The stage belongs to the GB350S
For the sixth time in a row, Honda is focusing on individualization and customizing at the renowned Wheels & Waves Festival in Biarritz, France. At the center of this year’s competition is the brand new Honda GB350S – a classically designed single-cylinder motorcycle with a retro look that serves as the ideal platform for creative conversions.
11 customizers from 7 European countries are interpreting the GB350S in their very own way. The results – from classic café racers to avant-garde art projects – will not only be shown on site, but also digitally on hondacustoms.com, where the most popular bike can be voted for. The winner will be announced at the end of the summer.
The competition as an annual highlight
Since 2020, Honda has presented new interpretations of its series models every year as part of the competition. Previous winners include the CB1000R “Africa Four” (2020), the CB650R “Fenix” (2021), the CMX500 “Maanboard” (2022), the minibike creation “Dax Furisoa” (2023) and the retro café racer “Bunker Imprint” based on the CL500 in 2024. In summer 2024, the official website already had over 25,500 visitors – an increase of 18% compared to the previous year.
The 2025 participants: creativity meets cult
- Spain:
- Rocket Lion (Motor Center León): In the style of old GP racing machines with RC181 fairing, titanium parts and a historic look.
- Clubman TT (Mallorca Motos): Café racer with shotgun exhaust, turquoise metallic paintwork inspired by the Isle of Man.
- Miranda (Honda Motorsport Las Rozas): Vintage-inspired interpretation with a feminine touch, named after the daughter of the project manager.
- MBX350 (Servihonda Málaga): Homage to the MBX80 of the 1980s with angular design, silver components and Tavi exhaust.
- Portugal:
- Mia (TubaisMoto): 60s-style café racer with bulbous fairing, red, blue and silver paintwork and modern LED technology.
- France:
- Okira (Ruleshaker): Upcycling project with fashion influences, created by designer Déborah Amaral and designed with recycled textiles.
- Great Britain:
- Silver Bullet (Farnham Honda): Classic café racer with aluminum fairing, slick tires and Yoshimura components.
- FTR350 (Vertu Honda): Flat-track-inspired lightweight version with Racefit exhaust, large race number plates and clean lines.
- Switzerland:
- Swiss Wing (Pellicari Design): Aviation-inspired custom bike with retro whitewall tires, eye-catching tank logo and dual exhaust system.
- Italy:
- Hachimaan (MAAN Motocicli Audaci): Japanese bobber style with rigid frame, suicide shifter, flame paint and minimalist look.
- Germany:
- GRAND (B)RIX (Sporty Bike): Restrained, classy conversion in black and gold with a low-slung front end, slim exhaust system and handmade seat.
The GB350S: retro meets modern
The Honda GB350S forms the technical basis for all conversions. It combines classic design with modern technology and, according to Honda, is intended to embody “Ride with Life, Live with Passion”. According to the specification, the air-cooled single-cylinder engine offers 15.5 kW (21 hp) at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 29 Nm at 3,000 rpm. With this combination, the motorcycle is aimed at fans of relaxed riding and stylish individuality. Weight specifications are around 179 kg (394 lbs).
Interactive and international
All bikes will be on display at the Wheels & Waves Festival from June 11 to 15, 2025 and can be viewed on hondacustoms.com throughout the summer. The website is available in five languages and offers background information and wallpaper downloads for mobile and stationary devices in addition to the voting.
Conclusion: Diversity as a strength
With the GB350S, Honda once again offers the perfect basis for individual conversions. The custom competition has become a permanent fixture in the motorcycle scene – not only as a platform for creative development, but also as a link between tradition and modern custom culture.
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