Aim for the cello, overtake the bronco! Honda CB223S running on serious dirt roads

The HONDA CB223S, originally created for street riding, has been transformed into a machine that can be seriously ridden on dirt roads. This time, we would like to introduce the "CB223SL" produced by Saito Rangyo, a machine that does not stop at looks... This time, we would like to introduce the "CB223SL," a machine that is packed with thought and practicality that goes beyond just looks.

The "CB223SL" based on the HONDA CB223S

What is the HONDA CB223S?

The HONDA CB223S, introduced in 2008, is a lightweight naked bike equipped with an air-cooled 223cc single-cylinder engine. Its easy-to-use engine characteristics, similar to those of the FTR223, and simple bodywork made it a popular model for city riding and commuting to and from work. On the other hand, due to its on-road-oriented body design and center of gravity balance that leaned toward the front, it was rarely described as a "full-fledged dirt bike. However, the "CB223SL" from Saito Rinko is a reinterpretation of this model as a "single-cylinder bike that can be enjoyed more freely.

HONDA CB223S introduced in 2008 (from Honda WEB site)

The fictitious car name "CB223SL".

Mr. Saito gave this vehicle the name "CB223SL. Of course, this is not the manufacturer's official name. He gave it his own name by combining the light image reminiscent of HONDA's "SL series" vintage trailers and the fact that it is based on a CB223S. Incidentally, Mr. Saito calls the FTR-based vehicle he created based on the same concept "FTRXC. What they all have in common is that they emphasize "serious driving" as well as "good looks. Instagram "Saito Rinko " https://www.instagram.com/rin.jp

Mr. Saito of Saito Rinko, the creator of the CB223SL

The "FTRXC," a full-fledged off-road custom vehicle based on the FTR223

A regular customer took over a vehicle that "I was going to ride by myself"?

The vehicle was built by Mr. Saito of Saito Rangyo, a company that handles a number of custom off-road vehicles. The owner is Odie, a regular customer who has been coming to the store for a long time. It all started with a CB223S that Mr. Saito bought to ride himself. I bought it because I wanted to ride it myself," Saito said. At the time, Mr. Saito was creating custom off-road vehicles based on the FTR223, and he fed his accumulated trial-and-error experiences back into the CB223S, his sibling vehicle. At the time of production, the main trail models available as new vehicles were either the Cerro 250 or CRF250L. Of course, both were excellent models, but Mr. Saito's goal was to create a bike that could be ridden more casually, yet still be capable of serious off-road riding. The CB223SL was born out of his efforts to realize this ideal. Mr. Audi fell in love with the vehicle while it was still in the process of being built. As a result, the bike that Mr. Saito had built for himself became Audie's favorite bike. Instagram "Audie " https://www.instagram.com/sintaroodo

Intercepted? The owner, Odie, and his CB223SL

The two are good friends beyond their relationship as motorcycle shop owner and customer (left: Audie, right: Saito)

Aim for the "Cerro, overtake the Bronco."

The concept of the CB223SL, according to Mr. Saito, is "Aim for the cello, overtake the bronco. The CB223SL is a bike that has the easy handling and drivability of a Yamaha Cerro 250, but with the classic Bronco feel of a Bronco. It is a vehicle that seriously aims to combine both of these qualities. What is interesting is the approach. It is not a show bike with flashy exterior modifications, like most custom bikes, but a bike that has been thoroughly customized for "driving. Mr. Saito explains, "I don't want a bike that can't be driven just because it looks good. I don't like bikes that just look good but can't be driven. I want to do the opposite.

The concept of this vehicle is "Aim for the cello, overtake the bronco."

The vehicle has been customized not for showy exterior changes or a show bike look, but for thorough "driving"

Changing the "driving" rather than the exterior

The most distinctive features of this vehicle are the suspension and center of gravity design. The front forks were increased in stroke by 30 mm and extended in length by 50 mm. The rear suspension is based on the FTR suspension and has been stroked to increase ride height and wheel travel by approximately 30mm. A further distinctive feature is the swingarm, which was shortened by 25mm. This is more than just a styling change. In combination with the front and rear suspension, the center of gravity of the vehicle has been shifted rearward from the normal position. The "front-leaning center of gravity" characteristic of the CB223S and FTR has been improved to achieve a body balance closer to that of an off-road bike. The step position was also changed. The mounting position was moved back 20 mm, and the step itself was widened by 20 mm. As a result, the rider's riding position itself has been moved backward, enabling more natural off-road riding. In other words, this bike is not a "scrambler just for looks. It is a CB223 that has been designed and engineered for serious dirt road riding.

Front forks with 30mm more stroke and 50mm longer overall length

Rear suspension based on the one for the FTR was modified with an increased stroke to increase ride height and wheel travel by approximately 30mm

Swingarm shortened by 25mm

Mounting position moved back 20mm, steps widened by 20mm

At first glance, it looks classic, but inside it is a serious trail bike

Extremely simple rear view

Original up muffler runs through the frame.

The muffler is another symbolic point of this vehicle. The original exhaust pipe is an up-muffler layout that runs inside the frame. This reduces the risk of hitting the vehicle while off-roading, while at the same time giving the vehicle a unique presence. The current version has been modified to a 3-inch Super Trap specification, according to Audi's preference. The current vehicle also features a 21-inch front wheel, narrower rear rim using a GB250 Clubman rim, an upswept fender, and a rally light-style stay, among other updates based on Odie's own sensibilities. However, strangely enough, there is no sense of "overkill" in this vehicle. This is probably due to the fact that every customization has a clear meaning.

Up muffler that goes inside the frame (Super Trap 3-inch spec)

The front wheels are a powerful 21 inches

Rear wheels are narrower rimmed for more nimble handling

Headlight guards enhance the off-road look

Round trip from Tokyo to Toyama in the middle of winter" is what this bike is all about.

When we asked Mr. Audi about his memories of the bike, he replied with an episode that is truly typical of this vehicle. It was a round trip from Tokyo to Toyama in the middle of winter in February," he said. The air-cooled single-cylinder engine wears out quickly when driving off-road at low speeds and at high rpm. Even so, it makes you want to ride it. It is because it is a vehicle that can be driven properly, and not just for its looks, that it is so enjoyable to take risks like this. The CB223S is a model that tends to be recognized more as a "city bike. However, the potential of this model has been seriously explored. The CB223S is not about the flashy exterior, but rather about the essence of driving. Saito's philosophy is clearly expressed in the CB223SL. Instagram "Single Cylinder for Everyone" https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

Audie on the CB223SL going off-road

CB223SL and FTRXC on snowy midwinter roads

Aim for the cello, overtake the bronco! Honda CB223S running on serious dirt roads

2026.6.1

The HONDA CB223S, originally created for street riding, has been transformed into a machine that can be seriously ridden on dirt roads. This time, we ...

Aim for the cello, overtake the bronco! Honda CB223S running on serious dirt roads

2026.6.1

The HONDA CB223S, originally created for street riding, has been transformed into a machine that can be seriously ridden on dirt roads. This time, we ...