Hotshot: A slammed Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer

Firefighter-turned-custom bike builder Chris Scholtka has a knack for building slick, and somewhat hot-rodded, café racers. This Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer epitomizes his style well—but it was almost built using a very different donor bike.

“It started two years ago when an old friend called me,” Chris tells us. “She had received a big birthday gift from her family—a Honda CX650—and wanted to have it customized by me. We had a plan, but sadly the bike was stolen and we had to start from zero.”

Chris operates under the moniker Motocrew from his workshop in Cottbus, Germany. And considering the slick custom bikes he typically creates, he was secretly relieved that the CX650 and its gawky frame were no longer part of the project. So he got together with his friend to brainstorm potential replacements.

“She wanted an old school-looking café racer and a reliable everyday bike. Because she didn’t have a garage in her hometown, Berlin, and didn’t have the knowledge to get a carburetor bike ready for riding season, it had to be a newer fuel-injected bike.”

Triumph’s modern classics quickly rose to the top of the list—until Chris spotted a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 on eBay. “The RE shape is so clean, and building on it is simply fun. Everything is simple and reliable, and the aftermarket is better than I thought.”

“She set the color scheme on day one—as much black as possible. But a ‘lil Motocrew design should be worked into it too, of course.”

Chris started up front, where he replaced the Continental GT 650’s headlight with an ultra-modern LED unit from Koso. It’s mounted on a custom-made bracket that bolts to the bottom yoke. Flanking the headlight are neat fork shrouds that Chris 3D-printed to buff up the front end, visually.

Since the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 comes with clip-on bars out of the box, its top yoke is already devoid of riser mounts. That made Chris’ job easier. With new, more aggressive clip-ons in place, he simply shaved the original ignition barrel mount to accommodate a Motogadget speedo, which came from Crooked Motorcycles as part of a plug-and-play kit.

Rather than relocate the ignition, Chris binned it in favor of a keyless setup. The NFC ignition, plus the bar-end turn signals and glassless mirrors, all came from Motogadget.

Moving to the bodywork, Chris opted to retain the Continental GT 650’s OEM fuel tank—which isn’t surprising, considering how good it looks. The gas cap was swapped out for a flush-mounted pop-up item.

Despite sporting a solo seat and tail bump in stock form, the Enfield didn’t quite have the compact proportions that Chris envisioned. So he removed the original parts, cut and looped the subframe, and fabricated a new rear cowl. A pair of Motogadget LEDs, perched on 3D-printed carbon mounts, act as taillights and turn signals, while the license plate sits lower down.

One of the hallmarks of a Motocrew café racer is its stance—and this one’s as purposeful as it gets. Chris lowered the front end by around 200 mm, before swapping the shocks out for custom-built YSS items that are 200 mm longer than stock. He also re-laced the front hub to a second 18” rear rim, so that he could fit tires with matching widths.

The Enfield now rolls on 3.5×18” Shinko E270 tires, with a handful of judicious braking upgrades offering improved performance. The chunky vibe of the wheels and slammed forks is echoed in the burly exhausts custom units from Mass that include dB killers and retain the bike’s catalytic convertor.

“The most important thing,” Chris adds, “is that it’s all street-legal in Germany!”

Finished off in a mix of matte and gloss black (which extends to the engine covers), this Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer continues the Motocrew’s fine tradition of building razor-sharp machines that ooze style. We’ve no doubt that it will help its owner get over the loss of her CX650.

Motocrew Instagram | Images by kylefx

Editor’s note Regular Speed Read programming will return next week.

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The BMW R 12 G/S is the neo-retro adventure bike we’ve been asking for

Given that the motorcycle industry has been on the ropes the last few years, one of the bravest moves a major marque can make right now is release a niche motorcycle. But that’s exactly what BMW Motorrad has just done… and we’re here for it.

The brand new BMW R 12 G/S—the latest model built on BMW’s updated neo-retro R12 boxer platform—combines vintage aesthetics with a decent measure of off-road capability. It speaks to customers who sit in the middle of a very unique Venn diagram; those who want a classically styled bike, those who like going off-piste, and those willing to spend a premium for the privilege.

This isn’t the first modern classic boxer to bear the G/S moniker. The previous generation R nineT series included the R nineT Urban G/S—a mostly street-focused bike with aesthetics inspired by the iconic BMW R80G/S. The new BMW R 12 G/S uses the same basic formula, but every aspect of it has been ramped up.

