VF-Powered FTR from Garage94…
The Honda FTR223 has been called a “people’s bike” in Japan. The style took inspiration from flat track racing, with some versions wearing a color scheme reminiscent of the mighty Honda RS750. The frame was derived from the ultra-hardy XR200 dirt bike, and the bulletproof 223cc two-valve single-cylinder engine stayed below the 250cc limit for mandatory (and expensive) tax and inspection fees. That made for one very cool little flat track-inspired commuter.
What’s more, a custom scene grew up around the FTR. It’s easy to see why. The FTR was affordable, simple, easy to work on, and lends itself to tracker and scrambler builds given its design and underlying architecture. It was produced from the early 2000s to 2015, so there are plenty available in Japan. The bike also made its way to some other markets, though in smaller numbers.
This FTR comes from our buddy Usuk (@usuk_garage94) of South Korea’s Garage94, whose Benly CD90 scrambler we recently featured. Usuk has an affinity for VMX / vinduro-style builds, and the FTR would be no exception.
Interestingly, the bike was first customized as a street tracker in 2019 by Usuk’s fellow builder Mazenta (@mazenta.c__garage94). However, when the bike changed hands, the new owner wanted to redesign the bike slightly and make it more suitable for his needs. Most importantly, he wanted to be able to carry a passenger — a no-go with any fiberglass or alloy tracker tail — and he needed a bulletproof engine with better parts availability. So Usuk proposed a more VMX-style design…and a new engine!
Yes, the old Honda motor has been swapped out for a Daelim 125 mill — a four-valve single-cylinder engine that’s very popular in Korea in the VF 125 and VL 125. Parts are plentiful for these motors, anyone can work on them, and they’re compact, good-looking little engines to boot.
Usuk then proceeded to bin the tracker tail in favor of a longer enduro-style custom seat, matched with a hand-built rear rack. The tank, lights, fenders, handguards, and side boards are aftermarket parts, and the 18-inch spoke wheels are wrapped in Dunlop K180 flat track-style tires.
The engine transplant makes for the perfect nickname:
“It is VFTR because it is an FTR223-based bike that uses Daelim’s VF engine.”
We love this sturdy, handsome little commuter, and Usuk is duly proud of how happy the owner is with the build. Below you’ll find our full interview with Usuk about the project, along with a handful of additional photos. The custom scene in South Korea isn’t as strong as some other countries, so we love seeing Usuk and crew carrying the flame in their home nation.
Honda “VFTR” Custom: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
It’s Honda’s FTR223 frame. And I swapped in Daelim’s engine, which is easy to find parts for in Korea. It’s estimated to be from the early 2000s.
• Why was this bike built?
In fact, this bike has a unique story. It was a flat tracker made in 2019 from a customer project by fellow builder Mazenta. However, as time passed, the owner changed, and I received a request, and it was tailored to the taste of the new owner, so it has a slightly different design than a flat tracker.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
There is no design concept. I changed from a single seat to a seat that can fit two people to suit the needs of the customer. I thought the VMX line would be better than the shape of the flat tracker, so I presented that direction to the customer, and after a slight design transformation, I came to the present.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Basically, the framework of FTR223 remains the same. The frame and forks, swingarm, and wheels are used as they are, but everything else has changed.
Most of the engines, fuel tank, lights, and fenders were installed using outside parts, and only the seat and rear rack are handmade. In fact, I don’t think it’s a bike that requires a lot of production.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
It is VFTR because it is an FTR223-based bike that uses Daelim’s VF engine.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike??
It’s calm and soft. Actually, I haven’t ridden a lot because it’s a customer’s bike, but I’m glad he seems to be very satisfied.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
There was nothing particularly proud of, but the owner of the bike was a dancer. There was no one around me who did that, but it was nice and fun to know someone in their world. I look forward to his future moves.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @usuk_garage94
More from Garage94
Honda “VFTR” Enduro / Tracker - VF-Powered FTR from Garage94… The Honda FTR223 has been called a “people’s bike” in Japan. The style took inspiration from flat track racing, with some versions wearing a color scheme reminiscent of the mighty Honda […]
Honda CD50/90 Benly Scrambler - Pint-size Scrambler from Garage94… In the late 90s, Honda announced the launch of their new and improved CD50 Benly “business bike.” The Benly featured a 49cc air-cooled four-stroke OHC single-cylinder engine, “Tuff-up” puncture-resistant inner tubes, […]
Vans x Garage94 II: Daelim Daystar Beach Racers - Two more builds from the Garage94 x Vans Korea collaboration… Last week, we had the pleasure of presenting three of the five customs that Seoul’s Garage94 built for Vans Korea as part of their new […]
Classic Since Forever: Vans x Garage94 - Garage94 builds five customs for Vans Korea… Garage94 is a workshop based in Seoul, Korea, where they specialize in working on vintage and VMX-style motorcycles, which are relatively rare in the country. Previously, we […]
Angry Bull: Mirage 250 Street Tracker - A 250 V-Twin Tracker built for Korea’s Camel Race… In 1978, Hyosung, now known as KR Motors, began producing Suzuki motorcycles under license for the South Korean market. By 1986, they’d established their own R&D […]
Retro-Mod: Yamaha SR400 “VMX” by Garage94 - One reason that we love the Yamaha SR400 so much is that it’s a throwback to an older, simpler era of motorcycling, when bikes were air-cooled with carburetors, twin shocks, and no magic button to […]
Wish I owned this bike!