Eddy Cuccaro is the mastermind behind L’Etabli d’Eddy, a bespoke French motorcycle model that bears a striking resemblance to Honda’s iconic CB600F Hornet. While it wasn’t his initial choice for a custom project, Eddy seized the opportunity when it arose, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Eddy and his 2001 Honda CB600F share a storied past of their own making. At first, Eddy had decided to trade in his beloved Hornet, but struggled to muster the motivation to part with the bike he cherished so deeply. With the sale’s proceeds, he financed a Suzuki DR600 build project. Twelve months later, to his surprise, he discovered his cherished Hornet listed for sale on an online classifieds platform. Despite his initial disappointment at the car’s unconventional modifications, he began to see its unique possibilities. Having witnessed someone else successfully complete the task that initially intimidated him, he decided to repurchase the bike and this time, felt confident enough to modify it on his own.
The transformation of Eddy’s Hornet began in late 2021 with the goal of presenting the final product at the prestigious “Salon du 2 Roues” in Lyon, France by 2024. For over three years, he devoted his very essence to the project’s development, persisting through numerous obstacles as they arose. Essentially the most troublesome facet? Fabricating intricate aluminum fairings from the ground up, he leveraged his finely honed skills in steel shaping to create precision-crafted components that would surpass expectations.
The project kicked off by refining the rear of the frame to streamline the Hornet’s dimensions, enabling a seamless fit with the Honda VFR800 swingarm. To accommodate the distinctive features of the Hornet, the shock mount was meticulously customized to ensure precise fitment, while meticulous machining of the required spacers ensured optimal alignment of the chain and sprockets. The fork tubes had been upgraded with high-performance components sourced from the renowned Aprilia RSV1000 motorcycle, enhancing the overall handling and ride quality of the vehicle. Despite its sleek design, the Aprilia rim finds itself nestled within the forks, a testament to its unique heritage; the half-finished prototype arrived with the impressive twin-disc Brembo braking system already in place.
The distinctive gasoline tank has undergone a transformative change. Eddy incorporated a high-performance inspired filler that harmonizes with the construct’s athletic appearance. With meticulous attention to detail, he personally crafted every aspect of the bike’s aluminum frame, from its sturdy tubes to intricate details. The tail unit comprises two distinct components, seamlessly integrating an exhaust system within its sleek design; alongside this, a futuristic-looking entrance fairing adds an otherworldly flair to the overall aesthetic. The exhaust system has been meticulously designed and built to exact specifications, a testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to detail. The exhaust system features a sleek ‘bread field’ collector that closely wraps around the rear wheel’s contour, allowing the engine to produce an unencumbered melody.
Eddy’s CB600F Hornet underwent bespoke enhancements, featuring retrofitted footrests sourced from a CBR600F4, a one-off seat crafted by renowned fabricator Joan Sellerien, and an exclusive high fork designed specifically for the bike by the skilled artisans at Frenchy Bike. The refreshed appearance of the bike is achieved through a paint scheme inspired by Honda’s latest version of the Hornet, specifically the iconic CB750 model. The sleek motorcycle boasts a sophisticated gunmetal gray palette, punctuated by bold, sunshine-yellow accents, meticulously crafted by the skilled artisans at DP Customized in La Murette, France.
Eddy’s primary objective in designing the Hornet was to boost its performance while also creating a distinctive appearance that resonated with him. The Honda CB600F’s performance undoubtedly satisfies each of these criteria.
