There’s something about a build that carries both tension and harmony. The Seahawk shows that balance perfectly. Born from a collaboration between a Seattle rider and Kott Motorcycles, this custom Honda CB550 Café Racer captures the heart of simplicity and the spirit of shared creativity.
The builder has always been drawn to clean design. He believes a motorcycle should reveal its purpose before its polish. This project, though, challenged that instinct. The client came with ideas that leaned toward the charm of vintage Italian scooters—soft colors, classic shapes, and a mid-sixties Ducati headlight bucket. It felt far from the dark, minimalist look that often defines a Kott Motorcycles build.
At first, the mix didn’t seem to fit. The palette felt uncertain, and the influences didn’t seem to blend. But as the work began, something shifted. Once the custom seat took form and the reshaped tank found its line, the pieces started to click.
The pastel finish brought a quiet warmth, and the nickel-plated components added depth. Every detail carried a touch of Italy and a hint of America, coming together as something new and honest.
The finished motorcycle feels timeless. The soft tones bring a nostalgic calm, while the metal accents ground the build with strength and precision. It’s elegant without trying to be, balanced without effort. The Honda CB550 Seahawk doesn’t chase attention. It holds it, quietly, the way a well-composed song holds a room.
For Kott Motorcycles, this project was more than another commission. It was a reminder that great machines aren’t built in isolation. When two visions meet in the right way, something rare happens. The Seahawk Café Racer isn’t just a custom Honda CB550. It’s proof that simplicity and imagination can coexist, and that every motorcycle carries the story of those who built it.
Credits
Builder: Kott Motorcycles
Location: Los Angeles, California
Motorcycle: 1970s Honda CB550 Café Racer “Seahawk”
Photography: Kott Motorcycles
