The {custom} scene is scattered with craftspeople that do extra than simply construct superior bikes. James Fawcett is a major instance. As Slipstream Creations he makes furnishings, paints bicycle frames, does ad-hoc welding and fabrication jobs, and even upcycles spark plugs to create coat racks.
He additionally finds time to construct {custom} bikes like this pleasant Honda CB360 avenue scrambler. Because of James’ in depth skillset and can-do perspective, he does all the pieces from his workshop in St. Louis, Missouri—proper down to color, powder-coating and fabric. So aside from some part-time assist from his son, it’s largely a solo gig.
Slipstream’s portfolio is loaded with small-capacity classic Hondas which might be pared-down, tastefully tweaked and completed in vivid liveries. It was a kind of builds (a CL350) that caught the attention of this 1974-model Honda CB360’s proprietor, and prompted him to achieve out to James.
“He had begun the journey of constructing his personal {custom} bike,” James tells us. “However like many people, a scarcity of time, instruments, and expertise precipitated the mission to stall. That’s when he reached out to us to assist make his imaginative and prescient a actuality.”
The bike arrived in items, sorted into an assortment of packing containers and bins. The 1st step was to stock the combination of authentic and aftermarket components readily available. As soon as that was performed, the blokes rolled up their sleeves and dove in.
With the Honda stripped, Slipstream centered on cleansing up the body. Unneeded tabs had been shaved off, and a {custom} subframe was fabricated with a flush-mounted taillight and switch sign combo LED.
Perched on prime is a custom-made seat, with a slim electronics tray tucked beneath. This CB additionally leans in to the fender-less back-end look, however not at the price of practicality. Look nearer, and also you’ll spot a hidden internal fender, mounted to maintain dust out of the pod filters.
The OEM gas tank continues to be in play, and appears proper at residence alongside Slipstream’s different adjustments. A tiny entrance fender completes the minimal bodywork.
Slipstream’s builds typically straddle the road between {custom} and restomod, and this one’s no exception. A part of that attraction is right down to how properly James blends previous and new components.
On this case, the Honda nonetheless wears its authentic forks, however they’ve been rebuilt. The rear shocks look classic, however they’re trendy items with preload and damping changes. And though the unique metal rims had been swapped for 18” aluminum hoops, they’re nonetheless laced to the unique drum brake hubs.
“We frequently swap entrance drum brakes for the extra trendy hydraulic disc techniques,” James explains. “However the authentic entrance drum brake provides a little bit of retro taste to an in any other case slicker, extra trendy end.”
Transferring to the entrance, Slipstream put in a traditional headlight, flanked by a pair of Motogadget LED flip alerts. Additionally they added an analog speedo, new bars with Biltwell Inc. grips, and trendy switchgear.
Simply two buttons management all of the CB’s main capabilities, because of a NWT Cycletronic management unit. There’s a model new wiring harness too, together with an upgraded regulator/rectifier, a Lithium-ion battery, and an digital ignition from Charlie’s Place.
The Honda’s motor has been by way of a significant clean-up and repaint too, and runs with a pair of rebuilt Keihin carbs. Slipstream coated the inventory exhaust headers with satin black Cerakote, and added a pair of chrome steel reverse cone mufflers. Since they run so near the bike, the aspect and middle stands needed to be modified to make room.
When the time got here to color the bike, James despatched the consumer a plethora of colour and graphics choices. However ultimately, he was so enamored with Slipstream’s older CL350 construct, that he needed one thing equally vibrant.
James obliged, coating the body in white, and hitting the tank with a crimson, orange and yellow livery. The tank logos are a variation on Honda’s conventional ‘wing’ brand. A delicate trace of coloured stitching on the seat provides an additional contact.
Slipstream’s tackle the standard CB360 is a enjoyable mash-up of previous and new, and a terrific instance of the best way to tweak a traditional Honda twin. James is already onerous at work on the following two bikes; a CL360, and a Suzuki VanVan with 14” rims and fats tires.
We are able to’t wait.
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