Visually, the new R 12 G/S is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor—which says a lot, because the Urban G/S was rather attractive itself. We’ve spoken before about how the newer R 12’s chassis creates a tidier silhouette than the older nineT’s, and BMW has used this to full effect to transform the base model R 12 into a stylish retro adventure bike.

The R 12 G/S hits all the right notes. Its sculpted fuel tank recalls the banana-shaped unit on the R80G/S, flowing neatly into a skinny bench seat. A high fender sits up front, along with a headlight shroud that takes cues from the fairing on the legendary R80G/S Paris Dakar model.

The balance of modern and classic design touches is refreshing. Although the bodywork draws on BMW’s history, every part has a contemporary edge to it, as if it was borrowed from a modern enduro bike. There’s LED lighting all around too—from the 5.75” LED headlight with its X-shaped daytime running light, to the taillight tucked into the sleek rear fender.

The BMW R 12 G/S hits the mark as a modern interpretation of one of BMW Motorrad’s most historic bikes—but this time, it’s more than just a styling exercise. BMW has subtly tweaked the standard R 12’s steering neck geometry, propped the bike up on longer suspension, and kitted it with a dirt-friendly 21” front wheel.

In standard trim, that 21” front wheel is matched to a 17” rear wheel—a popular combination for BMW adventure bikes. Both wheels use BMW’s cross-spoked tubeless design, and the front wheel sports a pair of Brembo calipers with stainless steel hoses.

The 45 mm upside-down front forks, and the rear shock and Paralever swingarm, offer up 210 mm and 200 mm of travel respectively. Both ends are adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression. All told the R 12 G/S has a seat height of 860 mm with close to 240 mm [about 9.4”] of ground clearance.

It also weighs a slightly porky 228.6 kilos [504 pounds], wet. But it’s when you compare the R 12 G/S to BMW’s flagship adventure bike, the R 1300 GS, that things get interesting. The R 12 G/S is 3.6 percent lighter with a bigger front wheel, a seat that sits 10 mm higher, and only 20 mm less suspension travel.

Riders have been clamoring for a retro boxer-powered scrambler with proper off-road chops for years, and the BMW R 12 G/S might just be it. For those that want an even more radical build, BMW offers an optional ‘Enduro’ package [above] too. It swaps the 17” rear wheel for an 18” hoop, and adds beefier foot pegs, higher handlebars, and a taller fairing.

In Enduro trim, the R 12 G/S seat sits at 875 mm tall—but with three different seat options, including one that has better passenger accommodations, that number can go up or down. Other optional extras include an adaptive headlight, an ‘Enduro Pro’ riding mode that joins the three settings that come pre-installed, a quick-shifter, and a small digital dash that replaces the classic round unit. ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control, a keyless ignition, and a 12V power socket are all installed out of the box.

Like its stablemates, the BMW R 12 G/S is powered by a 1,170 cc air- and oil-cooled boxer motor, good for 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Gasses exit via one of the tidiest OEM mufflers that BMW has in their arsenal, with an optional Akrapovič can on offer.

Available in three colorways (including a classic white R 80 G/S scheme), the new BMW R 12 G/S base model’s pricing starts at $16,395, with BMW North America’s website reporting an extra $325 for the white version and an extra $845 for the Enduro package. If a desert sand livery with a smorgasbord of parts from BMW’s swanky Option 719 catalog is more your thing, be prepared to shell out a whole lot more.

That’s a good chunk of change more than the bike’s only competition—the immensely popular Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. The BMW R 12 G/S looks like it’ll give the burly Scrambler 1200 a run for its money, but we won’t know until we ride it… and BMW’s marketing material hardly inspires confidence. The bike’s launch video is devoid of any clear riding footage, and almost all of the images we’ve seen are captioned with the dubious inscription “Enhanced with AI.”

The writers over at Ride Apart noted the same and reached out to BMW Motorrad, who confirmed that, “In this case, the riding R 12 G/S photos were created using AI tools.”

It’s disappointing when you consider that the motorcycle scene isn’t short on talented riders and photographers. But it also means that we won’t know how capable the BMW R 12 G/S truly is until we swing a leg over it ourselves.

