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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