Brit & Jarom found us back in Oct. '14 when we put the original version of our '81 GS450 up for sale on Craigslist. Jarom was interested in purchasing that bike but after some conversation the guys decided to commission us for a custom build.
Both Brit & Jarom really liked our Roast 001 model of the VX750 Virago and wanted to go that direction but still be involved in the creative process and really make this bike their own. The guys routinely came into the shop to brainstorm ideas, create the rough draft of the bike, and steer us in the direction that was in their minds.
We hit a snag in this build right around the start of the summer 2015 - a valve dropped and tore up the inside of the motor. After a few weeks deliberating on the best strategy we decided that finding a new (used) motor to piece the original motor back into riding shape would be the best route - building a Frankenmotor if you will. After this long delay in the tear down of the bike the creative process could begin!
The guys wanted to have more of a standard cafe end, versus the solo pan seat we typically use on the XV750 models. So Nick fabbed up the new seat mount, which I think came out spot on, and started molding the seat out of our favorite seat padding, a yoga mat. In the mean time Tyler began work on coating the blue flames on the tank with the cream-colored base.
Once the seat was upholstered with the brown leather to match the grips the guys had chosen the bike started to take shape. At this point the new GSXR front end had been added, the tires were mounted and wheels were ready to be slapped on, and Tyler had finished the new paint job. The next stage was to tackle the wiring harness, starting with the addition of our keyless ignition system. Aside from this addition and the new speedometer set up we spent most of the time reducing and reinstalling the wiring harness.
One of the pieces that makes this bike really stand out are the tires. Rather than the standard Metzler tires we use on most of these Virago conversions we went with a crossover, sport tire to give the bike an edgier look and so it could maneuver well in light terrain. Combined with the new GSXR front end, new rear set and shift-linkage set-up, and custom exhaust, this bike maintains an aggressive look and stance.
The guys were very involved throughout the entire process of this build - whether through text and image updates or actually coming into the shop to see the progress, they had a big hand in the way this bike came together. Brit was able to be here for the drop off and he was very happy when we pulled up to his house in Gilbert with the bike in the van! In the photo above you see Brit sitting on his new bike for the first time. Great experience working with both Brit and Jarom and we are very happy with the outcome of this bike. Enjoy it guys!
Both Brit & Jarom really liked our Roast 001 model of the VX750 Virago and wanted to go that direction but still be involved in the creative process and really make this bike their own. The guys routinely came into the shop to brainstorm ideas, create the rough draft of the bike, and steer us in the direction that was in their minds.
We hit a snag in this build right around the start of the summer 2015 - a valve dropped and tore up the inside of the motor. After a few weeks deliberating on the best strategy we decided that finding a new (used) motor to piece the original motor back into riding shape would be the best route - building a Frankenmotor if you will. After this long delay in the tear down of the bike the creative process could begin!
The guys wanted to have more of a standard cafe end, versus the solo pan seat we typically use on the XV750 models. So Nick fabbed up the new seat mount, which I think came out spot on, and started molding the seat out of our favorite seat padding, a yoga mat. In the mean time Tyler began work on coating the blue flames on the tank with the cream-colored base.
Once the seat was upholstered with the brown leather to match the grips the guys had chosen the bike started to take shape. At this point the new GSXR front end had been added, the tires were mounted and wheels were ready to be slapped on, and Tyler had finished the new paint job. The next stage was to tackle the wiring harness, starting with the addition of our keyless ignition system. Aside from this addition and the new speedometer set up we spent most of the time reducing and reinstalling the wiring harness.
One of the pieces that makes this bike really stand out are the tires. Rather than the standard Metzler tires we use on most of these Virago conversions we went with a crossover, sport tire to give the bike an edgier look and so it could maneuver well in light terrain. Combined with the new GSXR front end, new rear set and shift-linkage set-up, and custom exhaust, this bike maintains an aggressive look and stance.
The guys were very involved throughout the entire process of this build - whether through text and image updates or actually coming into the shop to see the progress, they had a big hand in the way this bike came together. Brit was able to be here for the drop off and he was very happy when we pulled up to his house in Gilbert with the bike in the van! In the photo above you see Brit sitting on his new bike for the first time. Great experience working with both Brit and Jarom and we are very happy with the outcome of this bike. Enjoy it guys!