The earliest off-road motorcycles were a far cry from the laser-focused machines that dominate dirt tracks today. Most were standard road bikes adapted for off-road use, which created a niche for specialist workshops like Rickman, who stepped in with purpose-built competition machines. It was a golden age, producing iconic motorcycles that we still admire today.
This winsome vintage motocrosser channels the classic era, with a subtle Japanese twist. If you can’t pinpoint the donor bike, don’t worry—the Indonesian custom shop Frontwheel Motors pieced it together from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki parts.
Starting from scratch, shop boss Chandra Gunawan sourced the 150 cc engine from a Honda MegaPro (known as the CB150R in most countries) to power the build. Picking the pint-sized Honda donk was a considered move; the MegaPro is seen as a commuter, and Chandra wanted to prove that he could create something special from such humble origins.
On the hunt for a frame to house the Honda mill, Chandra stumbled across an unused Yamaha Scorpio frame at a local workshop. (If you’re not familiar with the Scorpio, it’s a 225 cc runabout that’s popular among Australasian custom shops.)
Frontwheel lopped off the Scorpio’s subframe, fabricated a new one, and modified the steering neck. Next, they scalped the running gear from a small-capacity Kawasaki KLX, including its forks, yokes, hubs, brakes, and swingarm.
The hubs were laced to Excel rims with Shinko tires, measuring 21” up front and 18” at the back. The swingarm was modified to accept a more classic twin-shock arrangement, before being connected to a pair of aftermarket shocks.
With the rolling chassis complete, Frontwheel treated the engine to a Keihin carb and a stunning stainless steel exhaust system. Then it was time to focus on the Honda/Yamaha’s bodywork.
“Several parts were inspired by the Rickman Metisse Triumph TR6, including the side panels and the fonts we used,” he says. “Rickman was a big name in the International Six Day Trial scene, popularized by Steve McQueen, and their story was very inspiring to me.”
Everything was fabricated by hand out of metal—from the petite vintage scrambler fuel tank, to the period-correct number boards and high-mounted fenders. A three-quarter-length seat completes the set, sitting perfectly between the tank and the kicked-up rear loop.
Since the bike is designated for off-road use, Frontwheel kept the accoutrements to a minimum. Suzuki TS125 handlebars are fitted with an Acerbis throttle and ProTaper grips, while a small chrome headlight wears an S.E.V. Marchal cover to add vintage MX flair. A tiny LED taillight adorns the rear fender.
Like everything else on this tidy scrambler, the livery hits all the right notes. A green hue dominates the bodywork, offset by a handful of silver, steel, and chrome finishes, and complemented by delicate gold striping and graphics that ape classic Rickman Metisse designs.
The whole package feels more like a period restomod than a Frankenbike, which is a testament to Frontwheel’s prowess as a custom shop. The workshop now plans to build a limited run of five of these—so you’d better hustle if you want to add one to your collection.
Frontwheel Motors Instagram | Paint by RSSQ | Images by Indiga Ikhlasani
