Adventure bikes have never been more popular as they are today. From weekend warriors to round-the-world riders, the ADV scene is thriving. So, it was only a matter of time before custom builders started putting their own spin on these go-anywhere machines.
Enter Auto Fabrica and their stunning Type 22—a modern Honda Africa Twin reimagined as a Dakar rally racer from the golden era.
One look at the Type 22, and you’re instantly taken back to the ‘80s, when Honda’s big-bore rally bikes were conquering the desert. The oversized tank, angular bodywork, and that perfect red-on-white livery scream Paris-Dakar heritage. But this isn’t just some old-school tribute. It’s a masterclass in blending vintage styling with cutting-edge technology.
The stock Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin is already a capable machine, but Auto Fabrica has transformed it into something that looks like it rolled straight out of a classic rally paddock. The new bodywork is sleek yet rugged, evoking the no-nonsense aesthetic of factory-built rally bikes. That big, boxy front fairing isn’t just for show—it houses a custom headlight assembly that had to be reworked to function seamlessly with Honda’s CANBUS system.
It’s this level of attention to detail that sets the Type 22 apart.
But beyond functionality, the real star of the show here is the styling. The bodywork has been completely redesigned to mimic the flowing yet angular lines of Honda’s original Dakar racers. The tank has been sculpted to flow seamlessly into the high rear fender, giving the bike a commanding stance. The seat, wrapped in rich red suede-like material, is an instant throwback to the rugged yet stylish rally bikes of old.
Oh, and let’s not forget about that headlight. It’s vintage, eye-catching, and sort of reminds me of WALL-E, the last robot on earth.
Then there’s the suspension, which is full Öhlins front and rear, offering improved damping and adjustability. The stock brakes? Gone. In their place are Brembo Monoblock calipers for serious stopping power. And let’s talk about that exhaust. The Type 22 ditches the bulky stock system for a handmade titanium setup that not only looks stunning but supposedly also improves weight distribution and engine response.
But here’s where things get really interesting. Despite its old-school look, the Type 22 retains modern tech. You still get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, multiple rider modes, traction control, and ABS—making it just as advanced as any showroom-spec Africa Twin. It’s a beautiful contradiction: a bike that looks like it came from the past but rides like it belongs in the future.
But perhaps even bigger than all this is that this machine speaks to something deeper happening in the ADV world. Nostalgia has long been a driving force in the custom motorcycle scene, but now it’s making its way into adventure bikes. The Dakar Rally has left a lasting impact on motorcycling, and bikes like the Type 22 remind us why that era was so special. It was a time when machines were raw, riders were legendary, and winning was about skill and endurance rather than electronic aids and factory-backed dominance.
So, where does that leave the Type 22? Is it an off-road beast meant to be thrashed through the dunes, or is it a rolling piece of art best admired in a garage? With its handcrafted details, flawless finish, and undeniable Dakar DNA, it might just be too pretty to get dirty. But then again, isn’t that exactly what it was built for?
Source: AutoFabrica