Source: BMW Motorrad

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How Much Torque and Horsepower Does a Porsche M96 Engine Produce? Engine Specs

When discussing automobiles with high levels of performance capacity, there are specific engines that mechanically fit this description, one of which is the Porsche M96 engine. This one is far more than a digit on the list of novelties; it is the soul of the 996 generation of the Porsche 911. In this article, I’ll focus on the details of the torque and horsepower that emanate from this much-talked-about engine. Being an enthusiast of performance-oriented cars from the earlier times, I can find several things to like about the Porsche M96 engine. Push the pedal and let’s continue the journey!

Table of Contents

1. Unpacking the M96 Engine: Specs
2. Horsepower: A Surge of Speed
3. Torque: The Heartbeat of the Car
4. Personal Reflections on the M96
5. A Nod to Innovation
6. End Note
7. FAQ Section
   1. Is the Porsche M96 engine still popular today?
   2. Is the Porsche M96 engine open for tune-ups?
   3. How do you envision the difference between the model M96 and the M97 engine, its successor?
   4. Is the Porsche M96 engine reliable?

Unpacking the M96 Engine: Specs

Porsche 996 Carrera

The Porsche M96 Engine has become iconic among car enthusiasts, noted for its performance and engineering excellence.

Porsche M96 Engine – Specifications
Engine Type:	M96.01/.02/.04	M96.03	M96.03S
Available In:	1998-2001 Carrera	2002-2004 Carrera	2003 Carrera 40th AE
Engine Type:	Dual Overhead Camshaft Flat 6	Dual Overhead Camshaft Flat 6	Dual Overhead Camshaft Flat 6
Displacement:	3.4L	3.6L	3.6L
Horsepower:	296 hp @ 6800 RPM	320 hp @ 6800 RPM	345 hp @ 6800 RPM
Torque:	258 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM	273 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM	273 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
Compression Ratio:	11.3:1	11.3:1	11.3:1
Max RPM:	7300	7300	7300
Cooling System:	Water-cooled	Water-cooled	Water-cooled
Induction:	Naturally Aspirated	Naturally Aspirated	Naturally Aspirated
Valves:	24 Valves	24 Valves	24 Valves
Bore x Stroke:	96mm x 78mm (3.78in. x 3.07in.)	96mm x 82.8mm (3.78in. x 3.26in.)	96mm x 82.8mm (3.78in. x 3.26in.)
Oiling System:	Integrated Dry-sump	Integrated Dry-sump	Integrated Dry-sump
Engine Oil Capacity:	8.8L	8.8L	8.8L
Timing Chain	5-Chain	3-Chain	3-Chain

The M96 engine started in the 1998 model (engine codes: M96.01/.02/.04). It has replaced the air-cooled flat-six engine with a more modern water-cooled flat-six having a displacement of 3.4 liters. Also, it came as standard with aspirated versions of the engine. It is rather interesting to see how the company succeeded in producing a highly powered car, and the design is so smooth, like the 996. These features make the car engine unique and well-engineered to produce power and, at the same time, be easy to handle, all of which are defining factors of the 911 series.

Horsepower: A Surge of Speed

Naturally aspirated M96 engines reached a power output of 296 horsepower at 6,800 RPM. The M96.01/.02/.04 engine codes belong to the first M96 model, which appeared in the Porsche 911 (996) Carrera during 1998-2001. Apart from the M96, the company released two succeeding variations that achieve better horsepower output.

The engine found in the 2002-2004 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera delivers M96.03 engine code power with its 3.6-liter capacity producing 320 horsepower. A combination of the M96 engine with engine code M96.03S exists in the 2003 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 40th AE model to produce 360 horsepower.

The additional engine power gives drivers maximum capability for road overtake maneuvers or when they want to demonstrate power performance. The sporty nature of the vehicle receives valuable support from its quick acceleration system.

Torque: The Heartbeat of the Car

Torque is where the Porsche M96 engine variant stands to gain the most ground. It is equipped with a blatant 258 pound-feet of torque (M96.01/.02/.04) that is achievable at just 4600 RPM. The M96.03 and, respectively, the M96.03S have a higher torque than the first one, namely 273 pound-feet of torque that is achievable at 4250 RPM. I believe this is one of the reasons why the M96 engine is highly favored by most lovers of cars. Such low-end torque indicates the car can burst out of the starting line at the slightest provocation. Despite the steady, comfortable speed or a rushing turn after a bend of the road, the M96 seems to be prepared to race.

