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Radical customs showcase the Dual Personality of the Honda CMX1100 Rebel
Two custom CMX1100 Rebels originally scheduled to appear at the Wheels & Waves festival
The CMX ‘Sport’ adds an aggressive racing edge while maintaining usability
The CMX ‘Bobber’ heightens the classic minimalism with classy detailing
Built in collaboration with French custom house FCR Original
Honda Motor Europe are celebrating the dual personality of the CMX1100 Rebel, the new big sibling to the CMX500 (Europe’s second best-selling custom motorcycle in 2020), with two radical builds by French custom house ‘FCR Original’. Both projects were originally scheduled to appear alongside ten dealer-built custom CB650Rs at this year’s Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz.
The CMX ‘Sport’ and CMX ‘Bobber’ have been designed to appeal to different sensibilities, but both clearly show the custom potential of the CMX1100 Rebel that is hiding just under the skin.
CMX SPORT – “This one is for sport, but to ride every day.”
FCR Original wanted to highlight the practical and playful side of the Rebel, but make it more sporty, muscular and aggressive. They were also inspired by the mechanical beauty and performance of the DCT, which is so good for daily use by riders of all ages. After roughing out sketches of the finished bike, the team went to work. A swingarm modification allowed fitment of a pair of black Öhlins rear shocks, as well as 17-inch CB500F rear wheel and Dunlop D212 190/55-ZR17 tyre. The front mudguard is scratch-built and 25mm lower; oversize handlebars add leverage while the speedo has been moved to the top yoke.
Stunning in its simplicity, the bodywork is result of a complete 3D scan and consists of custom polyester-carbon fuel tank (with aluminium filler) and rear seat unit with LED lighting and Alcantara seat. Hand-built footrests add a racing feel while the red/black paint and detailing pays subtle homage to classic Honda imagery. The engine is stock, but breathes through an FCR Original stainless steel exhaust.
CMX BOBBER – “Reinforcing the custom spirit while maintaining a fun, playful character…”
Inspired by the ‘elemental’ design of the CMX1100 Rebel, this interpretation has a more custom feel, pushing it even further toward the bobber style. The swingarm and suspension are stock, but lowered 25mm at the front while custom-built black-spoke wheels wear fat Bridgestone tyres.
Building on the bobber vibe are aluminium handlebars, leather seat with perforated leather ribbing, simple aluminium front mudguard (with Mirrachrome finish) and painted headlight surround. Mini-Bates FCR Original LED indicators tuck neatly away and like the CMX Sport a 3D scan produced the custom polyester-carbon fuel tank – with Mirrachrome/blue satin finish – and aluminium filler. A ceramic-coated FCR Original exhaust is the finishing touch, highlighting the mechanical beauty of the bike
Ricky Brabec wins at the Dakar 2020
Over 30 years have passed since Honda last triumphed in the Dakar Rally. In 2020, Monster Energy Honda Team has once again laid claim to the coveted bronze Tuareg prize. Ricky Brabec makes history to become the first ever American to win the world’s toughest and cruelest rally.
After eight years in pursuit of glory, the dream has finally come true. Ricky Brabec rewarded Honda with a much desired victory. Honda had returned to the Dakar in 2013 after a 23-year absence, yet after numerous stage wins and two overall runner-up spots, the principle objective remained elusive. However, on an eighth attempt in the 2020 edition, success finally materialized. The result is, without doubt, the fruit of much long-term work by engineers, mechanics and riders, who have spared no effort to accomplish the mission of outright victory in the Dakar Rally.
Today, on the final 12th stage, Ricky Brabec made history by becoming the first American to have his name inscribed amongst the winners of the planet’s most gruelling odyssey. Brabec dominated the rally from start to finish, and today, after finishing the final special stage in second place, was able to seal the victory that he sought over the past five campaigns: overall winner of the Dakar Rally 2020. The Monster Energy Honda Team ace snatched the leadership on day three and refused to relinquish the top spot until the race wrapped up, two stage victories and 5000 kilometres later.
Brabec’s success is likewise the success of Honda, whose riders held top positions throughout the rally. José Ignacio Cornejo, the winner of the final stage, posted fourth overall and Joan Barreda seventh after the previous day’s engine swap. Kevin Benavides recounted good sensations and finished 19th overall.