Jonathan Hull has unveiled another of his custom motorcycles, this time turning his attention to the Honda GB350. The reveal of his Northman GB350s took place at the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch, London – a fitting backdrop for a build that leans heavily into clean design and purposeful engineering. Speaking with Bike Shed founder, Dutch during the presentation, Hull walked through the key changes he has made, offering insight into both his process and his philosophy of what he calls a Boutique Scrambler.

Instead of radically altering the bike, Hull takes a measured approach – refining the GB350 by stripping excess bulk and enhancing its natural character, while still shaping a fresh vision through his distinctive custom bike building style.

Hull mentioned when explaining his vision for the bike –

I’ve seen a few customise these before but nobody for me has gone far enough. They just look like GB350s with a few parts.

About the Build

Hull excels with this build – his attention to detail is unquestionable. One standout change is the removal of the stock air box and battery. It not only cleans up the look but also opens up the frame’s triangle in classic café racer style, creating a sleeker profile while altering how the engine breathes.

Although air box deletes are not unusual in custom builds, they are rarely straightforward on modern machines. Hull’s approach is particularly distinctive. He was initially told the modification would not be feasible, largely due to complications with the ECU and how the bike manages fuelling. Rather than accept that limitation, he committed to working through the challenges to create something that is unique.

The process took around six months of development, refining the setup to ensure the bike would run reliably and consistently without the standard air box in place. The result is a solution that not only works but feels properly resolved. Hull has also indicated that he hopes to offer this as a purchasable part in the future, giving other Honda GB350 owners the opportunity to achieve a similar result on their own bikes.

Complementing this is a straight-through exhaust system. The standard GB350 is known for its quiet, restrained tone, designed to suit everyday riding. Hull’s revised setup introduces a sharper, more pronounced exhaust note, giving the bike a stronger sense of presence without straying into excess. Together, these changes subtly shift the personality of the motorcycle.

Styled with a scrambler influence, the bike features tubeless rims, a bespoke seat and upgraded suspension. It carries a strong presence of the original bike, yet remains instantly recognisable as a Jonathan Hull build thanks to its clean, considered finish. Details such as the custom brass Northman logos and the refined paintwork on the tank provide a subtle but distinctive final touch.

This particular GB350 is not a one-off hidden away in a private collection. It will be displayed publicly alongside another custom build at this year’s Bike Shed Moto Show at Tobacco Dock. The event has become a key fixture in the UK motorcycling calendar, bringing together builders, manufacturers and enthusiasts in a space that celebrates both craftsmanship and creativity. In that environment, builds like Hull’s often stand out precisely because of their clarity of vision.

Why the GB350S is an Ideal Base to Modify and Customise

To understand why the Honda GB350 works so well as a base for this kind of project, it is worth looking at the bike in standard form. The GB350 is built around a 348cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing just over 20 horsepower. Its focus is not outright performance but accessible, low-revving torque and ease of use. The chassis and overall design follow a similarly straightforward approach, with a tubular steel frame and a layout that prioritises simplicity and reliability.

This simplicity is exactly what makes the GB350 such an appealing platform for customisation. With fewer complex electronic systems and a clear, uncluttered structure, it allows builders to make meaningful changes without fighting against the underlying design. Visually, the standard bike already carries a classic roadster aesthetic, which can be either preserved or reinterpreted depending on the owner’s intent.

Honda has increasingly embraced custom culture around models like the GB350, encouraging builders to reinterpret its machines through initiatives and showcases across Europe. This has helped position the GB350 not just as a commuter or entry-level bike, but as a genuine starting point for creative expression.

However, Hull’s build demonstrates how this can be taken to another level by an expert custom bike builder, creating a something truly distinctive. That doesn’t mean it’s a one off though, a limited run of these bikes is in the pipeline from Jonathan Hull & Son LTD.

During his chat with Bike Shed founder Dutch, Hull mentioned –

“We’re offering a run of five of these, numbered and certificated”

Final Thoughts

I’m a big fan of Hull’s creations and this custom GB350 is another fine example as he strikes a balance of respecting the original, while adding his own unique edge. Rather than overcomplicating things, it prioritises proportion, workmanship, and flow. The scrambler style fits naturally, with details like the air box delete showcasing real technical skill.

The build quality reinforces the story – this isn’t just a modified bike, but a true custom.

The result somehow feels both familiar and distinctive, underlining the Honda GB350 as not only a strong stock machine, but one of the most adaptable modern classics available.

---

Connect with Jonathan

Here are the links to his website and socials:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

---

Disclaimer: This content is created independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Jonathan Hull & Son LTD or the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club. The author does not receive any compensation, financial benefit, or incentive for producing this material. All opinions and commentary are entirely personal and provided for informational and editorial purposes only.