A 125cc Frog-Chaser from France’s Atelier Ewok…
Built from 1978 to 2002, the Honda CM125 was an air-cooled parallel-twin cruiser that used many engine parts from the 125 Super Dream. The styling was quite funky, with mini ape-hangers, stepped seat, 16-inch rear wheel, and a teardrop tank. However, the little OHC two-valve twin would run forever, and the CM125 — predecessor of the Rebel 125 — was a great beginner’s bike.
This charming CM125 comes from Aubin Jorrey, a 23-year-old car designer, painter, and custom builder who’s been working on motorcycles with his father since he was a kid. Now he’s launched Atelier Ewok:
“Always an artist, I decided to create my own custom paint business. I’ve also specialized in motorcycle customization. I launched my business six months ago, and today I’m able to make a living from my passion.”
This 1997 CM125 Custom was built for Aubin’s girlfriend — the perfect machine for a sweet start in the world of motorcycling, especially in France! It’s called “Rainette” after the French term for tree frog — a nod to French culture.
“It’s a mix between a flat track and a brat. It evokes childhood memories and celebrates French culture by being designed for frog fishing or impromptu picnics.”
Aubin’s friend 2R14 Design helped him with the overall design of the bike.
With access to tools and expertise from his old man, Aubin has created one lovely fish- and frog-chasing machine. He shortened the frame and integrated a PBM taillight into the rear hoop — one of his favorite details. The tank is a Yamaha TY125 tank unit, which required modifying the backbone mounts for proper fitment.
The fork covers come from a Harley 883 Sportster, and the headlight is a Marchal rally car unit converted to LED — another nod to French heritage. The bike is running a Motogadget Motoscope Mini for instrumentation, and a cool little side basket reminiscent of a fly fisherman’s wicker creel — perfect for bread, cheese, and other riverside picnic essentials.
The engine was completely rebuilt to stock specs, and Aubin says the Honda only weighs about 220 pounds now — the perfect starter bike for his girlfriend.
“The feeling when riding this motorcycle is very surprising, as it’s very light and the 125cc twin-cylinder engine is very responsive. It’s very easy to do wheelies with it 😉”
“Rainette” was recently featured at the 2026 Lyon Kustom Factory show, where it was one of our favorite bikes on display. It’s a fantastic achievement for a young builder, and we can’t wait to see more from his workshop, Atelier Ewok.
Below is our full interview with Aubin about the build.
Honda CM125 “Rainette”: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Aubin Jorrey, I’m 23 years old and I’m a car designer. Since I was little, I’ve been working with my dad on all kinds of motorcycles.
Always an artist, I decided to create my own custom paint business. I’ve also specialized in motorcycle customization. I launched my business six months ago, and today I’m able to make a living from my passion.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
It’s a 1997 Honda CM125 Custom.
• Why was this bike built?
This motorcycle was created for my girlfriend; she spent money to make it 100% functional, easy to maintain, and safe for starting out in motorcycling.
• What was the design concept and what inBluenced the build?
This motorcycle is called Rainette; it’s a mix between a flat track and a brat. It evokes childhood memories and celebrates French culture by being designed for frog fishing or impromptu picnics.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
The suspension has been machined to shorten the frame, starting from the tank mount, and has been completely rebuilt.
At the front, we fitted a Harley 883 fairing and a converted Marchal rally car headlight with full LEDs. The tank is from a Yamaha TY125.
The taillight is from Purpose Built Moto, and the headlight is a complete Moto Gadget beam with a Motoscope Mini.
For added functionality, a single, hand-removable screw allows for the complete bodywork removal.
The motorcycle is 100% street legal according to European standards.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
“Rainette.” It’s the name of a frog that the French like very much.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
As for the weight, it’s just 100 kg, but we haven’t calculated the performance. We kept the original performance figures with a completely rebuilt engine (gaskets, pistons, rings), but honestly, it runs very, very well.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The feeling when riding this motorcycle is very surprising, as it’s very light and the 125cc twin-cylinder engine is very responsive. It’s very easy to do wheelies with it 😉
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, I am particularly proud of the integration of the rear light into the frame loop.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
My dad, it’s thanks to him that I have the opportunity today to access the tools and shared expertise to carry out all my projects. It’s not even about money, it’s simply about support! Thank you, Dad.
Build Process Gallery
Follow the Builder
www.atelierewok.com
Insta: @atelierewok
Tiktok: @atelier.ewok
What a wonderful bike, beautifully proportioned, with great style. Bravo!
Terrific build!
Bravo!