Classic Racing Motorbike Build - Honda RC181 Race Replica

[@Fminus104]

That´s a gorgeous down to earth bike. And some encouraging advice from a man who made his dream come true. Thanks for showing us. Cheers

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your nice comments!

[@T16MGJ]

Those replicas are magnificent. A real credit to you. I last rode a CB550 back in the 1970s and found the handling far from ideal. My CB400-F1 bought new in 1975 much more agile. Back in 1964, at Mallory Park's "Race of the Year", I made the mistake of standing immediately behind Mike Hailwood's works Honda 6 [ RC166? ] when his mechanic started it up. After a few lusty blips of the throttles to who know what rpms, I had to move away sharpish. Not because of that fabulous noise, but because those six megaphones had the flesh in my chest and lungs as well as the bones in my rib cage all vibrating at very different frequencies. The day was also notable because Honda Works rider Luigi Taveri on his 125 ran over my foot in the paddock. Great days gone forever but the memories last. My days rebuilding and restoring old Triumphs and Hondas are long since behind me. I would love to have made an RC181 replica like yours. One of life's "Regrets, I've had a few".

[@tinymotogarage]

This is Millyard level of cool and exactly what my next project is after I finish the little 2T trials bike. I want to do a Benelli 250 tribute with a Carabela 3.5 (1970's 2 stroke) for the track. I'm a total rookie and having loads of fun having a go. Thanks for this video which keeps my confidence up to try - it's easy to be discouraged. Great channel this!

[@tomoyama4965]

I am an old japanese. I love your beautiful motorcycle.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@alelectric2767]

Congratulations on doing the Isle of Man course. Very cool.

[@stephanielongden597]

One of my favourite Honda's of all time. This recreation of a legend is off the scale in every respect. I am utterly smitten and feel so happy for Dave to own and enjoy his creation. His vision, skill and determination are an inspiration.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

You have won the comment of the day award now twice in one day, thank you so much for your kind words. Dave does read the comments when he gets a chance, but rest assured he will see it. Very nice of you to say, we are humbled, Alex and the CMC Team

[@kalgaramerinos7085]

Brilliant job on that bike Dave! Love that you've done it on a shoestring using your own skills to fabricate various parts. Lovely to see the old Honda bought back to life like this and with some good honest advice for others. Nice!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your nice comments Dan, we'll pass that onto Dave, he loves hearing stuff like this :)

[@xtremluck6260]

I enjoyed your story of why you built this beautiful Honda immensely Dave. Hope to run into you at the Isle of Man one day and ask you to sign my fairing.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

That would be cool Xtrem, haha

[@derekstegall9811]

I have a cb350 four that my grandfather had when I was growing up one of the first motorcycles I ever rode this makes me want to start restoring it thanks

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Derek, then we would say the video has done it's job!

[@T16MGJ]

Do it Derek, before it is too late. Take it from one who has been there and NOT done that!

[@cockneygeezer3528]

as some one who saw Mike the Bike and his Hondas in the IOM in 1967, that video took me back to those years and my bikes, thanks

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Brilliant Proud Infidel, nice to hear it took you back!

[@kenh3344]

Yes I also was there.

[@kenh3344]

Yes l was also there.

[@gabe2968]

Honestly this inspired me to get a bike. I'm doing my CBT next week, grab a 125, get the basics down and then I'm getting myself a CB550 because of this video

[@stevecolwill9761]

What a great story and gorgeous sounding bike. Hats off, Dave! 👍🏻

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you again Steve! Happy you're enjoying the videos!

[@MrMonty414]

Great video. I have a 550 as well. Put a 600 kit in it, flowed the head, had the carbies bored and put a cb 650 cam in it. It has a La Parriesinne, 3/4 fairing as well. It's a registered bike here in Australia 🇦🇺. The thing absolutely hammers and it is a joy to ride.😄👍

[@MrLegend38]

Highest respect mate building a beautiful sounding and looking bike plus riding there as well 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Much appreciated MrLegend, thanks for your nice comments!

[@garymorgan628]

Alan millyard has made a similar one, nice job you've done 👍

[@normasnockers323]

Well done mate!!! You're a test pilot as well as a master mechanic! Stunner of a bike.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Norma, thanks for watching :)

[@affendysyd]

I don't know why I haven't found this before...but this is excellent! I dream to build my CBX750F to look like this. CR750 to be exact.

[@andrewgibbs5135]

Paraphrasing; “If you build one, it must be for a purpose”. Good advice and inspirational, many thanks for posting 👍

[@Coolhand99au]

Loved the video Mate Mike Hailwood and his bikes were legends and the bike you have built is a good copy Well done

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Coolhand99au, thanks for your nice comments!

