We’re Told This Custom ‘96 Honda Eats Vespas for Breakfast

Might not look street legal, but we assure you, it is

By The Editors
April 21, 2016 9:00 am

“We can’t claim this one is about the subtleties.”

Classified Moto founder John Ryland on his new bike, as pictured above.

Designed as a tribute to the Yamaha BW200 that Ryland rode three decades ago, the custom ‘96 Honda XR650L Classified Moto just finished looks like it’s neither insurable, safe nor street legal.

Turns out it’s all three — and licensed and registered to boot.

First let’s talk about those tires. They’re STI Black Diamonds. They’re made for … ATVs. So obviously you know what this bike is about: kicking up some serious gravel.

Also in the kit: progressive Suspension 465 rear shocks, a DID Gold X-Ring chain, a waxed canvas and leather seat, and custom stainless steel intake and exhaust systems. The XR650L is meant to “infuriate armchair builders with its very presence,” as well as handle aggressive on- or off-road riding like a champ.

The prototype is already spoken for, but Ryland and his team plan on making and selling 15 more in the next 18 months. “I always thought it would be cool to build a BW with a ‘full-size’ motor in it,” he says. “Finally, all my dreams have come true.”

Ours too.

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