HONDA FTR223 (2002-2013) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda FTR223 was a naked bike built by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer and was a motorcycle brought to the market to become a full-fledged flat-track machine. It became the motif of the FTR. Honda devoted its technology to the development of the motorcycle that won the manufacturer and the rider championship in 1984 and 1985 at the AMA Flat Track.

The model packed an XLR-type air-cooled RFVC engine, which was indeed a full-scaled engine with excellent response characteristics that could have been used for flat track races. The FTR250 was a motorcycle developed and sold to compete with the Yamaha TW200.

The engine was focused on the full-load torque under 5,000 rpm with a rather low power output. Also, it was tuned for an easy-to-handle motorcycle and the body didn't resemble the FTR250, but it used a different frame that was more suited to the FTR223 engine.

Eventually, with its slim body that was maneuverable on both streets and dirt tracks, the bike started to attract fans and became popular as an easygoing and active street tracker, and the tricolor version of the Honda works team became popular as well.

In the performance department, the Honda FTR223 was powered by a 223cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 19 hp with maximum strength at 7,000 rpm and 21 Nm ( 16 lb-ft) of torque available at 6,000 rpm.

For suspension, the bike packed a telescopic fork on the front and a swingarm with a single shock absorber on the rear, while the braking performance was handled by a single disc with a hydraulic caliper on the front and a drum unit on the rear wheel.