Not many people get given a custom motorcycle as a wedding gift, but this SR250 was built for exactly that purpose. Since 2011 Northwest Cafe Riders have built a few SRs into Street Trackers, Scramblers and Cafe Racers, but this street scrambler was the first to be commissioned as a present from childhood friends for a bride & groom. The Bike has been named Rockbox after the musical instrument shop run by the bike’s new owner.
The brief was to build a lightweight “comfortable bike for two” (it is a wedding gift, after all) with a retro look. It also had to be elegant but completely functional and easy to ride. With a keen focus on the ride, the front forks have been given more pre-load with new springs and thicker oil and the replacement rear gas shocks are adjustable. The handlebars are wide and low to give good cornering stability.
As you’d expect, everything that wasn’t required has been stripped with instruments and lighting replaced with smaller versions and the subframe and seat remodelled. Super-short fenders are just enough to give some practical cover in the wet. The electrics were also thoroughly revised and simplified.
The engine has been given a good going over sorting out tolerances, grinding the valves, de-coking the cylinder, new rings, etc and it breathes more freely without the airbox, rejetted carbs and open megatron pipes. All this helps the bike spin-up more easily and rev higher = more speed. The tyres are Avon MKIIs.
These smaller SRs make great city bikes, and this build by Northwest Cafe Riders is a lovely example. We’d love to see more, from NCR, so thanks to Jose for sharing. See more at their Blog and Facebook.
