What began on the shores of Biarritz during the festival Wheels and Waves 2026 has reached its conclusion. After months of online voting, the European motorcycling community has chosen its favorite creations from the eclectic line-up of CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp preparations, putting an exciting finale to this year’s edition of the “Battle of the Twins” (Battle of the Bicylindricals) under the theme “On Road vs. Off Road”.
The big winner among the ten preparations presented in its final phase has been “Mugen”the impressive CB750 Hornet created by the Portuguese dealer Mototrofa. With a notable increase in the number of votes recorded this year, the contest continues to grow in relevance and reach, with participants choosing the winner from up to 102 different countries.
Honda Customs 2026 also incorporated a novelty: the participating motorcycles were evaluated by the designers of the original models, Valerio Aiello (Transalp) and Giovanni Dovis (Hornet), from Honda’s R&D center in Rome. In numerical terms, the 7th edition registered a record number of visitors on the event’s official website. The 42,119 votes cast represent an increase of 39% compared to 2025.
The On-Road proposals were the most popular, accumulating 28,775 votes (68.32% of the total), while the Off-Road preparations received 13,344 votes (31.68%). For those who wish to discover in more detail all the participating creations this year, you can visit the official Honda Customs page which is still available at English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.
Honda Customs 2026: The winners
“Mugen” – Portugal
With a total of 10,092 voteswhich represents almost 24% of the 42,119 votes cast and 36% of the votes in the On-Road categorythe reinterpretation of the CB750 Hornet made by the Portuguese Mototrofa dealer, ‘Mugen’, took the win at Honda Customs 2026.
Created under the motto that “form must follow function”the bike adopts an aggressive stance and streetfighter aesthetic, finished in a deep forest green highlighted by gold and carbon fiber accents, as well as numerous custom components. Paulo Ferreiracreative director of the project, explained after learning the final result of the voting:
“This victory has a very special personal meaning for all the people who are part of Mototrofa. Having the opportunity to achieve two winning projects in a European competition of this magnitude is something that fills us with true pride, especially because behind each project there is a team, countless hours of work, debate, attention to detail and, above all, enormous dedication.”
With this victory, Mototrofa becomes the second participant to repeat its victory in the competition, after MAAN Motocicli Audaci achieved the same feat last year, thus joining a prestigious list of previous winners:
- 2025: Motocicli Audaci (Italy) (@motocicliaudaci) takes its second crown with the ‘Hachimaan’ bobber, a deeply modified reinterpretation of the GB350S.
- 2024: Bunker Custom Cycles (Türkiye) (@bunkercustomcycles) with ‘Bunker Imprint’, reinterpretation of the urban scrambler-style CL500.
- 2023: Art on Wheels (Portugal) (@artonwheelsgarage), creator of the ‘Furiosa’ Dax in collaboration with Tamara Alves (@tamara_aalves).
- 2022: Motocicli Audaci (Italy), creators of the ‘Maanboard’ based on the CMX500 Rebel.
- 2021: Mototrofa (Portugal) (@mototrofa), with the ‘Fenix’ CB650R.
- 2020: Brivemo Motos (Switzerland) (@brivemo_motos), creators of the ‘Africa Four’, a custom version of the CB1000R.
Off-Road Winner
‘Saharja’ – Italy
At the top of the Off-Road podium is ‘Saharja’, created by DRS Custom Cycles, a vision of the Transalp inspired by the Dakar. Built under the concept of “inspired by the desert, created for travel”the motorcycle obtained more than 4,800 votes, equivalent to 36% of the total votes in the Off-Road category. It has a handmade navigation tower (DRS) with digital roadbook and TFT speedometer.
It also sports the iconic HRC tricolor livery on a completely redesigned front end with integrated high-power LED headlights. Hand guards, steel side guards, aluminum skid plate, handcrafted side auxiliary tanks, knobby tires and a raised exhaust complete its transformation into an authentic motorcycle ready for any adventure. Paolo Di Russoowner of DRS Custom Cycles, explained after the final verdict:
“It was an honor to participate alongside Honda Italia in the Honda Customs 2026 competition. Working on a Transalp and giving it a Dakar aesthetic was, without a doubt, an exciting challenge. The passion and hard work invested in this project has been rewarded by the recognition of so many people, and all the praise and positive comments fill me with gratitude. I want to thank all the people who supported me in the creation of ‘Saharja’ and especially Honda Italia for giving me such an extraordinary opportunity.”
On-Road Podium
P2 – ‘Last Lap’ – Spain
Another of the great protagonists of the competition was ‘Last Lap’, created by the Spanish dealer Stilmoto (@stilmotohonda). With the look of a 1980s Grand Prix bike, this radical reinterpretation of the Hornet pays homage to classic racing bikes. Its angular aesthetics conquered both fans and journalists, reaching more than 6,900 votes (16% of the total).
Built entirely by Stilmoto, the integral front fairing has been manufactured using a 40-year-old NOS mold, while the straight-lined tank and square rear have been made specifically for this creation. A single-sided swingarm and a completely custom exhaust system reduce mass in the lower and rear areas of the bike, emphasizing its sporty character.
P3 – ‘Sting Honey’ – Poland
Completing the 2026 podium is ‘Sting Honey’, from Polish dealer Honda Sokół, developed in collaboration with tuner Steel Choppers. It is the first time that a Polish proposal participates in the competition.
Inspired by the name Hornet (wasp) itself, ‘Sting Honey’ provides a unique image thanks to a personalized decoration based on honeycomb structures and a completely redesigned rear to exaggerate the “sting” of the Hornet with a sharper, more aggressive and dynamic style.
It is complemented by hand-made fairings, tank, seat and handlebar mounts, as well as components from other Honda models, such as the CB125R’s headlight integrated into a cafe racer-inspired front fairing and the spoked wheels from the X-ADV scooter. The proposal was very well received by the public, ending the contest with about 12% of the total votes.
Off-Road Podium
P2 – ’86 Dakar Tribute’ – United Kingdom
Paying tribute to Cyril Neveu’s victory on the legendary 1986 NXR750, CJ Ball’s interpretation of the XL750 Transalp conveys authentic Dakar sensations thanks to elaborate desert-inspired livery, a raised dual exhaust system finished in black and an upgraded long-travel suspension.
The raised front fender reinforces its off-road aspirations, while specific tires and racing number plates complete the racing look. The decoration also incorporates a tribute to the founder of the Dakar, Thierry Sabine, including his famous phrase: “A challenge for those who go, a dream for those who stay”. A message that connected with voters, allowing this motorcycle to reach 20% of the votes in the Off-Road category.
P3 – ‘Ocean Nomad’ – France
An authentic vision of coastal living, ‘Ocean Nomad’ combines the adventurous spirit with classic surf culture in a nostalgic, timeworn aesthetic. Its simplified silhouette is achieved through the removal of the front fairings, the addition of a classic round headlight with modern LED technology and an all-new brown leather seat.
All this is combined with an aged decoration in ocean blue, ivory and burnt orange tones applied to the tank and the rest of the Transalp panels. The preparation is completed with a short exhaust, American-style side license plates and a side support for a surfboard accompanied by a matching skateboard and board, conveying the feeling of a motorcycle that has been through countless adventures.
