Classic style: Slipstream’s Honda CB360
Custom Scenes dotted with craftsmen who make more than just amazing motorcycles. James Fawcett is a prime example. As Slipstream Creations, he manufactures furniture, paints bicycle frames, performs special fabrication and welding jobs, and even installs motorcycle spark plugs to create coat racks.
He also finds time to build custom motorcycles like the Honda CB360 on this fun street rival. Thanks to James’s rich skill set and doable attitude, he makes everything from his workshop in St. Louis, Missouri – right to paint, powder coating and upholstery. So aside from some part-time help from my son, it was mostly a solo gig.
Slipstream’s portfolio is filled with classic Hondas that are small in size, compactly designed, tastefully tweaked and finished in liveries. It was one of those builds (one CL350) caught the eye of this 1974 model Honda CB360’s owner, and urged him to contact James.
James told us, “He started his own journey of building his own custom bike. “But like many of us, a lack of time, tools, and experience brought the project to a halt. That’s when he reached out to us to help make his vision a reality.”
The bike was folded in pieces, stowed into various boxes and crates. Step one is a mixed inventory of original and aftermarket parts on hand. Once done, the guys rolled up their sleeves and rushed in.
With Honda’s makeover, Slipstream focused on cleaning the frame. Unnecessary tabs have been removed and a custom subframe has been built with flush-mounted taillights and LED turn signals.
On top is a custom chair, with a slim electronic tray hidden underneath. This CB also relies on fenderless looks, but not at the expense of practicality. Look closer, and you’ll spot a hidden fender inside, which is mounted to keep dirt out of the housing filter.
The OEM fuel tank is still in use and looks like home along with other Slipstream changes. A small front fender completes the minimal bodywork.
Slipstream builds often straddle the line between custom and rehibilitate, and this is no exception. Part of that charm is due to how well James blends the old and the new.
In this case, the Honda still wears the original forks, but they have been rebuilt. The rear shocks look classic, but they are modern units with preload and damping adjustment. And although the original steel rims have been exchanged for 18-inch aluminum rims, they are still attached to the original drum brake hubs.
“We often swap out the front drum brakes for a more modern hydraulic disc system,” explains James. “However, the original front drum brake adds a bit of vintage flavor to a more modern, sleeker finish.”
Moving to the front, Slipstream has installed a classic headlight, flanked by a pair of headlights Motogadget LED turn signal lights. They also added a similar speedo, new bars with Biltwell Inc. grips. and modern switching equipment.
Just two buttons control all the main functions of the CB, thanks to the NWT Cycletronic controller. There’s also a brand new harness, along with an upgraded regulator/rectifier, a Lithium-ion battery, and an electronic igniter from Charlie’s Place.
The Honda engine has also been cleaned and repainted, and runs with a pair of reworked Keihin cabins. Slipstream has coated the neck exhaust tips with satin black Cerakote, and added a pair of stainless steel inverted cone silencers. Since they ran so close to the bikes, the side and center stands had to be modified to make room.
When it came time to paint the car, James sent the customer a plethora of color and graphic options. But in the end, he got so engrossed in Slipstream’s older build of the CL350 that he wanted something equally vibrant.
James required, painted the frame in white, and painted the tank in red, orange, and yellow. The tank logo is a variation on Honda’s traditional ‘wings’ logo. A bit of subtle colored stitching on the seat adds an extra touch.
The humble CB360’s Slipstream is a delightful mix of old and new, and a great example of how to tune a classic double Honda. James worked hard on the next two bikes; a CL360 and a Suzuki VanVan with 14-inch rims and fat tires.
We cannot wait.