A Honda CB550 inspired by Norton

As promised at the end of 2016, I’m trying to post more projects from “shed builders”, “one-timers” and hobbyists (and guys with 2 left hands like myself). I hope that I can inspire others to create their own machine some day, just like Nicolas Pommier from Dijon, France. Which is in fact a “basement builder”.

Nicolas (31) has been enthusiastic about motorcycles his whole life and got infected by the custom motorcycle virus the last couple of years. After surfing around looking at creations of others, he decided to build a bike himself. By day Nicolas is a professor of technology, but he had no technical background and only a little experience with working on bikes. In order to get the project on track he asked his dad to help him. Project “NP#1” was born.

He sourced a ’77 Honda CB550 that was in a bad condition and non-rolling shape. Since the legendary Norton Manx is one of his favorite classic machines, he wanted to give the Honda a little bit of Manx-juice. A list of modifications can be found below the pictures. I can’t wait for NP#2 (which is almost finished!).

If you want your bike to be featured here: submit your bike!

List of modifications 

• USD fork of a 125 Aprilia RS
• 17-inch spoke wheels
• Radial front brake and rear drum brake
• 17-inch rear wheel with original hub (hence drum brake) and 160 tires
• Red chain
• Norton Manx color polyester tank and shell
• Engine rebuild completely polished and painted black
• Open air filters
• Digital counter by Acewell
• Controls a an MV Agusta F4 and Ducati 1098
• Handles brown old school and retro handlebar end
• Modification of the frame, creation of the rear loop, removal of all fixing lugs and smoothing of the welds
• Moving the battery, central flashing, regulator under the back shell
• Leather saddle (smooth and carbon) with red thread and integrated tail light
• Gas shock absorber
• 4 in 1 exhaust
• Handlebar bracelet
• Round light
• Carbon front fender