Personal Reflections on the M96

I have personally driven a 996 Carrera with an M96 engine, and I was not disappointed by its great performance. The harmonized power & torque will provide a driving sensation that will thrill the driver and equally respond to the driver’s commands. It is a car that reacts to the driver through its engine, therefore making each ride an unforgettable one. The power delivered is powerful but rather smooth, and combined with that typical Porsche handling, the M96-powered Porsche 996 Carrera is certainly a delight to drive.

A Nod to Innovation

There is something that I particularly like about the design of the M96, and that is that Porsche went out of its way to innovate when developing this engine. There was some controversy over whether a more civilized approach calls for an air-cooled or water-cooled engine, but the M96 engine proved that performance does not have to suffer for it. It is an engine that combines the stiff work of tradition, something that I do appreciate.

End Note

Porsche 911 (996) Carrera

The Porsche M96 engine is among the best indications that Porsche is not ready to compromise when it comes to the production of their automobiles. One must say that the application of turbocharging in the M96 model proved to be quite powerful and innovative in Porsche’s history. But no matter what status you hold—whether you are an elixir of life for performance car enthusiasts or just a regular onlooker, an M96 is an engine to rejoice.

To sum up, the M96 engine is a product of Porsche’s rich history and the company’s innovations; it is both powerful and impressive, both in terms of performance and the sensation a driver feels when behind the wheel.

FAQ Section

Is the Porsche M96 engine still popular today?

The M96 is a legendary engine that is found in the 996 generation of the Porsche 911.

Is the Porsche M96 engine open for tune-ups?

Yes indeed, there are numerous cases when M96 engines are altered to get more power and become more efficient.

How do you envision the difference between the model M96 and the M97 engine, its successor?

As for the M97 engine, it has more power and is more efficient than the M96 but that engine is still dear to enthusiasts for being the first of the new generation engines.

Is the Porsche M96 engine reliable?

All things considered, the M96 is quite a reliable engine if maintained correctly. However, it is always advisable to undertake regular overhauls of any older engine.

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How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last Without Charging?

It is almost impossible to talk about the current car market without naming electric vehicles. In this article, we are talking about Tesla’s battery performance and how long it lasts until the next charge. The expectation of finding a new source of energy that can be implemented in cars has attracted much attention. Sooner or later, being a tech freak as well as an environmental enthusiast, the user questions how many hours a Tesla battery lasts without recharging. Which is a question every electric car owner and those planning to buy a Tesla might have, especially for long journeys. Thus, it is essential to explore this interesting subject to get more insight into the longevity of Tesla’s batteries.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Tesla’s Battery Technology
2. Causes of Battery Discharge Without Charging
   1. Driving Habits
   2. Vehicle Model and Battery Capacity
   3. Terrain and Road Conditions
   4. Weather Conditions
   5. Use of Accessories
3. Typical Range Without Charging
4. My Personal Experience
5. Battery Degradation Over Time
6. End Note
7. FAQ Section
   1. How often can I charge the Tesla battery so that the battery of the car will be healthy and last long?
   2. Does the extreme weather affect the overall battery range of a Tesla?
   3. What is regenerative braking, and how does it impact the range of your Tesla?
   4. Does towing affect a Tesla vehicle’s battery capacity?
   5. Is it possible to utilize my Tesla car as a power supply?
   6. When is the optimum time that I need to replace the battery on my Tesla?

Understanding Tesla’s Battery Technology

Tesla Battery Pack

One must grasp Tesla battery operational principles before determining battery lifespan until recharge. Tesla electric vehicles utilize lithium-ion batteries for their power systems because these batteries show high energy density with minimal self-discharge features and exceptional cyclic operational capabilities. The battery finds its position inside the battery pack which controls various car features starting from acceleration to air conditioning.

The company maintains an advanced thermal management system to manage battery temperatures properly for system operation. The performance of batteries decreases when their operating environment shows either high or low temperature variations because they demonstrate sensitivity to changes in their surroundings. The new battery technology functions as a change implementation method to accomplish improved efficiency and extended battery duration along with enhanced range capabilities.

Causes of Battery Discharge Without Charging

Causes of Battery Discharge Without Charging

Therefore, various factors will enable one to know how long a Tesla can run without a battery charge. Here are the following points:

Driving Habits

Lifestyle practices affect the kind of utilization of a battery in a Tesla vehicle in a big way. Any fast running with frequent acceleration and high speeds reduces the battery charge. On the other hand, it has been experienced that driving at a moderate speed can not only reduce the overall energy but also improve the range quite a lot.

