56º North October 2019 | Page 12

plate aren't just for show. As much as custom bikes are a thing of beauty and some people do keep them as show pieces, the Star of Jordan was built to be ridden, just as the Flying Scotsman was.

We know that some folk would disagree with using a custom bike like that but to each their own and these two will be touring around Scotland in the not too distant future.

Function also won over design with the mirrors. Although smaller

or bar end mirrors may be the 'go-to' option on many modern

custom bikes that wasn't an option this time, for this rider.

Matched with square headlight it sets off that 80's- early 90's

look in keeping to the design theme and era of the donor bike.

The rear suspension was replaced with adjustable Hagon

shocks on whilst the stock front end on the Honda stayed

albeit with a bit of reworking, powered coated lowers and

chrome sliders.

We've used Hagon's on a number of our bikes now and

they not only look the part but also give us the setup

options needed to have a slightly lower seat height

without compromising on performance.

The stock wheels were retained, powder coated and

then polished. Shod with chunky Heidanau K67's front

and rear and with custom short mudgaurds the scrambler

look was complete.

Getting a bit away from retro scramblers, and in line

with what we have on the Flying Scotsman Motogadget

M-Button switchgear was used for all controls

minimising the wiring and a Daytona Velona speedo

and warning light bar giving a clean look across the

chrome bars and onto the brown gel grips.

Taking the scrambler lines back through the bike

are a Honda CD125 tank that has been fully

reworked and sealed leading onto the custom

made single leather seat and raised luggage rack

at the back of the bike not only carries through

scrambler/military look but also has the illusion

of shortening the bike and giving it a squat and

low stance.

Most of today's modern-retro scramblers sit in

the 800cc (+) range and whilst this beauty

comes in at just over half that capacity it is no

less a bike in terms of ridability, capability

and performance on or off the road.

There's still a bit of running in to be done

but The Star of Jordan will be on the road

soon taking in the west coast and Hebrides

along with it's big brother The Flying

Scotsman.