JT-Inspired Vinduro: Built for a National Enduro Vintage Championship…
The Honda XR600R might be the most iconic four-stroke dirt bike ever produced. Dirt Bike called it “the definitive off-road bike, not only of a generation, but for two or three generations.” It remained in production from 1985 to 2000.
“Through its 15-year run, this legendary thumper landed multiple titles in AMA Hare Scrambles, the Baja 1000 and even GNCC woods racing with riders like Scott Summers, Johnny Campbell, Jimmy Lewis and Bruce Ogilvie.” –ADV Pulse
Summers actually racked up five GNCC championships on the XR600R — bike which had been developed more for the desert than the woods! These competitive successes established the XR600R as one of the most successful enduro bikes ever.
Today, liquid-cooled 450 four-strokes may dominate the off-road world, but the size, sound, and style of the old big-bore air-cooled warhorses like the XR600R can’t be matched…and with some key updates, they can still perform admirably.
That’s where a man like our old friend Federico Scalia steps in. The 48-year-old painter, builder, and amateur motocrosser runs Sicily’s Aerostyle Aerografie, which focuses on custom painting for racers, especially custom helmets. As a side hobby, however, Federico also builds bikes under the name VMX Restomod.
“I do it only for passion… I love to modify my bikes… I have fun inside my cave, the ideal place to relax and not think about troubles!”
Back in 2021, we showcased one of Federico’s previous XR600R restomod builds — a bike that went on to make out list of the Top 10 Custom Motorcycles of the year.
We’re happy to report that Federico is back with another XR600R, built for an Austrian client who intends to race in his home country’s National Enduro Vintage Championship. The overall style was inspired by one of the most iconic motocross brands of all time.
“The client is a fan (who isn’t?!) of the JT Racing brand. I already had the blue color in mind, so the combination was perfect.” -Federico
The build highlights are drool-worthy: rebuilt engine with larger piston and port work, custom exhaust with titanium silencer, Mikuni TM 40 carb, Showa USD forks with Öhlins RXF cartridges and CNC triples, Öhlins rear shock, Takasago Excel rims with CNC Excel hubs, upgraded brakes, swingarm custom-modified to feature a modern adjustment system, handmade stainless steel frame guards, a metal tank that Federico airbrushed himself, tons of Cerakoted parts, and much more.
“In this project everything was studied and thought by me, from the parts to be used, to the graphic’s design.” -Federico
The result is one of the sweetest restomod enduros we’ve ever seen. What’s more, Federico says the modern suspension, brake, and engine upgrades mean the riding experience is far superior to the original.
“It’s a lot of fun, it gives you a great feeling, and the difference with the new suspension is enormous, there’s no comparison. Extremely rideable, with the new exhaust system the difference is huge, it pushes much more, and with the Mikuni TM40 the power delivery is perfect, there are no gaps and it’s very manageable.”
Hats off to Federico for building another absolutely jaw-dropping vinduro. We wish the new owner great success in the dirt on this JT-inspired machine. Below, you’ll find our full in-depth interview with Federico about the project, including a comprehensive rundown of all the upgrades in more detail.
Honda XR600R Restomod: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I’m Federico Scalia, I’m 48 years old, and I live in Sicily…motocross and enduro bikes have always been my passion! I started motocross at 16 — never in a competitive way, only amateur. My first bike was an Aprilia RX 50cc.
VMX Restomod it is not a real shop, I do it only for passion… I love to modify my bikes. Just a hobby. I have fun inside my cave, the ideal place to relax and not think about troubles! I currently have a Honda XR650R transformed into a motard (don’t miss it), a 1992 Honda CR250, and the Honda XR600R.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Honda XR600R, 1993.
• Why was this bike built?
This bike was built to order. The owner had seen my previous one, the one with the red livery.
He wanted a replica, but since I had already made three, I wanted to propose a different livery than usual. The customer accepted, and this is the result. It will participate in the National Enduro Vintage Championship in Austria.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The client is a fan (who isn’t?!) of the JT Racing brand. I already had the blue color in mind, so the combination was perfect.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Let’s start with the engine: it was opened up to replace all the bearings, check all tolerances, and replace/inspect all internal components. The cylinder was refaced for a larger piston, and the cylinder head ports were smoothed to eliminate casting imperfections.
The exhaust manifold was custom made by “Fichera SP” for VMX Restomod, with a Pro Circuit Ti4 Titanium silencer. A Mikuni TM 40 completes the “engine” section.
The chassis has been updated with a 48mm Showa with Öhlins RXF cartridges, Pro Circuit CNC triple clamp, and Öhlins rear shock.
About the wheels, we chose a set of Takasago Excel rims (21/18) with CNC Excel Pro Series G2 hubs, wrapped in Dunlop Geomax rubber. Final transmission is full Renthal in 14/48.
Renthal Twinwall for the handlebar, with Pro Circuit clutch lever perch, Honda CRF 450 throttle, and Cycra handguards.
As for the brakes, there’s a front Nissin 11mm pump, Nissin two-piston caliper, and Brembo Serie Oro 270mm floating disc. For the rear a modern Nissin pump with integrated tank (the old one has a separate plastic tank), OEM Nissin caliper, and Brembo Oro 220mm. Stock brake lines replaced with reinforced Hel lines.
I also wanted to “modernize” the swingarm, but changing it would have meant a bigger and more complicated job, and so I came up with a solution… I designed and drew some guides that I had CNC-made in aluminum, along with chain blocks and wheel axle… now it has a modern adjustment system. CNC footpegs and modified brake/gear pedals with Ergal tips.
On the head cover I choose “Off Blq” for oversize valve’s cap for more heat dissipation and also for rear disc protection, made by 3D printing in a strong mix plastic/carbon fiber… they are already studying a chain guide for XR600, we will have it available soon.
Seat cover by Volcano. Aluminium fuel tank by Box43. Frame protection in inox, handmade by VMX.
I use Cerakote special treatment on a lot of pieces…everything you see painted, except plastics and frame, was done with Cerakote. I did all the painting myself…frame, plastics including the airbrushing of the tank.
I would like to point out that I make motorcycles for passion and in my free time; my profession is airbrushing (Aerostyle Aerografie). In this project everything was studied and thought by me, from the parts to be used, to the graphic’s design.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Not yet, maybe the owner will give it to her 😊
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride the finished bike?
It’s a lot of fun, it gives you a great feeling, and the difference with the new suspension is enormous, there’s no comparison.
Extremely rideable, with the new exhaust system the difference is huge, it pushes much more, and with the Mikuni TM40 the power delivery is perfect, there are no gaps and it’s very manageable.
Furthermore, the use of many Ergal parts has helped to eliminate some weight… it’s phenomenal.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
When you build something yourself, you’re proud of everything… But perhaps in this specific case: the frame guards, the swingarm modification, and the livery.
Follow the Builder
Bikes: @vmx_restomod | VMX Restomod
Paint: www.aerostyle.it | Aerostyle Aerografie | @aerostyle.it
Photos by Federico Scalia
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