Custom motorcycles have always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of personal expression and performance. In recent years, certain bikes have surged in popularity, becoming favorites for customization projects. Whether it’s for their adaptable designs, classic appeal, or solid performance, these 20 custom motorcycles are turning heads and gaining attention among riders looking for something truly one-of-a-kind.
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Harley-Davidson Sportster Custom
The Harley-Davidson Sportster has always been a favorite due to its versatility in customization. With a classic V-twin engine, it serves as a perfect base for everything from bobbers to café racers. Builders appreciate its reliable performance and iconic design, which has remained a staple in custom culture. Moreover, the affordability of the Sportster makes it a prime choice for enthusiasts seeking an entry-level custom Harley.
Yamaha XS650 Custom
Known for its easy-to-modify parallel-twin engine, the Yamaha XS650 has become a staple in the custom world. Its lightweight frame and vintage styling lend themselves well to brat-style or café racer builds. Enthusiasts also appreciate the bike’s reliability and wide availability of parts, which make customization projects smoother. The XS650’s resurgence is largely driven by a renewed interest in retro motorcycle aesthetics.
Honda CB750 Custom
Often referred to as the “Godfather of modern motorcycles,” the Honda CB750 is a classic that still captivates custom builders. Its inline-four engine was revolutionary in its time, making it a desirable platform for custom café racers and scramblers. Customizers love the CB750 for its blend of vintage charm and mechanical reliability. Today, it remains highly sought-after for its modifiable frame and timeless appeal.
BMW R NineT Custom
The BMW R NineT was specifically designed with customization in mind, making it a popular choice among modern builders. Its modular frame allows for easy modifications, and the boxer engine offers both character and performance. The bike’s retro-modern design is perfect for those looking to blend classic BMW aesthetics with contemporary power.
Triumph Bonneville Custom
The Triumph Bonneville has long been a symbol of British motorcycling and remains a favorite in the custom scene. Its retro look paired with modern engineering provides an ideal platform for various styles, including café racers and bobbers. The bike’s timeless design, combined with a strong aftermarket parts community, attracts both seasoned and novice customizers.
Ducati Scrambler Custom
Ducati’s Scrambler series is one of the most customizable lines in the market today. With its lightweight frame and minimalist design, it’s ideal for building custom off-road scramblers or even sleek café racers. Builders are particularly drawn to the balance between vintage style and modern Ducati performance. As the scrambler trend gains momentum, demand for custom Ducati Scramblers has skyrocketed among enthusiasts.
Kawasaki KZ650 Custom
The Kawasaki KZ650 has earned a solid reputation for being both powerful and reliable, making it a top choice for custom builds. With its inline-four engine and classic ‘70s design, it is frequently transformed into café racers or brat-style bikes. The bike’s relatively simple frame makes it easy to modify, and its solid performance appeals to custom builders. As a result, it continues to gain popularity, especially among fans of vintage Japanese motorcycles.
Royal Enfield Bullet Custom
The Royal Enfield Bullet, with its rugged design and iconic single-cylinder engine, is a favorite for custom bobbers and scramblers. Builders appreciate its simple mechanical structure, which makes it an ideal platform for first-time customizers. Its old-school charm and thumping engine give it a distinctive appeal, especially for those who enjoy vintage-styled rides. Custom Enfield Bullets are gaining traction as more enthusiasts seek classic designs with modern performance.
Honda CX500 Custom
Often called the “Poor Man’s Guzzi,” the Honda CX500 is unique due to its transverse V-twin engine and shaft drive. Its unusual styling makes it stand out when customized into café racers or brat-style bikes. Builders love the CX500 for its quirky design and the reliability of Honda’s engineering. With the growing trend for ‘80s motorcycle customs, the CX500 has seen a resurgence in demand.
Suzuki GS750 Custom
The Suzuki GS750 offers a solid foundation for custom builders, particularly for those seeking to create café racers or street trackers. Its reliable inline-four engine and modifiable frame make it an appealing choice for those looking to mix performance with retro style. Builders appreciate the combination of vintage aesthetics and modern performance upgrades available for the GS750. As interest in ‘70s and ‘80s superbikes grows, the demand for custom GS750s continues to rise.
