Front end handling was improved with a fork swap from a Honda CBR 900 Fireblade modified to fit the neck of CB’s frame. The CBR 4 piston Nissin brake calipers were also mounted to the stock cross drilled front disks while in the rear a new solid brake disk was fashion for a unique look. The wheels are blacked out, spoked rims, 18 inch in the front and 17 in the rear with grippy Michellin rubber. The blacked out theme was continued with the 4-into-2 exhaust system that was modified to mount a pair of Supertrapp slip-on aluminium mufflers. To free up air flow the stock air box was replaced with cone filters and the carbs jetted to suit. As a result of removing the air bow the battery was also relocated to sit beneath the swinging arm.
The new tail end was hand formed from sheet metal and finished off with a black leather studded seat that has just enough space to squeeze on a pillion. To finish off the retro look of the bike the stock instrument cluster was discarded to make way for a single speedo, a set of Beston style grips went on the alloy clip-on bars and a 70’s style tail light in the rear.
While there’s no mohawks or Doc Martens insight the De Palma Honda CB750 has just the right amount of attitude to fit its punk theme. Looking at the photos you’ll spot a few handpainted statements that are sure to raise eyebrows and upset grandmothers. Next up for De Palma Cycles will be a Moto Guzzi V50 III Monza and Morini 350 sport, which will be approached with a similarly raw, unabashed, punk-inspired style.
Photos by Cristian Di Stefano
To launch the new workshop Gregorio got his hands on a stock ’92 Honda CB750. A reliable, well designed and flexible base for his De Palma Cycles debut build. The first task was to swap the bike’s engine out with a low mileage, blacked out Honda CB750 engine from a 2000 model bike. The bulky stock tank was also replaced with a Honda RC110 style tank. Finished in metallic silver the retro tank was mounted by making modifications to the backbone of the frame to create a clean horizontal line along the base of the tank to the seat.
