“A stance akin to a snarling dog…”

Brutalism is an architectural style popular in the 1950s and ’60s, characterized by rugged forms, hard edges, and raw/exposed materials — often combined with patinated finishes and metallic colors. Today, this post-WWII style is making a comeback, perhaps because of the post-apocalyptic, industrial elements that speak to contemporary culture.

Enter the team of South Florida’s Burn Up Company, who operate out of a 6300 sq. ft. facility in West Palm Beach, scouring the nation for “unique and forgotten motorcycles” to restore to their former glory. Recently, a customer of theirs — Mr. Brian Adler — commissioned a brutalist CB750. The concept and ultimate design decisions fell to Mr. Adler, whose vision was clear:

“A fully-functioning, restored motorcycle — but with patina intact, and industrial brutalist elements.”

Starting with a ’78 Honda CB750F, the Burn up crew delivered a machine that performs like the original, while looking like it might have been restored in the world of Mad Max:

“We found that we were able to deliver a bike that runs, rides, and stops like a full restoration, but without losing its rugged brat-bike appearance, muscular silhouette, and a stance akin to a snarling dog.”

The bike was born as a 1978 Honda CB750F Super Sport. The customer wanted a fully-functioning, restored motorcycle — but with patina intact, and industrial brutalist elements. We immediately knew there would be fine line to walk.

One of the earliest decisions made was to move away from the Super Sport tank shape. With some hunting, and some failed experiments, we landed on a CB750 K-series fuel tank. This required us to relocate some of the mounts in order to accommodate what is effectively an incorrect piece, resulting in a lifted tank appearance. The rescued tank was re-sealed, refinished and clear coated with its natural patina exposed.

Now that the tank had been effectively resized, none of the bikes stock ergonomic components could fit, and so a fully custom seat had to be drafted. The subframe was shortened and a hoop was welded in, shaped to conform to the new seat. Another notable detail is full custom rear brake assembly. The caliper mount had to be made by hand. With the addition of 4-into-1 exhaust system, modern lights and gauges, and new suspension we found that we were able to deliver a bike that runs, rides, and stops like a full restoration, but without losing its rugged brat-bike appearance, muscular silhouette, and a stance akin to a snarling dog.

Follow the Builder / Photographer

Built by: @burnupcompany

Photos by: @vincent.anthony.conti

Rider pictured / lead tech: @jessescottbaumann

Customer / owner: Brian Adler