Aesse Lab: Honda Hornet 600 Series

Seven Hornet Customs from Italy’s Aesse Lab…

The Honda Hornet 600 — known as the 599 here in the States — was a four-cylinder naked bike introduced in 1998, featuring a re-tuned version of the 90s CBR600R engine. Over the years, the Hornet has developed something of a cult following. John Ralter of Big Bike Mad explains it thus:

“With the Hornet, Honda did what they’ve done so often – produced a bike that goes, stops, handles and keeps doing it in a way that makes its riders grin from ear to ear. It’s one of those designs where utility, appearance and pleasure come together in a perfect union. Form following function in a never ending circle. Those Honda boys done good.”

The Hornet has also made a splash in the customs world, proving itself a worthy donor for builds of all kinds. One man who’s truly highlighted the Hornet’s potential is our new friend Andrea Silverio of Aesse Lab — an environmental engineer with a passion for cars and motorcycles.

Five years ago, he built himself a custom Honda Hornet, which led to another, and another, and another…

“Originally, I built them according my personal ideas and taste, and then for some customers, who pushed me in some magazines. After that, the shots of my custom bikes made a splash on the web.”

To date, Andrea has produced seven Honda Hornet customs — numbers #001 to #007 — all in a similar style, but with various changes of color, tires, and design elements.

Below, we talk to Andrea for the full story behind this squadron of Aesse Lab Hornets.

Honda Hornet Customs: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I am an engineer in my work life, but in private I love motors in general, including cars. I started to build my first motorcycles five years ago, and then I took it as a real passion and decided to modify and create new projects for friends and then also customers.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

Honda Hornet 600 from around model year 2000.

• Why was this bike built?

Originally, I built them according my personal ideas and taste, and then for some customers, who pushed me in some magazines. After that, the shots of my custom bikes made a splash on the web.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I’m in love with the Honda Fours of the 70s. I wanted to mix the old style with new, futuristic visions and components.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

The bikes are completely disassembled, the frame modified and then powder-coated. The chassis is improved with new forks, swingarm, spoked wheels, braking systems. The electrical system is also modified to achieve excellent results and performance.