Type 22 began as an experiment to see what we could create by blending the design of mid-80s Honda Paris Dakar and Enduro bikes with a modern CRF1100 donor bike. This challenge was exciting for us because, while we enjoy sleek art deco designs, we also love the thrill of race bikes and cars. As automotive designers, this project gave us a fantastic opportunity to explore this style further, whether for road or off-road vehicles.

Our design was heavily inspired by the mid-80s Honda Paris Dakar Rally bikes, aiming for a slightly vintage look rather than a neo-futuristic one. We focused on creating large volumes in the tank and seat areas but also refined detailed cuts, like the air inlets and outlets on the main tank covers. Integrating the sat-nav screen was another area we took great care in. By separating the original speedometer and screen, we could mount the headlights to the forks instead of the frame, allowing us to tuck the front headlight area/cowl closer in.

We also spent a lot of time on the front fender, mounted high up to avoid interrupting the main light beam. We referenced several fender styles to achieve the right balance.

The front cowl and headlight area were particularly challenging due to Honda's CANBUS system. We didn't want to be limited by it, so we dismantled and reverse-engineered the standard headlight internals, retrofitting them into LED shells. This was a significant challenge, but the result was worth it.

The seat is designed for one person and is removable, trimmed in Alcantara red to match the bike's color scheme. It uses a key mechanism and magnets to stay securely in place.

The fuel cell retains its stock fuel pump and gauge but has been reworked to hold an additional 500ml over the stock capacity.

The bike keeps its stock wiring and offers features like:

• Apple CarPlay

• Cruise control

• Rider modes

• Sat-nav

• Traction control

• ABS

Usability was crucial for this bike. Aside from moving the seat position back 50mm from stock for better styling, we found it more comfortable than the original. The new position provides better support, and the shorter, more tucked-in front end makes it feel more like a classic motocross bike than a new one.

The bike’s suspension has been fully upgraded with an Ohlins kit from FTR Suspension, dramatically improving performance and clearance. The front brakes have been upgraded to Brembo Monoblocks, with ceracoted discs and other components for durability.

The custom-made exhaust in Titanium Grade 1 follows a similar path to aftermarket systems and has significantly improved engine response and power delivery. The bike retains its stock airbox.