This website is fueled by our fascination with beautifully crafted motorcycles, and the world around them. That usually keeps our focus on the new wave custom space, but it doesn’t mean we’re oblivious to the motorcycle industry at large.
So when an EXIF-featured builder decided to build something we’ve never shown before?a race-ready rally machine?we were extremely curious. After all, rally bikes are technically custom dirt bikes that require a high level of skill to construct. (And they look really cool too.)

This purpose-built Husqvarna FE 501 rally racer belongs to Mark Johnston of Johnston Moto. He works out of a home workshop in Cape Town, South Africa, where he built his BMW R100RT cafe racer and R80G/S Paris Dakar restomod. I know Mark personally, and can attest to two things: his workshop is obsessively well organized, and he does nothing in half measures. So when he decided to go rally racing, he also decided to do it properly.

?Most of it is driven by requirements,? he says. ?For example, you have to have navigation, and be able to ride a certain distance.?
?I chose the 501 because I like the Husqvarna brand, and the motor characteristics suit me better than the 450. The 501 has more low down grunt and doesn?t need to be revved as hard.?

?I picked up a secondhand 2017 FE 501 with 40 hours on the clock. I also bought another 501, purely to take with me for spares. It makes it easier than having to buy individual spares, and at least this ...