On paper, The late 2000s Honda CB600F Hornet was a great bike; a lively four-cylinder midsize vehicle, widely regarded for its drivability and reliability. But in terms of the flesh, it’s hard to get excited. Like most of Honda’s naked models, the Hornet is steadfastly unobtrusive – which makes it prime material for customization.
This Honda Hornet racer cafe from Sébastien Vernaison in France—a part-time builder who operates under the name Seb Kustom Motorcycle. He bought this bike a few years ago, customized it and then decided to put it back under the knife for added swagger. And we’re glad he did, because the result is a far cry from the bike’s vanilla roots.
Seb’s latest innovations include the Honda Hornet’s fancy new bodywork. The fairing and tail cowl are aftermarket fiberglass parts from French accessory manufacturer, Poly26, but both have been heavily modified to fit this build. The OEM Honda fuel tank fits neatly between them.
The overall aesthetic is extremely well thought out, blending classic sports car and endurance racing elements to create a modern cafe racer feel.
The fairing sits on a manual frame and can be easily removed, while the rear can pop out to reveal a bench-style seat. The seat—and subframe underneath—are inherited from the previous version of the Hornet. (Seb also had the old LED headlights available so he could easily switch between the two designs.)
The slim front fenders and sharp belly add character, and the Seb gets bonus points for its offset headlight design and aggressively trimmed windscreen. The arrangement of the rear lights and rear lights using a trio of Kellermann LEDs is also quite neat. Kellermann LED lights also handle front turn signal duties, located along the Honda’s radiator shroud.
The cockpit has a modified upper support bar, cleared to accommodate the clamp bars. There’s also a steering damper, quick-turn throttle, new grips, and Nissin brake and clutch controls. The Koso speedometer is hidden behind a color display.
Seb also didn’t neglect the Hornet’s running gear. The front forks are upgraded with Hyperpro springs and adjustable Hyperpro shocks at the rear. Dunlop Sportmax tires wrap around the original wheels.
Seb also upgraded the brake hoses and front brake discs, and installed new filters from DNA Filters. Wagner Classic Oil supplies new engine and fork oil, and treats the inside of used fuel tanks.
The exhaust system can make or break a custom build, but Seb sums this build up well. Arrow’s four-into-one stainless steel headers are paired with Danmoto carbon fiber mufflers, modified by West Welding 29. This is a burly design that perfectly complements the retro cafe racer style. Hornet’s dictionary.
The bike is completed with a swingarm-mounted license plate holder and a custom-made expansion tank, mounted next to the rear shock absorber. Before buttoning it up, Seb stripped it down, painted the frame black and sent the body to a body shop for a gray basecoat. Color-matched engine cover guards add gray accents.
The blue pin stripe is Seb’s handiwork and matches the blue wheels, shocks and preload adjusters.
It’s hard to think of a better paint color for this mighty Honda Hornet cafe racer. Now if only Honda made them like this right from the factory.
Seb Kustom Motorcycle | Image by Les Studios de Broceliande
