What is known about the project
Debuts of the Special Vehicles Division
Converting classic cars and motorcycles into electric vehicles is a topic that leaves no one indifferent. Some consider it sacrilege, while others often get results that resemble scientific experiments rather than vintage machinery. However, this 1974 Honda CB500 managed to avoid both extremes.
The motorcycle was created by Canadian company Beachman Bikes, and this work became the debut of its new Special Vehicles Division (SVD). It is meant to rescue worn-out vintage motorcycles by replacing old gasoline engines with modern electric ones. Importantly, no healthy classic machine was sacrificed for the project. According to Beachman, the donor CB500 arrived with a blown engine and clutch failure, so it was perfect for a second life rather than scrap metal.
Technical internals
Beachman says it fully restored the original frame and then modified it for the electric powertrain. The main element is a custom lithium-ion battery rated at 72 volts and 200 Ah. It was developed for this Honda after digitally scanning the chassis to fill the space as efficiently as possible and preserve the motorcycle’s balance.
The best part is that this bike is not limited to slow coffee runs. Beachman representatives assure that it easily maintains highway speeds and is suitable for daily use. However, exact figures for range, performance, charging time, or power have not been announced yet, so such claims should be taken with caution. That said, from a visual standpoint, the motorcycle really does look great.
Design and certification
The cream fuel tank, brown quilted seat, spoked wheels, round headlight, and classic proportions remain unchanged. The battery housing fills the space where the inline-four engine once lived, but it does not look too bulky. Even the charging port was styled to look vintage so as not to give away the electric motorcycle right away. The details are so well integrated that the bike reads as a cohesive design rather than the result of a hasty conversion.
The finished motorcycle has successfully passed the DriveON inspection in Ontario, so it is fully certified for road use before being handed over to a private owner. Beachman is not publishing many specifications yet, but one thing is clear: the company understands the key point. Converting classics to electric power does not necessarily mean losing their visual charm.
What this means for the future
This project shows that electrifying old motorcycles can be not only a technical solution but also a way to preserve their soul. For many owners of classic models, difficulties finding parts and the reliability of old engines become a real problem. If Beachman has managed to combine vintage looks with modern electric internals, this approach could become an example for other workshops. After all, old motorcycles are becoming fewer every year, and conversion gives them a chance to extend their lives. Without full technical data, it is too early to talk about practical benefits, but the very idea of preserving classics in a new form is already a victory.