Yamaha SR400/500 Custom
Yamaha’s SR400 and SR500 are popular choices for minimalistic custom builds like brat-style or street trackers. The bikes’ single-cylinder engines, combined with their lightweight frames, provide a simple yet nostalgic ride. Enthusiasts love the classic kickstart-only feature, adding to the retro charm. With the rise in demand for vintage-style customs, the SR series is now more sought-after than ever.
Moto Guzzi V7 Custom
The Moto Guzzi V7, with its unique transverse V-twin engine, offers a distinctive platform for custom motorcycle builds. Builders are drawn to its Italian heritage and timeless design, which lends itself well to café racer or scrambler transformations. The bike’s unique engine layout ensures that any custom Moto Guzzi V7 stands out in a crowd. As more riders seek stylish customs with European flair, demand for V7 customs has been growing.
Indian Scout Custom
The Indian Scout is increasingly popular among builders aiming to craft sleek custom cruisers. Its powerful V-twin engine and low-slung frame are ideal for bobber and chopper builds. Enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the Scout for its blend of heritage and modern performance. With Indian’s push into the custom scene, the Scout has become a favorite for creating bespoke cruisers with a nod to American motorcycle history.
Harley-Davidson Dyna Custom
Harley-Davidson’s Dyna series has always been a favorite for performance-focused custom builds. With its robust frame and powerful engine, it is frequently turned into aggressive club-style cruisers. Enthusiasts appreciate the Dyna for its combination of classic Harley looks and modern performance potential. As custom performance cruisers become more popular, demand for custom Dynas is on the rise.
Kawasaki W800 Custom
The Kawasaki W800 channels a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic British motorcycles, making it a hit among customizers. Builders love its air-cooled engine and vintage styling, which serve as an excellent foundation for café racers and brat-style customs. Despite its old-school appearance, the W800 boasts modern reliability, attracting both seasoned and new builders alike.
Honda Rebel Custom
The Honda Rebel, long known as an entry-level cruiser, has gained popularity in the custom scene due to its simple yet adaptable design. Builders take advantage of its lightweight frame and easily customizable components to create stylish bobbers or brat bikes. Its affordability makes it especially appealing to new custom builders who want to experiment.
Suzuki DR650 Custom
The Suzuki DR650, a dual-sport bike known for its rugged reliability, is becoming increasingly popular among custom scrambler builders. Its simple single-cylinder engine and durable frame make it ideal for off-road-inspired customizations. Enthusiasts appreciate the DR650’s capability to perform well both on and off-road, making it a versatile choice for adventure-themed builds. As the scrambler trend grows, so does the demand for custom DR650s.
Norton Commando Custom
The Norton Commando, a legendary British motorcycle, is experiencing a revival among customizers looking to build vintage café racers. Its classic parallel-twin engine, coupled with timeless British styling, makes it a sought-after platform for custom projects. Builders love the Commando’s rich history and its potential to transform into a truly unique vintage ride. As interest in retro British motorcycles grows, so too does the demand for custom Commandos.
Honda CB350 Custom
The Honda CB350 is a lightweight, reliable platform perfect for smaller café racer or brat-style builds. Its compact frame and dependable engine make it an attractive option for builders looking to create an affordable yet stylish custom bike. Enthusiasts are drawn to the CB350’s vintage appeal and its ease of customization. As more riders seek smaller displacement custom builds, the CB350’s popularity continues to rise.
Yamaha XSR700 Custom
Yamaha’s XSR700 combines modern performance with a retro-inspired design, making it a favorite in the custom scene. Its neo-retro style, paired with a lightweight, responsive engine, allows builders to easily transform it into anything from a scrambler to a café racer. The XSR700’s balance between modern capability and vintage aesthetics draws in customizers who want the best of both worlds. As a result, it has quickly gained a loyal following in the custom motorcycle community.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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