Beachman Bikes has launched its Special Vehicles Division, a new arm of the Canadian electric motorcycle manufacturer dedicated to restoring and electrifying vintage motorcycles. The debut project for this venture is a fully reengineered 1974 Honda CB500 that has been transformed from a non-functional, blown-motor relic into a road-certified electric cafe racer that retains the iconic silhouette and character of the original while delivering modern performance and reliability.
The restoration of the 1974 Honda CB500 began with a ground-up frame rebuild, followed by the design and integration of a custom lithium-ion battery pack built to the exact dimensions of the CB500 frame. It utilized the same UL-certified supply chain that Beachman uses for its production models.
Image Credit: Beachman Bikes
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Electric Restomods
- Classic motorcycles reengineered with electric drivetrains create premium mobility products that blend nostalgia, sustainability, and modern reliability.
- Battery-integrated Heritage Design
- Custom lithium-ion packs shaped around original frames enable electrification without compromising the visual identity of vintage vehicles.
- Road-certified Custom Builds
- Regulatory-ready electric conversions position bespoke restorations as practical transportation rather than purely collectible showpieces.
Sectors Adopting This
- Electric Vehicles
- Heritage-focused electrification expands the EV market beyond new platforms into restored classics with modern performance standards.
- Motorcycle Manufacturing
- Specialized restoration divisions introduce new revenue models for manufacturers through limited-run conversions and premium customization.
- Automotive Restoration
- Electrified rebuilds shift restoration culture toward sustainable preservation, combining authentic aesthetics with compliant, low-maintenance powertrains.
