LITTLE RIPPER! K-SPEED’S HONDA MONKEY CAFE RACER 

K-SPEED IS ONE of the greatest success stories of the modern custom scene. Like a  hit factory from the golden era of pop, the Thai company churns out hit after hit

We’ve seen what they can do with BMWs, Triumphs and Honda Cubs—and now it’s the turn of the funky little Honda Monkey 125, launched less than a year ago.

With eleven branches spread throughout Thailand, K-Speed is a major industry player in its local market. But even more incredibly, they built over 40 customs last year—releasing a  bike every 6.3 working days

Despite this, there are no formulas or corner cutting, and no subtle variations on a signature style. Each build is started with fresh eyes, and is invariably a knockout

Monkey Racer’ is based on the new Honda Monkey, which comes with a 125cc air-cooled  single-cylinder engine, a four-speed ‘box, and 12-inch wheels. Plus styling that harks back to the Z50A released in the late 1960s

The short wheelbase gives the stock Monkey 125 a somewhat cartoonish look, but K-Speed have managed to add a dash of sophistication and a classic cafe racer vibe

Yamaha Yard Built - XSR700 by Café Racer Spirit

XSR700 'XS700-R' by Café Racer SSpirit

? Who is Café Racer SSpirit

Cafe Racer SSpirit is a workshop dedicated to the customization of motorcycles, located in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa. 

It started in the business at the end of 2014

A family business, composed by 3 members; Juan Carlos López, Hugo López and Juan Pablo Santinelli

Our aim is to rediscover beauty on motorcycles. We work hard to turn every bike into a unique build and we take care that driving becomes an amazing experience

We consider customization of motorcycles as a kind of art

Where is the inspiration of the concept / design coming from?

The project was clear. We wanted to build something totally different. Not just slight modifications, but a complete customization. Our aim was to build a “racing” bike inspired on the bikes from the 70-80s; with a single seat, lowered handlebars, racing exhaust, and taking into account the requisites of building an street legal motorcycle. Paying higher emphasis on the “racing” aspect, we decided to name the build as “XS700-R”.

  

What are the technical / design specification?

Once the whole fairing, seat, lights and accessories were removed, we started to analyze how the 3D printed body kit would fit within the frame. Then we started working on the fairing, bending and adapting metal pieces, simulating the final look of the gas-tank and the monocoque seat. Once the simulation was approved, instead of continuing the process with the conventional “fiberglass”, we contacted a local 3D Printing Company (Tumaker 3D) for the body kit scanning and printing. Everything but the seat base, because of the rigidness needed, will be elaborated in 3D. Having the complete body kit already scanned and print-ready, our intention is to offer the kit to the public, accompanied with its assembling instructions (easy to install; plug-and-play).

? What does the bike builder like in the XSR

The XSR 700 model is the perfect balance for ride for city riding as well a travelling option. The bike handles very well and it´s fun to ride.

Regarding the possibilities for customizing, it´s a good base to modify due to its simplicity in removing its parts (for example; the removable sub frame is very interesting).

As seen, it can be given a lot of different styles... racing, scrambler, tracker...

We certainly like the speedometer for its shape and functions. We even kept it stock in our build, just relocating.

The stock exhaust system is pretty nice also, not exceeding in size.