Classic Racing Motorbike Build - Honda RC181 Race Replica

In this video take an in depth looking into this CLASSIC RACING MOTORBIKE BUILD which was completed by Dave Mitchell from Mitchell's Classics.

Dave's starting point was a seized Honda CB550 that was left to rot, but he had a dream to turn it into a Honda RC181 Race Replica and do a lap of the Isle of Man. In 2012 Dave completed the build and a lap of the Isle of Man. This is his story, and of course an overview of the technical details behind the build.

Like always, we don't just talk about the build, we start it up and take it for a ride so you can see and hear it for yourself.

This video is just under 19 minutes, feel free to use the chapters to skip to the part of the video that interests you the most.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Dave's lap of the Isle of Man
1:58 Introducing the donor bike
2:08 The engine, cases, gearbox etc
4:15 Battery and ignition
4:29 Castings and casings
4:56 Pipes
6:38 Belly pan
6:48 The frame
7:09 Suspension
7:23 Saving weight
7:41 Rear sets
8:37 Brakes
8:59 Battery, ignition module and core pack
9:34 Challenges
9:51 Seat and tank
10:27 Rear shocks
10:38 Front mudguard
10:43 Clip ons
10:53 Front fairing
11:12 Headstock and steering damper
11:34 Front fairing mounts
11:39 Gearing
11:51 Cutting and mounting the front fairing
14:24 Dave's son's RC145 Race Replica build
15:03 Starting the RC145 Race Replica on rollers
16:27 Advice to people who might like to do a project like this

// Here's some of our other videos from our MAIN YouTube CHANNEL we think you might like:
- CLASSIC BRITISH CAFE RACER MOTORCYCLE - 1956 BSA Gold Star DBD34
- GODET-EGLI-VINCENT MOTORCYCLE - A Modern Vintage Classic Motorcycle

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// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Dave Mitchell for his time filming on the day. Dave runs Mitchell's Classics which is a classic motorcycle servicing and restoration business based in South East England.
Mobile: [phone]
- Chris for sourcing our location for the shoot.
- Ray for graciously allowing us to film on his land.
- Chris and Phil for coming along and helping us out on the day.

// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.

This video was produced by The Classic Motorcycle Channel and Talk To Camera.

Visit Talk To Camera's website here:

[Fminus]

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

[TMGJ]

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".

[cockneygeezer]

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

[tomoyama]

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

[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!

[alelectric]

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

[kalgaramerinos]

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!

[gabe]

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

[stephanielongden]

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.

[xtremluck]

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.

[stevecolwill]

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

[derekstegall]

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

[MrLegend]

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

[robertdress]

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

[andrewgibbs]

Paraphrasing; “If you build one, it must be for a purpose”.

Good advice and inspirational, many thanks for posting 👍

[normasnockers]

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

[TheDavidLemberg]

Well done John on a super informative docu review.

[derekstegall]

What a bike absolutely amazing and what a amazing accomplishment

[MrMonty]

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.😄👍

[Coolhandau]

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