The earliest off-road bikes have been a far cry from the laser-focused machines that dominate grime tracks in the present day. Most have been commonplace street bikes tailored for off-road use, which created a distinct segment for specialist workshops like Rickman, who stepped in with purpose-built competitors machines. It was a golden age, producing iconic bikes that we nonetheless admire in the present day.
This winsome classic motocrosser channels the basic period, with a delicate Japanese twist. In the event you can’t pinpoint the donor bike, don’t fear—the Indonesian customized store Frontwheel Motors pieced it collectively from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki elements.
Ranging from scratch, store boss Chandra Gunawan sourced the 150 cc engine from a Honda MegaPro (often called the CB150R in most nations) to energy the construct. Selecting the pint-sized Honda donk was a thought-about transfer; the MegaPro is seen as a commuter, and Chandra needed to show that he might create one thing particular from such humble origins.
On the hunt for a body to deal with the Honda mill, Chandra stumbled throughout an unused Yamaha Scorpio body at an area workshop. (In the event you’re not aware of the Scorpio, it’s a 225 cc runabout that’s fashionable amongst Australasian customized outlets.)
Frontwheel lopped off the Scorpio’s subframe, fabricated a brand new one, and modified the steering neck. Subsequent, they scalped the operating gear from a small-capacity Kawasaki KLX, together with its forks, yokes, hubs, brakes, and swingarm.
The hubs have been laced to Excel rims with Shinko tires, measuring 21” up entrance and 18” on the again. The swingarm was modified to just accept a extra basic twin-shock association, earlier than being related to a pair of aftermarket shocks.
With the rolling chassis full, Frontwheel handled the engine to a Keihin carb and a surprising stainless-steel exhaust system. Then it was time to give attention to the Honda/Yamaha’s bodywork.
“A number of elements have been impressed by the Rickman Metisse Triumph TR6, together with the facet panels and the fonts we used,” he says. “Rickman was a giant identify within the Worldwide Six Day Trial scene, popularized by Steve McQueen, and their story was very inspiring to me.”
Every thing was fabricated by hand out of steel—from the petite classic scrambler gasoline tank, to the period-correct quantity boards and high-mounted fenders. A 3-quarter-length seat completes the set, sitting completely between the tank and the kicked-up rear loop.
Because the bike is designated for off-road use, Frontwheel saved the accoutrements to a minimal. Suzuki TS125 handlebars are fitted with an Acerbis throttle and ProTaper grips, whereas a small chrome headlight wears an S.E.V. Marchal cowl so as to add classic MX aptitude. A tiny LED taillight adorns the rear fender.
Like every little thing else on this tidy scramblerthe livery hits all the proper notes. A inexperienced hue dominates the bodywork, offset by a handful of silver, metal, and chrome finishes, and complemented by delicate gold striping and graphics that ape basic Rickman Metisse designs.
The entire bundle feels extra like a interval restomod than a Frankenbike, which is a testomony to Frontwheel’s prowess as a customized store. The workshop now plans to construct a restricted run of 5 of those—so that you’d higher hustle if you wish to add one to your assortment.
Frontwheel Motors Instagram | Paint by RSSQ | Pictures by Indiga Ikhlasani
