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Photo: Stephanos Ioannou (via Pipeburn)
Typically, custom bike builders like to have as much creative freedom as possible, which is totally understandable. However, most builders still keep an open mind, as their customers often come up with some pretty cool ideas for their future bikes. The impressive one-off featured here is a great example of how customer involvement can have a positive impact on a project.
This is a Honda CB400SF built by Petros Loukas of Underground Custom Cycles (UCC) in Cyprus, with plenty of input from the client throughout the conversion process. Needless to say, the collaboration was a great success and the end result is truly stunning. As the source wasn’t a stock CB400SF, but an unfinished project bike, Petros had to be extra careful during the initial inspection.
After dismantling the old Honda, the main frame and swingarm were sandblasted and inspected for signs of wear. The subframe was modified to accommodate a looped rear section with an integrated multifunction LED light strip. Petros then enlisted a local collaborator to powder coat the entire frame and both wheels.
With these items shipped back to UCC, the project’s creators got to work on the bike’s bodywork, stripping it of all factory fitment save for the fuel tank, which were then fabricated in-house. Bespoke side covers fill out the subframe triangle and hide an under-seat electronics tray that’s integrated into the seat pan itself. A cafe racer tail unit completes the modern fitment, and there are no fenders.
Between the tank and the tail is a custom solo saddle covered in black leather and stitched with yellow thread for contrast. The beautiful yellow hue adorning the body is borrowed from a Roeg helmet and is finished in a matte finish, finally with black accents on the gas tank. The cockpit is highlighted by a single aftermarket dial and clip-on handlebars equipped with bar-end turn signals.
This area has also seen the installation of a custom billet aluminium top clamp, which is fitted with a pair of new inverted forks taken from a Yamaha R1. The front brake calipers from the same sports bike are also provided and are mated to premium wave-style rotors and a Brembo master cylinder. At the rear, an adjustable YSS shock absorber takes care of the suspension duties.
The bike also gets an aftermarket brake disc at the rear, and both wheels are fitted with grippy Pirelli rubber. Finally, UCC refreshed the CB400SF in-line four-cylinder engine, finishing it off with a new breathing system: on the intake side, it’s fitted with a premium pod filter, while the exhaust gases run through bespoke 4-in-1 pipework, terminating with a slash cut. home page Scarf.
