Following an inspiring road trip in California to Joshua Tree National Park, our designer Yann Bakonyi has updating a 1987 Honda 600 Transalp in a resto-mod spirit.



After a complete mechanical check-up and a shot of youthwith a full frame powder coat, Yann erased the Transalp’s shortcomings while making it more reliable and optimizing its performance. Excel rims, Brembo disc and pads supported by an aviation hose to ensure constant braking, even under heavy use. In a similar spirit, an EMC shock absorber (now protected by a specially designed mudguard) is fitted, and the original Showa 41mm fork was upgraded with quality oil and shims. For a neat cockpit, Yann modeled and 3D printed a voltmeter support (the regulator being a known Honda flaw) that clips onto the original fuse box, and added a 28mm LSL handlebar, secured by Viba risers. Again with a view to vehicle improvement and smoothness of ride, the Honda is fitted with a reinforced gearbox output pinion and a DevMoto ignition box.

This is followed by the 3D scanning of the side fairings in order to model and 3D print supports for the long-range LED optics in place of the original indicators. It was then necessary to develope new elements, now located more discreetly under the fairing. The rear turn signals blend perfectly, thanks to a new design, with the line of the original luggage rack. The headlight has been replaced by an LED model, originally intended for a Jeep, while the LED tail light is a custom-made VIBA model.

All that remained was to take care of style: period correct protection disc UFO, vintage as hell, rally bubble with Joshua Park topographical graphics on the inside, seat cover, complete paintwork and bespoke decorative kit whose inspiration brings us back to the starting point of this customization. While road-tripping in California’s Joshua Tree National Park behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler, Yann was inspired to create a two-wheeled equivalent, a trail bike that would make his life easier thanks to its versatility and simplicity, while looking cool thanks to a “japanifornia” treatment. Lover of Japan, Yann had fun badging his Transalp using kanjis and katakanas ( トランザルプ meaning Transalp, for example), Japanese ideograms, to match the JDM (Japan Direct Market) parts that equip his new daily bike.