A New Format for Customization

Honda has officially kicked off its seventh annual custom motorcycle competition at the prestigious Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz, France. This year, the event introduces a distinct thematic twist: an "On-Road vs. Off-Road" showdown featuring five custom-built CB750 Hornets pitted against five modified XL750 Transalps.


The ten motorcycles featured in the competition are the result of collaborative efforts between Honda and various custom shops across Europe, with each bike representing a different country. A highlight of this year’s edition is the expert commentary provided by the original designers of these machines: Valerio Aieillo, who spearheaded the Transalp, and Giovanni Dovis, the creative force behind the Hornet.


The Evolution of the Hondacustoms Competition

This event builds upon a rich history of previous collaborations that have captivated motorcycle enthusiasts. Since the program's inception, Honda has highlighted a diverse range of models, including:

  • 2020: CB1000R
  • 2021: CB650R
  • 2022: CMX500 Rebel
  • 2023: Dax, Grom, and Monkey minibikes
  • 2024: CL500 and CL250
  • 2025: GB350S

The platform has seen impressive growth, with over 30,000 visitors participating in the voting process during the summer of 2025—a 19% increase compared to the previous year.


Festival Experience and Online Voting

The custom bikes will be on display at the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz from June 10th through June 14th. In addition to the motorcycles themselves, the event will feature live art by graffiti artist Moka 187, who will create custom illustrations on the surfboards used to display the bikes.


For those unable to attend the festival in person, Honda has opened the competition to a global audience. Enthusiasts can view the full lineup and cast their votes at hondacustoms.com throughout the summer. Participants also have the option to download bespoke digital wallpapers of their favorite builds. As noted in the official press release, the ultimate winner of the competition will be crowned at the end of the summer season.


The 2026 Competition Lineup

The ten selected builds represent a diverse spectrum of European craftsmanship:

«These custom projects reflect the spirit of individualization, showcasing how the 750cc parallel-twin platform can be transformed into vastly different aesthetic and functional expressions.»


CB750 Hornet Builds:

  • White Venom (Germany)
  • Sting Honey (Poland)
  • Last Lap (Spain)
  • Mugen (Portugal)
  • Concept 2077 (Switzerland)

XL750 Transalp Builds:

  • Ruth (Austria)
  • Ocean Nomad (France)
  • Honda ATC750 (Benelux)
  • Saharja (Italy)
  • 40th Anniversary '86 Dakar Tribute (UK)