Launched in 1998, the Honda CB600F Hornet rapidly constructed a robust following due to its good mix of efficiency and reliability. Powered by a detuned model of the identical inline-four discovered within the CBR600 sports activities, the no-fuss bare landed available on the market on the good time and though there have been loads of engaging rivals, the Hornet by no means did not impress.
Eddy Cuccaro is the person behind the French {custom} moto model, L’Etabli d’Eddy. Eddy’s at all times had a deep reference to Honda’s CB600F Hornet and though it wasn’t his first alternative for a {custom} mission, when the chance introduced itself, he snatched it up.
Eddy and this 2001 CB600F have a narrative of their very own. Initially, Eddy had deliberate to change his Hornet however couldn’t deliver himself to change the bike he beloved a lot. As a substitute, he bought it and used the proceeds to fund a Suzuki DR600 construct. A yr after finishing that mission, he stumbled upon his beloved Hornet up on the market on a classifieds web site. To his dismay, it had undergone some questionable customization, however moderately than lamenting his previous choice, he noticed potential. Seeing as another person had already finished what he was hesitant to do, he repurchased the bike, and this time, had no qualms about modifying it himself.
The transformation of Eddy’s Hornet started in late 2021, with the aim of showcasing the completed product on the “Salon du 2 Roues” in Lyon, France, in 2024. Over 3 years, he poured his coronary heart and soul into the construct, overcoming a number of challenges alongside the best way. Probably the most tough side? Crafting the aluminum fairings from scratch which put his hard-earned metallic shaping expertise to the check.
The construct started with modifications to the rear of the body to tighten the Hornet’s proportions and make means for a Honda VFR800 swingarm. The method concerned customizing the shock mount on the swingarm to match the unique Hornet setup and machining all of the spacers wanted to get the chain and sprockets correctly aligned. The entrance forks had been swapped out too, utilizing better-performing alternate options from an Aprilia RSV1000. The Aprilia rim nonetheless sits inside the forks because it appeared the half and it got here with twin-disc Brembo stoppers.
The unique gasoline tank has additionally undergone a metamorphosis. Eddy added an Endurance-style filler, to match the performance-oriented aesthetic of this construct. He additionally handcrafted all the bike’s aluminum bodywork. These embody the tail unit which consists of two elements and has the exhaust built-in into its design, and the alien-esque entrance fairing. The exhaust system is, after all, custom-built too. It incorporates a ‘bread field’ collector that hugs the profile of the rear wheel and muffler-less suggestions that permit the engine sing.
Additional customization to Eddy’s CB600F Hornet included retrofitting footrests from a CBR600F4, becoming a {custom} seat made by Joan Sellerien, and a {custom} high fork by Frenchy Bike. The bike’s new look has been accomplished with a paint job impressed by Honda’s newest iteration of the Hornet, the CB750. It incorporates a gunmetal gray scheme with vibrant yellow highlights and was laid by DP Customized in La Murette, France.
From the outset, Eddy’s intention for the Hornet was at all times to enhance its efficiency and obtain a singular look that appealed to him. The result’s a CB600F that undeniably ticks each of these bins.
