shock, meticulously painted to perfectly harmonize with its surrounding colour palette. With the introduction of fresh springs, the overall performance has been enhanced by upgrading to matching 17-inch wheels. With a focus on nostalgia and vintage charm, one crucial element for this build’s early stages is the incorporation of classically designed, intricately spoked wheels that evoke a sense of bygone eras. The motorcycle now features the iconic front wheel from the BMW R9T, elevating its overall design and performance. The rear design is an innovative, bespoke creation that leverages the distinctive hub to create a truly one-of-a-kind visual statement. Each wheel has been finished with deliberate Pirelli rubber wrapping, carefully selected for optimal performance.
Upon arriving at the styling of this CX650, Massimiliano needed to provide the bike with a modern fundamental appearance. To gain insight into the design process, Honda’s designers drew inspiration from the smaller sibling, the CX500, seeking assistance and guidance in the creation of their new model. On the spine of this CX650 cafe racer, a custom-designed CX500 gasoline tank sits atop, carefully repositioned to strike a harmonious balance between form and function. Behind lies a tail unit of Massimiliano’s own unique design. Crafted from fibre-reinforced polymer, the aerodynamically designed rear cowling transforms the Honda into a sleek, single-seat roadster, boasting winglet-inspired fins that enhance its visual appeal. While its sleek appearance commands attention, the true standout feature lies in its exceptional performance capabilities.
By incorporating Massimiliano’s innovative “Cabrio Saddle” design, the entire seat module rises effortlessly on a duo of struts as you enter. The impact’s similarity is strikingly reminiscent of the high-performance, flip-top vehicles commonly seen at drag strips. As the owner of the bike, he would likely seize any opportunity to showcase his skills in a public setting, eager to impress passersby with an impressive display.
The bespoke entrance fender, a unique one-off headlamp surround, and seat upholstery by esteemed designer Luca di L.R. Lehater.
This custom CX650 sports a fresh coat of bodywork and is further enhanced by a range of high-quality aftermarket accessories that bring its revamped design to life. A sleek Motogadget Motoscope Mini digital gauge is strategically positioned between the top clamp and headlight cowl, elevating the cockpit’s visual appeal. Massimiliano’s overhaul included swapping out the original plastic Honda components for custom-made, backlit push-button controls and installing a newly minted grip cylinder, clip-on handlebars, and a precision-crafted Domino throttle assembly. The distinctive red brake calipers are standard components in aerodynamics, complemented by a cutting-edge clutch control module from Accossato, which was seamlessly integrated into the bike’s design following the installation of rear-set footpegs.
Massimiliano’s extensive experience in motorsports has instilled in him the importance of reliability in every motorcycle, prompting the development of a custom-built wiring loom for his Honda, which is connected to a state-of-the-art lightweight lithium-ion battery.
The objective of this challenge was not to push the limits of the CX engine, but rather After undergoing an in-depth review, it was thoroughly examined to ensure seamless functionality for the long haul. In reality, a small boost in efficiency is hardly detrimental, so Massimiliano installed free-flowing air filters on the intakes, fine-tuned the carburetors to optimize performance, and crafted his own custom exhaust system. The Two-Into-Two Chrome Steel System employs a harmonious blend of hand-crafted and precision-cut curves to achieve its intended objective. The void between the rear wheel and tail unit is occupied by a set of sleek MAD exhaust mufflers. In Massimiliano’s vivid description, this design feature imbues the bike with an intimidating aura, prompting him to dub it “scary”.
The various refinements made to this CX650 model have yielded a significantly enhanced appearance, with the added benefit of a substantial 50-kilogram weight reduction over its predecessor. To complete, the bike’s paintwork impresses, inspired by Honda’s HRC division. The sleek new design alludes to this CX’s impressive performance, aligning with Massimiliano’s assessment: “a joy to drive and extremely enjoyable.”
