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Beater: A Honda XR650R from Mule Motorcycles


Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys
Custom repeat is the lifeblood of most businesses, including bicycle manufacturers. Ten years ago, Matt Helders bought one Triumph T100 from Richard ‘Mule’ Pollock — and he just came back for more.

This time, Matt has brought an absolute weapon: a sharp, classic Honda with the most unusual exhaust system. And despite the rubber stopper (for road use and photography), it’s still street legal.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

If you know the name Matt Helders, it is because he is the drummer of the famous British rock band Arctic Monkeys. The band has sold over 20 million records worldwide, so Helders could have chosen any custom producer he wanted.

Mule, however, is a singular talent. And there’s nothing else on the road (or off) quite like this Honda.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

Richard reports: “This version starts out as a 2000-spec XR650R. “Matthew asked for a modern motorcycle that looks like a ’70s motorcycle. So I decided the look would resemble a 1973 Honda Elsinore – with the same paintwork! ”

The XR650R is more of a desert racer than a motocrosser, with a tough liquid-cooled single-pump engine that puts out just over 60 hp. Dry weight is just under 300 pounds, helped by an aluminum frame and lightweight motor, so performance is good even by modern standards.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

Mule started by stripping the XR650R down to the frame and began optimizing the suspension setup.

“I shortened the shock to lower the position a bit and fitted a set of Triumph Bonneville bottom triple clamps,” he says. That has made up for it most, for the gentle steering touch.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

The original Honda fork body is now fitted with a billet top triple clamp, from Cognito Moto. And the fork, although older than the rest of the bike, is an upgrade for on-road use.

Mule liberated them from a 1993 Honda Hawk 650GT: “They’re 41mm longer than most conventional forks and super light.” The wheel is also light, for the spokes, and is taken from the CRF450R.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

The front brake rotor is a Magura Supermoto unit, but the caliper is from a Triumph Bonneville. “Since this would cause road use at times, I used larger brakes,” revealed Mule. “Tires for dirt and pictures!”

If you have successfully identified the tank, pat yourself on the back. It was taken from a mid 70s Yamaha MX400, modified and trimmed to match. It’s a far cry from the bright red plastic finish you’re likely to get, thanks to its aluminum construction and lovely, lightweight paintwork inspired by the CR250 Elsinore.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

The cuts in the barrel – for radiators and plumbing – must have been difficult to get right, but Mule considers the elegant, beautiful subframe to be ‘main task’.

“I have an old CR250 and have had the subframe removed,” he says. “Then make a ‘fix’ out of wood and bend new cro-moly tubes. It uses the original rear fender mounting, and side mounts for the saddle. ”

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

“All of that has been done to make it possible to fit an antique CR250 chair. But it didn’t. I finally got a single chair made by Saddlemen! The rest of the bodywork is simpler to operate: the side plates and fenders are a reproduction of the CR250 Elsinore from VMX Racing.

Mechanically, Mule used a four-valve SOHC 649cc engine from top to bottom, replacing many parts to bring it back to like-new specs. “The radiator, hoses, cables, chain and sprocket and all nuts and bolts are new,” he reports.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

But what about that exhaust? “Exhaust pipes are made to look like a two-stroke chamber,” said Mule, but it’s an inner four-stroke tube. The expertly crafted technique is by frequent collaborator Randy Blevins, and is sure to generate plenty of confused looks from outsiders.

Legitimacy is masked by simple taillights, classic Piaa headlights, mirrors that clip onto ProTaper bars — and a small Acewell gauge.

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys

Given Mule’s technical prowess, this machine would be an amazing success.

Let’s hope Matt Helders has enough free time to put his club down and get some solid mileage on the XR.

Mule motorcycle | Instagram | Outdoor pictures of Olivier de Vulx

Honda XR650R Built for Matt Helder of the Arctic Monkeys





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