Unik’s “Tatsumaki” CBX1000 Redefines a Honda Legend

Unik Motorcycles transforms a 1982 Honda CBX1000 into “Tatsumaki,” a neo-retro café racer featuring a six-into-six exhaust, upgraded suspension, and modern electronics while preserving the CBX’s legendary soul.

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Customising a Honda CBX1000 is no small gamble. The six-cylinder icon is a sacred machine to collectors and purists, but Unik Motorcycles of Lisbon, Portugal, has once again proved that respectful reinvention can produce pure magic. Their latest creation, aptly named Tatsumaki (“tornado” in Japanese), takes a 1982 CBX and transforms it into a neo-retro café racer that blends raw performance with modern craftsmanship.

Engineering Brilliance Under the Skin

Founders Tiago Goncalves and Luis Costa began by stripping the CBX to its bones, retaining its sharp tank and signature silhouette while reworking nearly everything else. A Triumph Street Triple swingarm replaced the stock unit, a tricky conversion executed flawlessly. Up front, Kawasaki ZX-9 inverted forks, extended by 60 mm, now provide sharper handling, while 17-inch laced wheels wrapped in Dunlop rubber give the bike a contemporary stance and grip.

The legendary inline-six engine received a full overhaul, including a new transmission with shorter gear ratios and premium K&N filtration. But the true centrepiece is the hand-built stainless steel exhaust: a breathtaking six-into-six system with three stacked mufflers per side that promises a soundtrack as thrilling as the ride.

Modern Tech Meets Classic Soul

All electronics run through a Motogadget control unit with Bluetooth, while upgraded brakes with drilled rotors ensure the CBX stops as confidently as it goes. Clip-on handlebars, Motogadget grips, and a Magura HC1 master cylinder complete the rider interface, merging modern functionality with vintage spirit.

Striking Looks, Unmistakable Presence

Visually, Tatsumaki balances heritage and innovation. The subframe was shortened, the tail re-sculpted, and a handmade black leather seat installed to give the bike a lean, muscular profile. A refined front fairing houses a premium LED headlight and compact turn signals, while a deep black paint scheme accented with pink highlights makes the bike impossible to ignore.

With Tatsumaki, Unik Motorcycles proves once again that daring creativity can elevate even the most revered classics. This CBX1000 is no museum piece; it’s a storm on two wheels, built to be heard, seen, and ridden hard.