Honda’s past and present represented at the ‘Glemseck 101’

• Mick Doohan to join ‘Sprint International’ 1/8^th mile invitational race event on CB1000R specially prepared for Glemseck
• Six customised Hondas on display, three based on models in current line-up, three customised classics
• 2018 marks the 13^th running of the Glemseck 101 motorcycle ‘happening’

Honda will be in full attendance at this weekend’s Glemseck 101 in Leonberg, Germany, showing six customised machines and participating in the event’s ‘Sprint International’ 1/8^th mile invitational race.

Three of the machines are based on classic Hondas of the past:

The CX500 - with its transversely-mounted V-twin engine - has long been a favourite among customisers, and the award-winning version created by Michael Michael at Libra Coachworks (of Dartford, UK) is an exquisite example of its kind, full of hand-crafted details from the cross-stitched seat to the ‘signature’ exhaust end-can.

Another perennial favourite in the custom scene is the world’s first mass production superbike, the CB750. Kaspeed Customs (the father and two sons of the Karsten family) have spent over 200 working hours on their hand-built Kaspeed CB750, using 3D CAD software to create a beautifully-balanced effect, with new aluminium front fender, a bespoke, elongated fuel tank and classic café racer seat cowl.  

The third classic Honda is a re-working of a 1000cc Gold Wing, which began life as a naked machine in the 1970s. Built by Dutchman Roy Holtman (RH Motorcycles), the customised version at Glemseck underlines the simplicity of the original four-cylinder Gold Wing with a bespoke tank and seat, a pair of two-into-two exhausts, plus a military-style storage compartment that gives a nod to the touring benchmark that the Gold Wing very quickly became.

The remaining three machines are based on Honda’s current model line-up:

The Monkey has proved an instant hit since its return to Honda’s European product line-up this summer. It combines the modern elements of USD forks, twin rear shocks, LCD instruments, IMU-based ABS and full LED lighting with the classic Monkey look and proportions. The Monkey has often been a ‘go-to’ bike for use at campsites by RV-owners, and for fun on light trails; for Glemseck 101, Dirk Öhlerking of German customisers Kingston Customs has taken the off-road vibe further by re-imagining the Monkey as a Flat-Tracker. His Monkey Tracker features a host of adjustments including modified frame, flat-tracker style handlebar, hand-made seat, new exhaust, foot-rests from a 1976 Elsinore 125 and gold and tricolour paint scheme.

Another addition to Honda’s line-up for 2018 - the CB1000R - will be at Glemseck in two customised incarnations. The first - called the CB1000R Neo Daemon - has been developed in Germany by customiser Jens Kratschmar, with a printed ‘reflective’ vinyl wrap, exotic enamel-coated white exhaust and new bars, levers, brake lines, indicators and tyres.

The second has been created by Honda Racing in the UK for entry in the ‘Sprint International’ race in the expert hands of 5-time 500cc GP World Champion Mick Doohan. With Fireblade SP Öhlins suspension, Akrapovic exhaust, Brembo brakes, bespoke swing arm and clutch, Rizoma accessories and beautiful gold and tricolor paint scheme, the Glemseck CB1000R fully dials up the strong ‘Sports’ performance characteristics of Honda’s uniquely-styled ‘Neo Sports Café’ roadster.

The six machines represent an eclectic mix that spans both the decades and the breadth of Honda’s product range, while resonating with Soichiro Honda’s oft-quoted maxim that “Real happiness lies in the completion of work using your own brains and skills”. And all are in tune with the spirit of freedom and creativity of the Glemseck 101 – the biggest annual motorcycle ‘happening’ of its kind in Europe.

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Notes for editors:

1) Glemseck 101 is a European motorcycle ‘happening’ taking place in Leonberg, Germany with tens of thousands of visitors, who live the ‘Spirit of the 101’ for the entire weekend. This year is its 13th round.

Glemseck is synonymous with motorcycle racing tradition in Germany. Up to the 1960s, two- and four-wheeled legends of motorsport were engaged in thrilling duels on the legendary Solitude race track around Glemseck. The Glemseck 101 is a three-day festival that seeks to preserve this tradition for a wide audience. Offering free entry for the visitors, it is open to all brands and characters, from any motorcycle ‘scene’.

It centres on a mile-long paddock and ‘International Village’ consisting of customisers and clubs from all over Europe. The unique gathering brings together the motorsport history of Glemseck, local sponsors and dealers, and the added attractions of 1/8-mile motorcycle sprint races and live music throughout the weekend.

2) Further information on partner customisers:

Facebook:

/RH Motorcycles (GL1800)

/Roadstermag (Neo Daemon CB1000R)

/Kingston Custom (Monkey Tracker)

/kaspeed.moto (Kaspeed CB750)

Instagram:

@libracustoms (CX500)