Scramble Away On This Custom Built Bike By Earth Motorcycles
Believe it or not, this stunning example is actually based on a 1991 Honda NX650
Slovakia-based custom bikermaker Earth Motorcycles has unveiled its latest creation, a 1991 Honda NX650-based scrambler dubbed ‘Project Bakula’. This is Earth Motorcycles’ second project based on the NX650 and it’s safe to say they’ve gone all-in with this one. What makes this an epic built, you ask? Well, read on and find out yourself.
Earth Motorcycles’ has introduced its Project Bakula, based on a 1991 Honda NX650 scrambler
Before getting into the deets, let us tell you a little about the Honda NX650.
The Honda NX650 was part of the Japanese bikemaker’s portfolio from 1988 and was discontinued in 2003. In its stock avatar, the NX650 was a dual-sport motorcycle and it sold in good numbers across Europe.
To make it a capable off-roader, Honda gave the NX650 tall suspension at both ends along with a 21/17-inch spoke wheel setup. With no further ado, let’s get to Project Bakula.
Completely Redesigned From The Ground Up
All in all, the Project Bakula certainly has us quite impressed. And if you need more details about it, simply swipe up!
The Project Bakula looks completely different from the NX650. All of its bodywork has been stripped off and the bike only keeps the necessary bits.
A Little History Lesson
Upfront, you get a round LED headlight which is flanked by sleek LED indicators on both sides. This is followed by a new narrow fuel tank and a slim single-piece seat, made from high-quality real leather.
The tail lights are integrated into the frame tubes. How cool!
At the rear, things get even more interesting as Earth Motorcycles has chopped off the whole sub-frame of the NX650. Additionally, the rear LED lights are positioned in the frame tubes, making its rear-end as exquisite as it gets.
All this is complemented by a new round semi-digital instrument cluster. Pretty basic, but hey, who needs fancy bits while jumping around?
A New Engine…Well, Almost
The engine remains as is and probably puts out the same 44PS and 53Nm as the NX650
Now, you don’t need 200PS to have fun on loose terrain and rough roads. What you do need, though, is a trustable, punchy engine. And this is exactly what Earth Motorcycles’ approach was with Project Bakula.
Special touches include a new slim seat made with original leather
So, the bikemaker has left the engine as is, skipping out any particular performance upgrades. However, all engine internals have been thoroughly cleaned and replaced with new parts to ensure reliability and proper functioning. For reference, the NX650’s 644cc, single-cylinder motor makes 44PS and 53Nm.
Oh, and not to forget, there’s also a custom made free flow exhaust, which should result in a minor bump in performance.
Same Suspension, Less Weight
All bodywork has been stripped off to make the bike look purpose-built
As for underpinnings, the bike rides on 41mm telescopic forks and monoshock, same as the NX650. But the front shock has been shortened by 50mm and coupled with a shorter 19-inch wheel, probably to better its road capabilities. Along with this, the spoke wheels are new too and come clamped by front and rear petal disc brakes.
Thanks to all the changes, the Bakula tips the scales at 132kg (dry), a massive 20kg less than the stock NX650.
Final Thoughts
Project Bakula is certainly an epic build, perfect for people who want to enjoy local trails as much as the city streets.
However, Earth Motorcycles hasn’t revealed any information on the bike’s price or availability, so getting one is probably out of question. But hey, you can always try out local custom bikemakers and get your own scrambler built.
And if you don’t want a custom bike, we suggest you check out the newly launched Yezdi Scrambler.
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