Favored by despatch riders in the 1980s for its reliability, the CX500 presented a unique engine layout and backbone frame design giving it an aesthetic edge, and a visual lightness which is ideal for a café racer. Fast forward to present times and the visually humble Honda CX500, found in pieces in a garage, served as the donor motorcycle for a sleek and modernized café racer. The motorcycle was a brainchild of Blacktrack designer and founder Sacha Lakic.
Meet the Blacktrack BT-01.
Each BT-01 will start out as a hand-picked, Honda CX500. Apart from its unique engine layout and backbone frame, the the CX500 also features a V-twin motor that has ample character and a pleasing sound. Each BT-01 donor will be treated to a thorough overhaul before any other work commences. The motorcycle will be designed to ensure optimal performance and reliability – from new bearings, gaskets and bushes, to a tailor-made wiring system.
Visually, the stock CX500 will be completely overhauled. So while the fuel tank mimics the CX500’s original unit, it is tilted forward slightly. The solo seat is completed with non-slip upholstery and contrast stitching. Apart from visual changes, the finished motorcycle is claimed to be significantly lighter than stock machine.
Being a cafe-raced, the BT-01 will come equipped with clip-on handlebars and rear set foot controls which will offer sporty ergonomics. Other features include discreet lighting, side-by-side gauges and a hand-made exhaust system. Every component is either painted, polished or powder-coated, with Blactrack’s signature red details found throughout.
The BT-01 is available in two editions : the BT-01R (Race edition) and the BT-01S (Sport edition). The two editions are designed and built with different components.
The production of the collectible BT-01R is limited to only five machines. The BT-01R features top shelf components including Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, Mikuni carbs and carbon fiber bodywork.
The BT-01S, on the other hand, is available in a small series of 20. The BT-01S is a raw cafe racer with performance that can be customized with any BT-01R parts, either before production or even after delivery.
Check out these limited edition motorcycles through the image gallery. Do let us know your views about the BT-01 series through the comments section below.
Technical Specifications
| Model | BT-01S | BT-01R | |
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Engine |
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| Engine Type | Longitudinal OHV 80° V-twin, 4 valves per cylinder | Longitudinal OHV 80° V-twin, 4 valves per cylinder | |
| Displacement | 497 cc | 497 cc | |
| Bore and Stroke | 78 mm X 52 mm | 78 mm X 52 mm | |
| Cooling system | liquid | liquid | |
| Gearbox | 5 speed | 5 speed | |
| Final drive | shaft | shaft | |
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Dimensions |
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| Wheelbase | 1400 mm | 1400 mm | |
| Overall length | 2000 mm | 2000 mm | |
| Seat height | 760 mm | 760 mm | |
| Width | 700 mm | 700 mm | |
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Suspension |
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| Front | Öhlins FG424 black front fork | Öhlins FGRT 43 mm front fork | |
| Rear | Öhlins S46DR1 rear monoshock | ÖhlinsTTX36 rear monoshock | |
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Brakes |
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| Front | Nissin front dual disc brake and calipers | Brembo 320 mm front dual disc brake and Brembo calipers | |
| Rear | Nissin rear brake disc and calipers | Rear brake disc – Brembo calipers
Brembo Racing PR19 radial master
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| Exhaust | Original carbs and new Dyno-Jet kit | Set of two brand new 39 mm Mikuni carbs | |
| Rims (Wire-spoked rims) | Front : 3.5 X 17 tubeless rim
Rear : 4.25 X 17 tubeless rim |
Front : 3.5 X 17 tubeless rim
Rear : 4.25 X 17 tubeless rim |
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| Tyres (Dunlop Sportmax Mutant) | Front : 120 / 70ZR17
Rear : 150 / 60ZR17 |
Front : 120 / 70ZR17
Rear : 150 / 60ZR17 |
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