Going into this build I knew two things, its going to be a Honda and its going to be a street tracker. From there the search was on for the perfect candidate. After searching for months trying to find the right bike, I found a bone stock 2002 Honda XR650R a state away, so I picked it up since finding these bikes proved difficult. The XR650R has been a build I have wanted to do for years since its reputation as being one of the best dual sport motorcycles still lives on today. Once I got it home, the design was already completed because I have had this design in my head for years now. Growing up around flat track racing, the Honda RS750 was a bike that just stood out to me. I always wondered what a street legal inspired RS750 would look like? That is how this project got started.
Like all my projects, I first remove all the parts that will not be needed such as plastics, tank, air filter box, headlight and subframe. Once there was only a roller and motor showing, I first started with a tank. Since the frame had a two-inch-wide backbone, I knew I could try and find a tank that fit, or I would have to make one. I picked up a 74 Honda CR125 Elsinore tank just to try and fit it over the frame, and with a little love, it fit perfectly. Suspension was next on the list. The stock XRR forks were swapped for a set of Honda CRF Showa forks that I rebuilt with racetech goodies and lowered. For the rear, I decided just to just rebuild the stock shock and lower it to compliment the front. Once the bike was sitting properly, I started on the subframe. When designing the removable subframe, it needed to have an integrated electronics box, integrated plate holder and sit higher in the rear to allow the dual LED brake lights to be seen from other motorist. Once the subframe was completed, I started on the exhaust. To encompass the look of the RS750, a dual high pipe setup was built with SuperTrapp aluminum mufflers to compliment the classic flat track vibe. The aluminum seat and tail section were then made to compliment the flat track styling with an integrated number plate. Other items that were built before paint was a number plate and radiator covers. Before paint most everything on the bike was rebuilt.
Going into paint, I knew it was going to be red, white, and blue on a red frame. Looking at the design of the RS750, I wanted it to flow front to back instead of having only the design on the tank and rear of the bike. Once I got everything back from paint, the fun began. The rebuilt motor was stuffed into the red frame and it soon started to look like a motorcycle. The rebuilt suspension was installed and soon enough, the 19” Gold Dubya Wheels wrapped in Mitas H-18 tires were installed. Once I had a roller, I could really see my ideas come to life. The dual exhaust was installed, the Mylers radiators and covers were installed. To complement the vertical brake/running/turn lights in the rear, I installed my running and turn signals inside my radiator guards just to give it some added flavor. Other electronics were soon installed like my Baja Designs S2 Pro headlight, Motogadget Motoscope mini pro speedo and push buttons on the handlebars to control everything on the bike. A tank mounted Trail Tech Temp gauge was also installed on the tank just to keep a close eye on temperatures. Based on so many positive reviews, I had to go with a Lectron carb to help give this bike a little more pep and reliability. Since the bike went from a dirt bike to now a road bike, a keyed ignition had to be included, which is also integrated into the subframe. The seat is styling with black vinyl on the sides with alcantara in the middle. Upgraded Galfer rotors and brakes are used to help stop the big red pig. Since the build has concluded, its far exceeded my expectations is performance and rideability. After 8 months the build is complete and now coined the Retro-Tracker!
