POP-2: Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerA Colorful, NS750-Inspired Street Tracker from Ryo Denda Design (RDD)…  

In 1986, Honda introduced the FTR250, a 249cc production street tracker styled after the legendary RS750, the purpose-built flat tracker that won four straight AMA Grand National championships in the 1980s, stealing the thunder of Harley-Davidson’s XR750. A Japan-only model, the FTR250 featured a four-valve RFVC head from the XR series, a 6-speed transmission, and electric start…and shouldn’t be confused with the better-known FTR223, which had a different frame and engine.

Stock FTR250

The FTR250 became a popular donor among Japanese customizers, who loved the slim design, relatively light weight (250 pounds), punchy XR-based engine, and tricolor HRC-inspired livery.

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerRecently we heard from Ryo Denda of Japanese custom shop RDD (Ryo Denda Design). Ryo has an interesting history, as he was a designer at Arai Helmets for many years, where his representative work was none other than the Arai Concept-X — a retro helmet with all the modern safety and tech.  Three years ago, Ryo quit his job at Arai, went back to school for mechanics, and then opened his own workshop to build custom motorcycles for customers.

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerThis ’86 FTR250 was actually Ryo’s first-ever motorcycle, bought some 15 years ago, and so it remains a very special motorcycle to him. As a way to promote his shop, he decided to give the nearly 40-year-old workhorse a full custom makeover, tacking toward a carefree and cheerful aesthetic that nonetheless harks back to the iconic RS750 and its predecessor, the NS750.

Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

All the lighting and instrumentation has been streamlined to the barest minimum. Up front, a 3D-printed bezel surrounds a high-output LED headlight mounted inside one of our favorite aspects of the build: the transparent number plate.

The sideboards are also made of the same yellow-tinted plexiglass-like material. The transparent bodywork is something we’ve rarely seen on a street tracker, and it really lightens the visual signature of the bike while staying true to the tracker silhouette.

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerOf course the bike is rolling on a set of 19-inch wheels — de rigueur for any tracker — but the white rims and red hubs really pop. A set of race-style fork guards and a high-mount exhaust from Super Build Maximum echo the mighty 750 flat trackers, as does the tricolor paint scheme.

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerTruly, if it weren’t for the license plate, you might think you were looking at a full-on flat track race bike ready to slide around the track at Kawagoe Off Road Village or another Japanese track.

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerFor all that, Ryo says the bike remains easy and fun to ride, and makes the perfect match for the streets of Tokyo’s most colorful, art-forward districts:

“This is a bike that makes you want to ride around Harajuku in Tokyo. You can ride this bike as easily as wearing your favorite clothes and sneakers.”

Honda FTR250 Street TrackerRyo nicknamed the bike “POP-2,” as it’s the second promotional build to roll out of the shop, and the word manages to capture the cheerful character and personality of the bike.

“In Japan, ‘POP’ is a general term for impressions such as brightness, fun, cuteness, and friendliness.”

Bravo to Ryo for a build that pays homage to the mighty Honda 750 flat trackers in such a buoyant, creative package. We can’t wait to see what comes out of RDD next. Below is our full interview with Ryo, and you can follow him and his shop here: @rdd119.

Builder Interview: Honda FTR250

Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I run a custom shop RDD in Japan. I worked as a designer at Arai Helmets until three years ago. His representative work is Concept-X. After quitting my job, I went to an auto mechanic school for two years. Then I started the custom shop last year. I love motorcycles, and I really wanted to work in the field of building motorcycles.

• What’ s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Honda FTR250, 1986.

• Why was this bike built?

This bike was made for a shop promotion. This is the first bike I bought 15 years ago. I have a lot of feelings for it.

Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

This bike was inspired by the street tracker boom that occurred in Japan around 2000. The bike rides on the street. It’s as easygoing and cheerful as sneakers. The color has a racing image added as an accent. It pays homage to NS750.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Downsizing of lights and meters. The headlight bezel is made using a 3D printer. Transparent number plate. High exhaust made by Super Build Maximum.

Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

Custom sheet. Paint and custom decals. 19-inch wheels front and rear, etc.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

POP-2. In Japan, “POP” is a general term for impressions such as brightness, fun, cuteness, and friendliness. And “2” because this bike is the second one made for promotional purposes.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

This bike is lightweight and easy to ride. The engine is stock, but the intake and exhaust have been customized, so it packs a punch.

Honda FTR250 Street Tracker

• Can you tell us what it’ s like to ride this bike?

This is a bike that makes you want to ride around Harajuku in Tokyo. You can ride this bike as easily as wearing your favorite clothes and sneakers. Ride this bike and go buy your favorite clothes.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

This is the first important bike I bought. I did not do any custom cutting of the frame. Also, the frame is original paint. I am custom-repairing deteriorated parts.

• Is there anyone you’ d like to thank?

I am grateful to my wife. She understands how I live with motorcycles.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @rdd119
Web: ryodendadesign.jimdofree.com
Twitter / X: @ryo_denda

 

4 Comments

  1. Bein Sports 5

    The Honda FTR250 Street Tracker is an absolute gem for motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of classic style and modern performance. With its sleek, minimalist design, the FTR250 brings the iconic street tracker aesthetic to life, offering a unique and aggressive look that stands out in any crowd. The lightweight frame, combined with its punchy 250cc engine, makes it agile and fun to ride, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising along winding backroads. What sets it apart is the combination of retro charm and Honda’s reliability, making the FTR250 a perfect choice for anyone who wants a bike that’s as stylish as it is practical.

  2. Oh, that’s a treat . The Storz decals on the fork guards add a touch of verisimilitude. Wouldn’t have chosen that mustard yellow as a seat color myself, but that’s the only tiny thing I’d have done differently.

  3. Nice bike but Japan only?
    I waste of my time.

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