[@Beardmondy67]

.. Epic job,.. The open megas sound killer ,..

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you!!!

[@philng5]

Beautiful machine. Well done!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you :)

[@robertdress6743]

Beautiful Story! Beautiful bikes! Best of luck on your next projects!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for watching Robert!

[@TheDavidLemberg]

Well done John on a super informative docu review.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one David :)

[@derekstegall9811]

What a bike absolutely amazing and what a amazing accomplishment

[@PhilipBeresford]

Beautiful bike and what a great video. Keep up with the content and production quality, you're doing great work!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Phil, thanks for your kind words, really nice to hear people are enjoying the video :)

[@robplazzman6049]

It does look like something Hailwood would have ridden, although perhaps a tad faster ! Top job.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Haha, nice one Rob :)

[@safaristorme1938]

I have also done kind of similar thing all on my own and by that I can say whatever you said is absolutely genuine and correct

[@robsayner6390]

Absolutely brilliant man.Easy going down to earth.Love the bikes you've built.

[@marcswinnen9100]

I love it its beautiful the engine block i would even put in my living room

[@demportboy1584]

A good honest opinion on how to go about doing a build, with no BS. Did enjoy video very much. Bill in Brisbane.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Bill, thanks for taking the time to comment, hello Australia!

[@mr59301]

First-time viewer, now that KZbin dropped you into my feed. What a valuable resource you've provided. Thank you! I have a SOHC CB750 project under way and the chapter breakdown you've provided will be useful in the shop for info and Chromecast on the big screen for inspiration.

[@paulsnify]

what a great job.. so tuning parts next. It sounds fantastic

[@ralfrainfurth6034]

You are a real enthusiast, you have the spirit, cool

[@keepitrunning]

Neat and explains the 550f tank I see on your top shelf in other videos. 175 is nice too I have a CL175 myself with my other Honda's. After 30 years working in a Honda dealers they're kind of ingrained in me even though I finished with that in 2013.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Well spotted!

[@marlonbrando9279]

Bloody awsome ! You lived a dream , it is a dream of mine also ...

[@kallievandermerwe2574]

beautiful man, an awesome sound! Thanks!

[@mattheweasteal2291]

Great video ... really enjoyed the detail and seeing it run

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Matt, doesn't it sound amazing!

[@paulguile2199]

Great looking bike. Sounds awesome too! Nice job.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Paul, thanks for watching the video!

[@erwinballings9155]

Beautiful bike and sounds great. Top job. Thanks for sharing. ❤👍

[@payres48]

I remember going to Brands Hatch and seeing Agostino, Hailwood, John Cooper, Phil Read and Bill Ivy race.

[@payres48]

Of course I meant Agostini.

[@jfu5222]

I can't stand store-bought rear sets on vintage motorcycles. Yours look perfect.

[@frodobeutlin8683]

The best channel on youtube!!!! See you on the isle of man. Greetings from germany

[@MegaPaulCooper]

Beautiful bike and video

[@derekansell6103]

Great vid and story, well done.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Derek, thanks for your compliments:)

[@firestorm755]

Amazing builds and what a sound!!

[@DocJonesGarage]

I feel so inspired by this, thank you!

[@richardraby6266]

Nice philosophy, have fun, do something yourself, you don't have to spend a fortune. And in my case I learned SO much completely stripping, measuring, renovating, hunting for parts. rebuilding, getting unobtainable parts made etc, on an old and almost scrap ZXR750 L3

[@gregoryholliday3806]

Hi Dave,you copied my 500/4 racer to produce your one..well done..I had to sell my racer as age has overtaken me now..great video, nice to see someone taking up the Mantle. My 500/4 racer has gone to a great guy down here on the south coast..hes more of a polisher but will give it the care it needs, nice to see your son riding also..

[@paulmchugh2341]

Enjoyed the video, great explanations. Would be interested to know who supplied the aluminium petrol tank as doing a similar build to a 400/four. Thanks

[@danamuise4117]

that thing sounds amazing

[@nicolasdolley3882]

Fantastic, thanks

[@paulbiggs9279]

Absolutely lovely.

[@shaneocallaghan4404]

That's awesome bro, thanks for sharing. Be cool if you were here in New Zealand... Think I'm about to get out of my depth lol.

