This Honda CB650R rally custom is a hoot!

Manufacturer-backed customisation competitions are brilliant. Dealers are given donor bikes and given complete freedom to build something a bit special. That’s what Honda Wingmotor from Portugal has done for the Honda Garage Dreams contest – in which Honda dealerships across Portugal and Spain were asked to customise a CB650R.

Wingmotor’s machine pays tribute to Paulo Gonçalves, the veteran Portuguese rally racer who died while competing in the 2020 Dakar Rally – while commemorates Honda’s win at the 2020 Dakar Rally, its first since 1989.

It’s a fantastic looking machine, which is far removed from its CB650R base. It gets a new front mudguard, windscreen and headlight. There’s a solo seat, new handguards, fork guards and header pipes too. It was also fitted with a set of Continental TKC 80 tyres on a set of 17-inch spoked wheels – and to complete its Dakar inspired styling, Wingmotor fitted the bike with a proper rally raid navigation system, including a roadbook.

No news yet on if it’s won the competition or not, but it’s certainly gets our vote. Hopefully Honda’s taking note. Could the CB650R be the perfect platform a baby-Africa Twin? There have been rumours that there’s one on the way – and if it looks anything like this, we’re in!