Honda’s CB200 was produced from 1973 to 1976 and features a highly recognizable angular tank with a black vinyl tank pad down the center. This lesser-known scrambler version, the CL200, was only offered for one year in 1974. This marked the end of Honda’s small displacement scrambler lineup. Having inherited a CL200 after his father’s passing, this scrambler’s owner turned to Slipstream Creations for a full custom build. We quickly aligned our vision to preserve the nostalgia of this bike, with some updates and custom touches to refine an otherwise fantastic little machine.

We updated the foundation first, by cutting away the stamped steel subframe and replacing it with a custom tubular subframe, upper shock mounts, and seat hoop. That, in addition to relocating the tank mounts, created just the right lines for this build.

This CL’s fork was swapped for a CB360T unit equipped with front disk brake, and the original rear shocks were replaced with a beefier aftermarket set. The new disk brake was matched with a woven stainless steel brake line, new master cylinder, and rebuilt caliper. New black aluminum rims and freshly powder coated hubs were laced with new stainless-steel spokes from Buchanan’s and topped with oversized Kenda dual sport tires.

Honda’s CL lineup came from the factory with high scrambler exhaust pipes, but knowing the owner’s kids would occasionally join him for rides, we opted to fit the standard CB low pipes to keep hot exhaust pipes as far from the legs as possible. The headers were finished in a Cerakote satin black, and fitted with stainless steel cone mufflers.

A new wire harness was assembled and paired with a single unit regulator/rectifier and a compact lithium battery that fits snugly in the custom fabricated battery box. Sleek bar-end turn signals were fitted to the low-rise handlebars, along with reproduction switchgear and a small analog speedometer to match. A small headlight bucket with LED bulb is mounted to the lower triple tree. The taillight and rear turn signals are integrated into the custom seat hoop.

We explored a variety of designs and color combinations for the tank and the seat upholstery. We landed on a gorgeous metallic blue and white tank and a brown diamond-stitched seat that do a good job of balancing the classic retro feel of the ‘70s Honda, while adding a bit of refinement and elegance.

All of the work to complete this Honda CL200 scrambler was performed in-house — custom metal fabrication, paint and graphics, powder coat, electronics, and upholstery. This restomod turned out to be a clean and tidy build. We’re ecstatic about how it turned out. And did we mention — it’s a blast to ride!

Interested in your own custom build? Contact us.

• Original tank restored and painted with custom Honda graphics
• Custom subframe with integrated LED taillight and turn signals in seat hoop
• Custom seat pan and seat upholstery
• Custom fabricated battery tray mounted under seat
• Full CB360T front fork and disk brake
• Cerakoted CB200 low pipes with stainless steel cone mufflers
• Custom fabricated headlight mount
• Bar-end LED turn signals
• Custom front and rear fenders
• Aluminum oversized rims laced to original powder coated hubs
• Oversized dual sport tires