Factory Honda Dakar replica project

I have always been an admirer of the whole Paris Dakar rally world and this particular bike as far as I'm aware was never actually entered.
There is very little information on this creation but from what I can gather it was a collaboration between Honda and Total , this was apparently a concept/research and development project.
Though details are scarce the pictures do hold enough info to recreate this completely awesome machine (as close as I can).

Here are the only pictures I could find.,....

I have managed to find a suitable donor for this project in the form of a Honda XR650L.
This will be of course a more modern and more user friendly prospect with a 650 electric start engine and a rear disc brake.


Progress so far........

PROJECT AX-1

Recently picked up this very rare Honda 1988 NX 250 AX-1.
Considering the modern four stroke revolution this bike was way ahead of its time.

Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
Twin cam liquid cooled 6 speed transmission and electric start!
Approx power of 27  bhp
Low seat height
Front and rear disc brakes

What's not to like!

Intention is to completely restore this mega rare beauty to look like this one......

Right now it looks like this 

Reckon I'd best get cracking.

Quick update pic, starting to look like something now!

Can you build me a bike?

A question I have heard many many times over the years but the answer has always been the same .... sorry but I only do this as a hobby and I have a day job.
Well after much deliberation I have decided to change the answer and I am now able to take on your build so long as it doesn't deviate too far from what you see on this blog.
I will also be interested in taking on restoration work primarily dirt/trail bikes from 70's and through to the 90's.

My bikes when built are always priced as to recover my expenses (£6,000 typically)
Any future commissioned builds would start at £8,000 depending on requirements.
Turnaround time I would hope to be approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the date of purchase of the donor bike.

Many thanks for all your comments and thoughts over the years hopefully I'll featuring your bikes in the future.

Almost done!

Just waiting on a new set of rims for my latest bike just in time for the summer.
Slightly different than before using a seat suitable for a pillion and retaining rear footrests, nice bright day running led front light along with complete set of indicators for more convenience.
Took it out yesterday for a shakedown and covered 40 miles smiling all the way, had almost forgotten how much fun these bikes are ☺
More pics of finished bike to follow.

Honda XR500R finished.

1984 XR500R

Possibly my all-time favourite enduro bike the gorgeous xr500r
Picked this one up last year and after looking through some old photos realised that I actually owned this very same bike in 1989!
Good to have it back.
Bike wasn't in terrible shape when I found it but decided to give it a make over anyway.
Bike isn't quite finished yet but here are a couple of pics.

Before -

After -

More to come!

Currently in the process of designing 3 brand new bikes, one will be using the ever faithful nx650 Dominator base, second being a hybrid of actual 1970`s motocross elegance and modern engineering convenience and lastly a factory Honda Paris Dakar race replica.

Can't wait to get going!!!