Photo: Slipstream Creations
If there’s someone out there who can turn any classic Japanese commuter into a rolling work of art, that would have to be James Fawcett of Slipstream Creations. He takes small-displacement vintage Hondas and makes them cooler than they ever had the right to be, which is how an unassuming 1973-model CB125 became the striking City Scrambler.
The bike was put together for a shorter female client, so James had to work his magic while keeping the seat height fairly manageable. He started by sourcing a CB360T’s forks complete with its front disc brake, and subsequently turning his attention to the rear end. The little Honda saw its swingarm extended and reinforced, while the wheel hubs were re-laced to aftermarket rims measuring 18 inches at both ends.
In order to address the seat height matter, Slipstream’s mastermind installed a bespoke loop-style subframe fabricated in-house. It carries a thin brown leather seat with diamond pattern stitching and is supported by a modern pair of aftermarket shocks. A considerable upgrade over the factory suspension equipment, these bad boys feature progressive springs and piggyback reservoirs.
One may find a custom electronics tray stashed beneath the saddle, and there’s also a handmade rear fender a bit further back. It’s topped with a Bates-style LED taillight and flanked by equally bright turn signals, which are mounted in close proximity to the upper shock mounts. An identical pair of blinkers can also be found on the opposite end, one on each side of a retro-looking LED headlamp.
James converted the CB125’s electrical system from six to twelve volts and installed a new battery in the process. For ample grip both on and off the tarmac, the City Scrambler saw its aluminum wheels shod in dual-purpose rubber supplied by Kenda. A tiny yet effective front fender keeps any road debris at bay, secured in place through unobtrusive mounting hardware just like the rear unit and all the lighting components.
In the cockpit, we see a single aftermarket dial stored inside a custom housing, as well as a cross-braced handlebar outfitted with Vans x Cult grips and premium control levers. Moreover, James wanted to keep the engine’s underside out of harm’s way when going off-road, so he installed a tailor-made skid plate just large enough to do the job. As for the single-cylinder mill itself, it received some fresh breathing equipment during the overhaul.
Air purification is done by way of a Uni foam filter, and exhaust gases are expelled via a heat-wrapped exhaust header and a small reverse megaphone silencer. Finally, the City Scrambler’s paintwork is just as simple as it is stunning, with a two-tone red and white livery covering the fuel tank. Black is the predominant color elsewhere, only broken up by the brown seat upholstery and grips, red air filter, and various lenses.
In order to address the seat height matter, Slipstream’s mastermind installed a bespoke loop-style subframe fabricated in-house. It carries a thin brown leather seat with diamond pattern stitching and is supported by a modern pair of aftermarket shocks. A considerable upgrade over the factory suspension equipment, these bad boys feature progressive springs and piggyback reservoirs.
One may find a custom electronics tray stashed beneath the saddle, and there’s also a handmade rear fender a bit further back. It’s topped with a Bates-style LED taillight and flanked by equally bright turn signals, which are mounted in close proximity to the upper shock mounts. An identical pair of blinkers can also be found on the opposite end, one on each side of a retro-looking LED headlamp.
James converted the CB125’s electrical system from six to twelve volts and installed a new battery in the process. For ample grip both on and off the tarmac, the City Scrambler saw its aluminum wheels shod in dual-purpose rubber supplied by Kenda. A tiny yet effective front fender keeps any road debris at bay, secured in place through unobtrusive mounting hardware just like the rear unit and all the lighting components.
In the cockpit, we see a single aftermarket dial stored inside a custom housing, as well as a cross-braced handlebar outfitted with Vans x Cult grips and premium control levers. Moreover, James wanted to keep the engine’s underside out of harm’s way when going off-road, so he installed a tailor-made skid plate just large enough to do the job. As for the single-cylinder mill itself, it received some fresh breathing equipment during the overhaul.
Air purification is done by way of a Uni foam filter, and exhaust gases are expelled via a heat-wrapped exhaust header and a small reverse megaphone silencer. Finally, the City Scrambler’s paintwork is just as simple as it is stunning, with a two-tone red and white livery covering the fuel tank. Black is the predominant color elsewhere, only broken up by the brown seat upholstery and grips, red air filter, and various lenses.
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