Vehicle Model and Battery Capacity

The Tesla vehicle models possess various battery size capacities. The battery capacity of the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus exceeds the capacity of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. A boost in electric car battery capacity enables these vehicles to travel additional distances using only one available charge.

Terrain and Road Conditions

Every individual knows that in endeavoring to drive through a hilly or even mountainous area, one has to consume more energy as compared to mere flat areas. An ascending grade increases the load on the battery and thus results in reduced range. Likewise, it was also reach a conclusion that road roughness affects energy consumption rates negatively.

Weather Conditions

The major factor that affects a battery’s performance is temperature. This means that in cold weather, the battery capacity will be slightly less and therefore its range of usage will be short. Like it has been mentioned above, even very high temperatures are equally bad, especially in relation to performance competence and the safety of the workers.

Use of Accessories

Another factor that drains battery power is in-car accessories such as the air conditioning and heating systems, and susceptibility to entertainment gadgets. These should be used sparingly to the extent that they can help to cover as many options as possible to enhance the range.

Typical Range Without Charging

Tesla Charging Station

In terms of the range of the vehicles, it is also incredible in Tesla cars. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is fitted with a battery that gives it an estimated range of over 350 miles as per the EPA standards. In real-life conditions, with the best in fuel economy, the Tesla could go up to 250-300 miles without being recharged.

My Personal Experience

I own a Tesla car and it has a good battery range. In actual usage, I obtain approximately 250 miles on a full charge with a mixture of city driving and highway cruising. This I have learned ensures that when covering a middle distance, one can cover it at a moderate speed, and when commanding a much faster speed, the regenerative braking system can ensure that the covering of distance with minimal charge drawn from the battery is realized.

Battery Degradation Over Time

As with other lithium-ion power cells, Tesla’s batteries also wear out over time. The rate of degradation, on the other hand, depends on the usage frequency as well as the conditions in which the vehicle is exposed. As to the battery, Tesla asserts that the batteries can retain 90% of their capacity for 200,000 miles, which is quite marvelous, indeed, in the sphere of electric cars. Nevertheless, the range is affected since the battery capacity of the vehicle decreases with time and cannot retain an adequate charge as it did when it was newly constructed.

End Note

The battery technology of Tesla is one of the most fascinating inventions in the automotive industry, not only because it delivers great ranges but also because it makes a positive impact on the world. This flexibility in discharging a Tesla battery is capable of extending its duration without charging and is determined by several factors that, when grasped, will enhance the efficiency of its utilization. I am sure that with the new generation development, Tesla will add more features of longer range and more robust battery systems in the future.

I believe that with the advancement in technology, it will be interesting to observe how Tesla will further advance in the battery capacity and range of their future electric vehicles. To the current Tesla owners and those desiring to own one, it is important to consider these aspects to provide you with optimized experiences of having a remarkable journey in an electric car.

FAQ Section

How often can I charge the Tesla battery so that the battery of the car will be healthy and last long?

It is advisable to only charge your Tesla if the battery has 20% (and not below) and let it charge until 80%. This practice reduces the amount of power the battery discharges, hence increasing the battery’s life span.

Does the extreme weather affect the overall battery range of a Tesla?

Extreme weather, be it cold or hot, is likely to affect the battery of your Tesla and hence result in a decrease in the range of the car. One of the major adverse conditions in the battery that does not function effectively includes extreme cold. This result can be somewhat offset using preconditioning features to heat or cool the battery and cabin prior to driving.

What is regenerative braking, and how does it impact the range of your Tesla?

One key Tesla feature is regenerative braking which enables energy recovery from the braking procedure to save the stored electricity inside the battery. The system extends vehicle range, particularly under traffic conditions that result in slow vehicle movement.

Does towing affect a Tesla vehicle’s battery capacity?

Towing a trailer and loading more weight of any kind will decrease the overall travel distance of any Tesla. It can be deduced that the added weight would translate to more power consumption; therefore, increased battery usage.

Is it possible to utilize my Tesla car as a power supply?

There is an additional option called Powerwall present in a Tesla, where it can store energy and can be used like a regular power supply for a house. The usage of this feature can be especially important during a power shutdown or to decrease dependence on the grid.

When is the optimum time that I need to replace the battery on my Tesla?

Hopefully, if you find that the range and performance of the vehicle have dropped considerably, maybe it is time to check the battery of the vehicle. Tesla provides battery replacement services, but one has to consult the nearest Tesla center to determine this.

