This Vintage Honda Microcar Gets a Supersport Makeover

Removing the traditional kei car body, followed by equipping it with the powerful components of a contemporary superbike.

It’s small, it’s yellow, and it has a decidedly retro look as a hatchback. This isn’t a Mini; it’s a Honda N600 from the early ’70s. The original model was equipped with a compact 600cc-ish kei car engine that, at best, produced around 40 full horsepower on perfect days.

Pleasant to observe; not as enjoyable when driving. It might lead to frustration, varying based on your personal disposition and tolerance levels on any given day.

However, that’s all set to change shortly.
Cars and Cameras
Each year, they invite a group of friends to participate in what they refer to as Build Week. During this event, their aim is to finish an incredibly ambitious project within seven days by dedicating themselves entirely to the task at hand. Of course, there are moments of rest; however, the idea is that by bringing together skilled do-it-yourself enthusiasts, they can accomplish substantial amounts of work much quicker than if each person were tackling it individually.

In 2025, they plan to transform this unassuming little Honda N600 by installing a distinct Honda engine within it. Which engine will it be? It’s a
CBR1000RR
Superbike mill. This indicates, amongst other aspects, that swapping out the small N600 motor wasn’t ever an option. The plan involves changing it to rear-wheel-drive configuration and positioning components such as the fuel tank, radiator, and battery in what used to be the engine compartment at the front end to improve the overall weight distribution of the final build.

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Certainly, we mustn’t overlook the fact that the CBR1000RR engine produces approximately 170 horsepower. This figure is over four times greater than what the original N600 was designed to accommodate, not to mention it will now sit at the back rather than upfront. Consequently, numerous additional modifications would have to be implemented to ensure this compact kei vehicle does not contort into an intricate pretzel-like shape when in operation.

They’re assembling quite an eclectic mix of components here, featuring a rear axle sourced from a Mazda Miata, along with some suspension pieces taken from a Polaris RZR, and various other elements used to piece everything together. Despite being a Texan donor car—an area known for minimal rust—the N600 shows very little corrosion for its years; however, this hasn’t stopped them from having to cut into the vehicle’s back end to accommodate both the new engine placement and the necessary adjustments to the suspension system.

How crazy does it seem when this build is finished? The plan is to test it at the Virginia International Raceway karting facility. Do you want to get behind the wheel of this vehicle, or do they have their heads in the clouds? Share your opinions below!