Fredrik Pål Persson just took a new approach to custom building. While many custom motorbikes are updated entirely, losing almost anything that might allow you to recognise their origins, PAAL’s newest build embraces the original bike’s charm, incorporating the scratches and blemishes as part of the machine’s history. It’s the Honda CB750’s 50th birthday, so Fredrik had to pull something out of the bag.

PAAL

In celebration of the bike’s anniversary Fredrik wanted to build something that stayed true to Honda's heritage while updating it with modern tech. About as authentic as they come, Fredrik found his Honda CB750 donor in a barn as just a frame and an engine. The finished product has been upgraded using components sourced from other bikes, bought new or custom-made.

PAAL

The mechanics are something to marvel at, indeed – as they always are when PAAL has had control over a custom but what we love most about this bike is the unchanged gas tank. Not only does it look great, displaying the scratches and chips that a bike should show after a life well lived, but we admire the sentiment behind it. This build is true testament to the model and to a love of motorbikes as a whole.

PAAL

Fredrik hasn’t had such a soft spot for history when it comes to the engine: the 1972 CB750 Four has been engineered to boast a whopping 899cc. New LED headlights, taillights and license plate lights ensure that the bike is visible with a modern flair.

Fredrik hasn’t had such a soft spot for history when it comes to the engine: the 1972 CB750 Four has been engineered to boast a whopping 899cc. New LED headlights, taillights and license plate lights ensure that the bike is visible with a modern flair.

We think it’s clear to see when a custom has been made by a garage whose heart is in it, and we’ve rarely seen a custom that says it as plainly and as clearly as this one.

Find more information at PAAL Motorcycles.

To find another custom bike that shows the engineer's love and dedication to the craft, take a closer look at 2LOUD's Hartford HD200.