The Honda GL700 features a vertically mounted V-twin. This rare motorcycle was produced in a limited run of 800 units... and Kona, a road photographer, has transformed it into a cafe racer. This time, we will introduce his beloved GL700! (Eye-catching image Photo by @hikarusr400)
1983 HONDA GL700 (Wing Interstate GL700)
What is the Honda GL700?
The Honda GL700 (officially known as the Wing Interstate GL700) is a rare model that was released in Japan in June 1983 with a limited run of 800 units.
Its biggest feature is its vertically mounted 673cc water-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin, OHV, four-valve engine, and other features include a large fairing, front and rear air suspension, and a double-disc front brake with excellent stopping power, making it a long-distance touring motorcycle.
In the second-hand market, the GL700 has a loyal fanbase as a "good quality engine that can easily rev up to 9,000 rpm despite being an OHV." However, because it is a limited edition model, there are few of them left, and it is rare to find one even in Japan.
The original is characterized by its large cowling and side bags!
Since this is a limited edition car with only 800 units produced in Japan, each has a serial number engraved on it!
The ultimate cafe racer that looks great in riding photos!
Kona, the owner of the GL700 we're introducing this time, is a driving photographer who loves cafe racers.
As his main job is as a creator, the quality of his work is professional level. I've had him take photos of me a few times, and one of them is the profile picture for my personal Instagram account. It's one of my favorites.
His history of favorite cars...even if we limit it to customized cafe racers...he has ridden six motorcycles so far, including the Grasstracker, Bandit LTD, Volty, and SR400.
In this article, we take a closer look at his seventh cafe racer, the GL700 custom!
Instagram "Konasan"
https://www.instagram.com/coona_mts
GL700 and its owner, Konasan
A photo of me riding on my Honda CD50, taken by Kona.
What prompted you to purchase it?
"I wanted to make a cafe racer with a vertical engine, and I had my eye on the GL as the base car for a long time. However, it was an old model and unpopular at the time. And for better or worse, it was a limited edition of 800 units, so parts were hard to come by, and it naturally fell out of my sight.
I completely forgot about the GL and was looking for a different vehicle, but one day an acquaintance introduced me to this one, and I was instantly drawn to it and ended up buying it."
I see! So it's been on your radar for a long time!
A vertically mounted V-twin engine with a commanding presence!
What's the point of customization?
"The silhouette is important for a cafe racer! I think that the coolest thing is when someone is riding it, so I was particular about the ideal riding position.
・Back rounded
・Legs folded like sitting upright
・Face just touching the tank
This is exactly how I imagined it, so I love it!"
Not only the coolness of the bike itself, but the silhouette when you ride it! This is definitely a very important point!
The attention to detail you'd expect from a riding photographer!
A carefully thought-out customization to make the ride look its best!
Photo by @yano.apits
Main Customization Details
・Single Seat (One-off Creation)
・Rearsets (One-off Production)
・Exhaust System (One-off)
・Pipe Handlebar (Magura)
・Headlight (Lucas)
・Frame Reshaping
・All Paint
A one-off single seat
One-off Rearsets and exhaut system
The characteristic of cafe racers is the pipe handlebars, made by the classic German company Magura.
The headlights are made by LUCAS.
All the beautiful paint was applied by KAMI RIVA XIDE MOTORCYCLE (TOKYO NEW VINTAGE)!
Is there anything you are struggling with?
"It's hard to come by because there are no custom parts and no genuine parts. I asked the custom shop "KAMI RIVA XIDE MOTORCYCLE" in Ome City to do the customization and maintenance this time. Not only for customization, but also when I'm in trouble with parts, I ask them to handle everything. They respond seriously to even unreasonable requests, so I don't have any trouble! Well, I think the shop is having a hard time lol
Anyway, it's a reliable shop!
This vehicle was also exhibited by the same shop at the custom show "JOINTS2025" held in April. Among the many choppers, this GL700 cafe racer was special and attracted attention!
Instagram “KAMI RIVA XIDE MOTORCYCLE”
https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_new_vintage
This motorcycle was also exhibited at Japan's leading custom show, JOINTS2025 (at the KAMI RIVA XIDE MOTORCYCLE booth).
My first impression was "I got it!"...The one and only cafe racer!
I like motorcycles that are a little different from popular vehicles and styles... and as a result, I only own unpopular motorcycles.
When I first saw Kona's GL700, my reaction was "I'm so jealous!" lol
- Vertical V-twin and Shaft Drive
- Sturdy Basic Structure
- Rareness due to limited production
- Body that can be easily made lighter by removing touring equipment
These base motorcycles have a rare and secure feel.
And then there's the beautiful cafe racer customization. It's one of a kind and special! A motorcycle I'm really jealous of!
Next time... I'll be riding the GL700, so could you take a photo of it while it's running? lol
Instagram "Everyone's Single Cylinder"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito
Please take a photo of me riding a GL700 someday!
Photo by @kurosiba_love
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See HONDA GL700 (GL650 SILVER WING) Parts & Accessories Page
