Honda CB125 Brat Cafe: “Biff”

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

“I was given a manual and pushed to figure it out…”

Jenny Lawson of Fayetteville, Arkansas — aka @TrippinHawk — is a single mother of two teen girls, a small business owner, and the builder of this incredible, award-winning 1974 Honda CB125, “Biff.”

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

Jenny admits she was a little afraid of motorcycles until she started this motorcycle build in the fall of 2015. She came to discover her love of two wheels through the Sallings clan of Arkansas, led by patriarch Jan Sallings of JMS Customs.  Previously, we’ve featured Jan’s own Honda CL350 bobber, as well as Sean Sallings’s CL350 brat cafe, Kat’s CB175 cafe racer, and Jeanie Sallings’s CB160 cafe racer.  In fact, Jenny, Kat, and Jeanie were all featured in the Dec./Jan. issue of Cafe Racer Magazine!

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

When it came to building “Biff,” Jenny says she was given a manual and pushed to figure out things on her own. Of course, Jan was there to help when she got bad-stuck or needed help with fabrication or welding. Her drive, determination, and taste is apparent in the final product, and she hopes her passion inspires her daughters.

Below, we get the full story on this beautiful build.

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe:  In the Builder’s Words

I am absolutely in love with building and riding these machines. As a single mother of two teen girls, I hope they watch my drive and fearlessness to try something new!

I met the Sallings clan when I was dating one of the boys, Jon Sallings, for a couple of years. They were like family to me! We are all still great friends and I co-own a salon with Jon Sallings. Dr. Follicles Hair Garage, which is themed like a garage — bikes and all! You can catch myself, Kat, and Jeanie out riding when ever we get a chance together. We were all featured in Cafe Racer Magazine together. We go to competition shows together and compete against each other and I absolutely love doing this cafe life with these wonderful people.

Cafe Racer magazine Sallings

I do not have a long history with motorcycles at all. Before I started building in Nov. 2015, I was actually a little afraid of them and thought they were dangerous. Silly me! When I saw what could be done with them and how they can look as classy as a cafe can look, I was in.

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

I was given a manual and pushed to figure it out. Of course whenever I need fabricating, welding, or just some help when I got stuck on some issues, Jan Sallings was there to help.

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

I am absolutely in love with building and riding these machines. As a single mother of two teen girls, I hope they watch my drive and fearlessness to try something new!

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

Modifications:
  • I’ve cut as much weight off the frame as I could, and a lot of powder coating and custom paint has been done as well from top to bottom.
  • Cylinder work and 1 over piston.
  • The head was modified for ball bearing and bushing.
  • Stock cam but modified for ball bearing and bushing.
  • Custom Exhaust by JMS Customs
  • Custom rear loop and seat pan. Seat and upholstering completed by One up Moto Garage.
  • New perforated aluminum side covers
  • Converted to a 12volt
  • Custom Tail light
  • Custom Tank Paint

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

Builders: Jenny Lawson, Jan Sallings, and help from Jon Sallings.

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

I ride this bike any and every day the weather allows me. It has been a huge part of my life now and I can’t wait to teach my daughters how to ride. I’m a single mother and I can’t believe I’ve accomplished building an award winning machine.

Honda CB125 Brat Cafe Honda CB125 Brat Cafe

I put the build process on imgur:  https://imgur.com/gallery/Q31Bp

Photos: Branch photography, Adam Brant, Ashley Kelsey

One Comment

  1. Victor Hawkins

    That is a screamin’ fine bike! From the color to the matching engine emblem to the tank & logo…fine!

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