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Pint-sized Pugilist: A custom Honda Dax 125 from Taiwan

Earlier this week, we presented the motorcycles that dominated the competition at the burgeoning Taiwanese custom bike show, Speed and Crafts. One machine in particular stood out—a plucky Honda Dax that took on bikes twice its size while snagging a silver medal in the hotly contested Freestyle class.

The bite-sized Dax needs no introduction. First released in the 70s, before being brought back three years ago as part of Honda’s modern-classic mini-bike range, its pressed steel T-frame is iconic. It’s also a prime candidate for customization.

This show-stopping Honda Dax is the product of a collaboration between JZO Crafts and Kunimoto Hidetoshi. JZO (‘Jie’ to his friends) is the man that Rough Crafts turns to for its fabrication needs. Kunimoto is the founder of Nemoto—a shop specializing in mini-bike parts.

At first, the plan was to turn the Dax into a tiny flat tracker—but then Kunimoto chimed in with an idea. “He’s a big fan of air suspension systems,” says Jie, “so he wanted to incorporate that feature. We retained the tracker-inspired appearance, while giving the bike a low and aggressive stance.”

Kunimoto’s idea involved upgrading the Dax’s running gear with new air suspension components from RacingBros. A CNC-machined Over Racing swingarm was installed out back, while the wheels were switched for 12” disc items, fitted with Brembo brake calipers and Triforce carbon ceramic discs.

The Dax is notably low to the ground when parked, until a remote control activates the air suspension, raising it to a reasonable ride height. It might seem like an unnecessary feature on a bike with a 777 mm seat height—but it’s a cool trick nonetheless.

Most of the Dax’s charm comes from the fact that its chassis is effectively also its bodywork. So Jie and Kunimoto focused on tweaking the bike’s fuselage cleverly, rather than modifying it outright.

For starters, all of the bits and pieces that make the air suspension work are now packaged inside the body. To get that right, Jie had to figure out where each individual part would fit—and then link them all together. Cutouts near the front of the chassis offer a view of the suspension reservoirs.

Jie also fabricated a titanium exhaust system that flows around the engine, into a custom inlet on the right-hand side of the body, through the chassis, and out the back. A handmade aluminum end cap adds a stylish flourish to the tail end of the Dax.

The aluminum flat track-style seat is also Jie’s handiwork, but the tasteful leather upholstery was handled by Qi Rui. The whole unit is mounted on a hinge, offering access to the neatly packaged components that hide underneath it.

Here you’ll find a custom-built aluminum fuel tank, complete with a pop-up filler cap, and the rest of the exhaust header. A slim LED taillight is embedded in the back of the seat pan, while discreet LED turn signals are mounted to the sides of the bodywork, just forward of where the exhaust exits.

The opposite end of the bike wears a one-off aluminum headlight plate, designed with an integrated housing for a punchy Baja Designs LED headlight. LED turn signals flank the new nacelle.

The Honda Dax’s cockpit hasn’t gone untouched either. CNC-machined yokes from GTR Manufacturing take center stage, while sporty clip-ons replace the Dax’s mini-ape bars. They’re fitted with Domino grips and aftermarket brake and clutch levers, with CNC-machined switches integrated into the lever clamps.

The bike’s new digital dashboard is an aRacer iMode 5 unit, loaded with a custom JZO x Nemoto startup graphic. Elsewhere, Nemoto fitted fork guards, rear-sets, and a rear sprocket character from their catalog.

You might be wondering why the Dax sports a clutch lever and shifter peg when its transmission is automatic. That’s because the guys swapped the Dax’s engine (and transmission) for the mill from a new Honda Grom. The engines are the same size—but the Grom unit uses a five-speed manual ‘box.

A smattering of dress-up parts—like a CNC-machined dipstick from Mitomo and a clear crankcase cover—add an extra dose of style.

But the Dax’s most striking feature is arguably its livery. Expertly executed by OneWay, the paint job uses swathes of grey and blue to complement the polished aluminum sections. Giant Honda wings take up as much space as they can on the back half of the body, with subtle ghost graphics on the tail section where it overlaps the design.

Even though there’s a lot going on with the JZO Crafts x Nemoto Honda Dax, it doesn’t feel overly fussy. Instead, it’s low, sleek, and cohesive, offering a fresh take on traditional custom motorcycle genres. That podium finish (and the other awards it raked in at the show) was well deserved.

JZO Crafts | Nemoto | Images by Kin Lin

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