[@arealassassin]

Ignition timing is on the RHS crank end of a 500/550/4, not the alternator end.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video looks fantastic nice job stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Richard, thanks for your nice words :)

[@CANALROBBY]

Beau travaille bravo 👍 Pour la prochaine, la même recette mais avec un 1000 CBX 6 cylindres avec 6 mégaphones of course 😉

[@willhoggard645]

WOW Great bike & video!!!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Will :)

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

looks and sounds great good job

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your nice comments and watching our videos Jump Forty Four!

[@dannymacarthur13]

Very well done!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you Tunnel Of Love :)

[@adamsyfqqq]

kinda reminds me of the 2 stroke racers like the TZ's and YZR's of the mid 70's, i believe the RC174 model which is similar to the RC145 is the building block of the Honda CBX1100...

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Very interesting Adam, didn't know that.

[@adamsyfqqq]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel 6 cylinder race bike could you even believe that thing, while most people thing its horse radish, honda made it possible, they beat the british bikes, hell they even beat other Japanese brands in terms of how many cylinders can you fit in a bike frame 😂

[@mikeymike3240]

Hi there, awesome replica man, pity you didn’t bifurcate the bottom exhaust pipes on either side into two, to mimic the 6 pipes on Mike the bikes Honda 6, that would have been amazing 🤩, don’t you think 💭, maybe it would have been too much work. You should fit a quick shifter on her for the track, now that woooould sooooound aaaaaaaamazing ....... The 175 looks fantastic as well, I’d happily take either one, although for someone my size, xxl, and that’s after losing 5 stone in weight, it would be the 500/550 lol 😂 but I wouldn’t turn my nose up at the 175 either. Sweet video. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@crankybear1236]

Respect!

[@robertrishel3685]

Very cool bike😍... your safety wiring however needs some work. Reference some jet engine lock wire videos👍

[@vanislandsteve]

Awesome video

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alistairmclauchlan7063]

Lovely job sounds great wish I was a bit younger

[@bostonbikebits6539]

I'm building an Rc163 replica but have not been able to source a fairing - where did you get yours, please? I was thinking of trying to make one but don't have the confidence. My bike has a CBR250RR engine at it's heart. Cheers for a great video.

[@philhotchin284]

Great sound ! goes well. A question ....did you re-jet the carbs ? Just subscribed super videos, keep them coming.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Phil, I don’t think so but I’ll check with Dave

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Dave said he only lifted the needles

[@philhotchin284]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Thanks for the reply. Just fettling my 550, nearly there but good to know.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

@@philhotchin284 No worries Phil, I know he does plug tests etc to get it right...

[@philhotchin284]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Thats where I am at the minute, certainly tests your patience.

[@lostwhitewolf]

sounds awesome that!

[@Robs_Model_T_Fun]

Curious if that is a holtworks tank ? Only place I found that makes an aluminum race tank .

[@bigears4426]

Try a step drill on perspex , they won't shatter it

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for the tip Big Ears :)

[@johnpublic168]

Are you saying no track day testing before going to the isle of mann

[@Shinysideup]

Awesome, channel subscribed

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Ian, welcome aboard :)

[@michaelmckinnon3045]

What fairing and seat did you use on your honda

[@burgey2145]

Is that mallory Park ur at

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, in some of the shots, well spotted Jamie!

[@whalesong999]

Wow, some who've thought alike...!! I did this kind of modification to a Honda CB-160 back in the early '70s, trying to recapture the same period of excellence of their early and successful racers. I had the good fortune of using CR-93 fuel tank and seat, steering damper, intake tubes, engine breather, along with fabricated rearsets and linkages, and CB-92 magnesium front brake unit and Honda issue race parts like the clip ons and CB-92 racing megaphone. Some port work and polish, shimmed valve springs - all in hope of racing our AAMRR road racing program but never made it to one. Eventually sold the motorcycle collector based in California. The Honda CB-160 frame appeared to have identical dimensions to the CR-93, the seat actually bolted on the same way with no modification. www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2778159-Some-motorsickle-stuff-a-trip-back-to-a-former-occupation

[@alelectric2767]

Sounds like the bikes from Mad Max.

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

sadly it was bad weather I done it in good weather

[@bigharrykochenbauls4567]

That fairing looks a bit like Frankenstein's forehead to be honest..

[@billhash8296]

Hay any of you guys that have more money then you know what to do with can you help a brother out and get him a deal on a Kawasaki kz900 1000 or a Honda CB900 something to make a good cafe racer out of, l miss riding a bike so much just can't afford one so if you want ,one of u guys that have more money then you know what to do with and really want to help a biker friend and make him more happier than anything in this world . someone could please help me find a decent deal I live in Tennessee and really miss riding especially this time of the year ,spring.

[@joepkortekaas8813]

Not a replica at all, if you don't come too close a nice look-alike.