Blacktrack Motors gives the CX500 a cafe racer treatment

Blacktrack Motors was a vision that became a reality with the production of their first bike, Blacktrack – BT-01. The BT-01 was a result of a pure streak of inspiration when their designer, Sacha Lakic found a Honda CX500 in his friends garage. Captivated by the Honda’s unique engine layout, he set about transforming the basket case into a sleek, modernized café racer.

Blacktrack BT01 Carbon CX500

BT-01 was designed to ensure optimal performance of the donor bike by installing new bearings, gaskets and bushes, a handmade exhaust system to a tailor-made wiring system. Furthermore, every component of the bike was remodeled and given the signature Blacktrack finish to make the cafe racer look tasteful. The BT-01 fuel tank mimics the original unit, but its tilted forward 10 degrees to change the bike’s stance and the clip-on handlebars and rear set foot controls give the BT-01 a sporty riding position.

Honda CX500 custom cafe racer - Blacktrack Motors

The bike’s backbone frame design and the v-twin motor inspired Sacha to create a very unique, light and an aesthetically pleasing cafe racer with a strong character. Blacktrack Motors launched their first bike in 2015 and the rest as they say, is history. The strong success of BT-01 inspired Sacha to continue taking vintage classics and giving them a contemporary facelift.

BT-01 Carbon cafe racer CX500

Consequently, the Blacktrack BT-02 was born. The success and popularity of both their bikes has motivated the brand, and Blacktrack works continuously and tirelessly to deliver aesthetically pleasing raw mean machines.

BT01 custom CX500 cafe racer

Part of Blacktrack philosophy is to celebrate their uniqueness and thus the BT bikes are produced as limited edition collectible items. On the occasion of Blacktrack’s 3rd anniversary, this August (2018) they released a special anniversary edition BT-01 Carbon.

The BT-01 Carbon is produced as a single unit, with a unique varnished carbon fiber body on a Honda CX500 engine.

Blacktrack Motors CX500 cafe racer with plane

ENGINE TECHNICAL DATA
Donor: Honda CX500
Engine: Four stroke, longitudinal OHV 80° V-twin, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid cooling
Capacity: 497 cc / 30.3 cu-in
Bore and Stroke: 78 mm X 52 mm – 3.1 X 2.0 inches
Torque: 50nm / 37lb-ft at 7000 rpm
Power: 55hp / 41 kw at 9000 rpm
Fuel control: Overhead valves
Cooling system: liquid
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, 5 speed
Final drive: shaft
Exhaust system: Custom built 2 in 1 inox system

ENGINE WORK
Full engine control and gear box check
Set of two brand new 39 mm Mikuni carbs
Full engine balance: crankshaft, rods and pistons
New guides and valves seats
New timing chain and tensioner
Engine and rocker boxes high standard polishing
Brand new set of bearings, gaskets and bushes
Complete set of titanium fasteners and washers for engine and frame

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Wheelbase: 1400 mm Overall length: 2000 mm
Seat height: 760 mm Width: 700 mm
Dry weight (tank empty): 152 kg / 341 lbs Total weight (tank full): 172 kg / 368 lbs
Fuel capacity: 17 liters / 4.9 US gal

BODY WORK
Carbon gas tank with alloy CNC gas cap
Carbon tail unit with solo seat
Speedometer and Tachometer: KOSO
CNC custom made aluminum yokes
Tubular steel frame, new custom reinforced tubular steel subframe
Powder coating of frame and swing arm

SUSPENSION
Custom – machined triple clamps
Front fork: Öhlins FGRT 43 mm gold
Rear monoshock: Öhlins TTX 36

BRAKES
Front dual disc brakes: Brembo GP Racing / PR19
Front disc diameter: 320 mm
Rear disc diameter: 220 mm
Rear brake: Accossato

RIMS
Wire-spoked rims
Front: 3.5 X 17 tubeless rim
Rear: 4.25 X 17 tubeless rim, custom CNC alloy hub

TIRES
Dunlop Sportmax Mutant Tubeless
Front: 120 / 70ZR17
Rear: 150 / 60ZR17

Blacktrack Motors BT-10 cafe racer