Custom motorcycle builds often walk the fine line between nostalgia and innovation, and Auto Fabrica’s Type 22 is a perfect example of this balance. Inspired by the mid-80s Honda Paris Dakar and Enduro bikes, this machine takes a modern Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 and transforms it into a rally-inspired machine that looks like it just came straight from the dunes of the past.
Fusion of Old and New
Auto Fabrica wanted to capture the essence of vintage rally machines while maintaining the capabilities of a modern adventure bike. This meant reworking key elements like the fuel tank, seat, and front cowl to achieve a distinctive, retro aesthetic. The large volume fuel tank and seat unit mirror the Dakar legends, while details like air inlets and outlets add a modern touch.
A major challenge was integrating the sat-nav screen without compromising the rugged look. By separating the original speedometer and display, the builders managed to mount the headlights to the forks instead of the frame, tucking them in closer for a more streamlined look.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
Reworking the front cowl and headlights was a particularly tricky task due to Honda’s CANBUS system. To avoid restrictions, the Auto Fabrica team reverse-engineered the standard headlight internals and retrofitted them into LED shells, a complex process that ultimately paid off.
The high-mounted front fender also posed a challenge. The team studied multiple fender styles before settling on a design that not only matched the Dakar inspiration but also prevented light beam obstruction while keeping the off-road capability intact.
Comfort and Practicality
While style was a priority, usability was never compromised. The rider’s seat – a single-piece Alcantara-trimmed unit – is positioned 50mm further back than stock, improving both comfort and styling. This repositioning, along with a shorter, tucked-in front end, gives the Type 22 a motocross-like riding feel, making it more engaging than the original Africa Twin CRF1100.
The fuel system was also enhanced, retaining the stock pump and gauge while squeezing in an additional 500ml capacity. The bike keeps all factory electronics, including Apple CarPlay, cruise control, multiple rider modes, traction control, and ABS, ensuring that its modern convenience matches its classic aesthetics.
Performance Upgrades
No serious Dakar-inspired build is complete without performance enhancements, and the Type 22 doesn’t disappoint. It features:
- Ohlins suspension from FTR Suspension, dramatically improving off-road capability.
- Brembo Monoblock front brakes, offering sharper stopping power.
- Ceracoted discs and key components, adding durability and style.
- A custom Titanium Grade 1 exhaust, improving both engine response and power delivery.
Despite its extreme modifications, the Type 22 retains its stock airbox, ensuring reliability and long-term usability remain intact.
Dakar Dream in Modern Form
The Type 22 is more than just a custom Africa Twin. It’s a tribute to Honda’s rally history with the performance and tech of a modern adventure bike. It proves that with the right design vision and technical expertise, you can create a machine that feels like a blast from the past while riding into the future.
