Look at this ride...

I just found this and had to share it with somebody.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CUSTOM-Y ... dZViewItem

 

Nice bike but I think it could use some of Rick's spit and polish to make it really shine!

 

Ultra retro classic out of a classic itself!! Looks like good craftsmanship as well.

 

wow, its like someone read my mind... i have been looking around for a cheap 650 to do exactly what this guy did. except mine would be red with white pin stripes.

about the only thing i dont like about this bike is the back of the front fender.

 

It does look pretty slick, I've just never understood the allure of trying to make something look like something else. It's just not my cup of tea.

 

Amen, brother.

 

I posted this without any personal opinion just to see the responses. I really do think its rediculous but I am sure lots of people feel the same about what I have done to my bike. Different strokes for different folks. I'm amazed with how much work the guy put in to the bike. That said, I am also amazed there are 5 people bidding on it. Even if you think its silly, it's always fun to look at what other people are doing with the bikes we have.

 

"Oh brother"

Personally, I've grown so tired of the Jap bike makers copying Harley's it actually turns my stomach. Remember the good old days when our bikes were made, and all the Jap makers had a nice proud "Yamaha" or "Kawasaki" on the side of the tank. Nowadays you have to search the bike over to figure out what it is and they put some ridiculous spear or swoosh on the tank trying to fool you to think it's a Harley. If I wanted a Harley I'd buy a Harley, Yamaha going to this "Star Cycle" line I just can't understand. I know they say copying is the highest form of flattery, but I think you should be proud of being or building an "individualistic" product.

To me it's a sell out, saying "we give, what you make is better then what we make" even though forever Jap bikes have been more realiable then Harley's could dream to be.

We recently had Arizona bike week and I went to their pavillion were you could test ride a bike. Looking at all those cruiser Harley wanna bee's just sickens me, I of course was their to ride an FJR1300. Unhappily I found out their bringing the new Vmax out under the Star name plate, one thing I like that my Vmax say's Yamaha on the side scoops.

For one thing when I pull up next to others, or even my friends who ride Harley's, but mostly strangers, I want them to know what I'm on, a bad ass bike that clearly say's Yamaha. Not insult them by pulling up next to them with a wannabee. What's next, press on tattoo's just for a day of riding?? It's just my take on things.

 

Especially when they recycle the Yamaha models, like the Virago.

Even my 25 year 550 Max has given me fewer problems than my buddies Sportster has him.

Besides the pricetag, one thing keeping me away from Harley's is I don't want to join a cult. Although, people pretending to be something they're not is annoying. I may not know a lot about bikes, but I make no claims to.

 

I've always had a natural diversion from "popular" things.

Personally, I think Harleys are overpriced, annoyingly loud, pieces of sh*t.

I went up to Minnesota this weekend for the bi-annual "flood run" to see the bikes they had and to be honest, as I walked down the rows and rows of bikes, I was probably the only one there looking for old Yamahas...

It pretty much went like this: harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, Ooooh and Indian, thats neat... harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, crotch rocket, crotch rocket, crotch rocket, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, YES!! an 81 XS750 in superb condition (I spent almost 20 minutes admiring that one), harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, harley, F-it. I need a beer.

I also had the chance to ride a Harley this weekend. For being a 3 year old, $15,000 bike, it's poor handling, spine shattering vibrations, deafening exhaust, blindingly excessive use of chrome, and shitty acceleration left me urning to get back on my XJ. I think the guy that owned the bike was a little pissed when afterwards, he asked me "so when are you gonna get yours?" and I replied, "um, never."

I guess I could never justify buying a bike which 80% of the price is the damn name thats stamped on the tank.

Just my thoughts.

 

I admire the guys workmanship... He has finished it quite nicely, but the front gaurd is too big for the wheel, not in to whitewall tyres and also not interested in riding a Yamaha that's been made to look like a Harley. If I wanted a Harley look, I'd go buy a Harley.

 

I love the idea of making something look different from what it was initially intended to be... but not so much making an xj look like a big cruiser.

I like harleys, but not huge heavy bikes that don't handle well. I have ridden a few sportsters and buells... and I'm just waiting till I have enough cash to pick one up (USED).
...And of course it will be a Sportster - turned - flat-tracker/cafe racer, or a Buell - turned - streetfighter.

 

Alloy wheels don't look right somehow..........

 

As far as I am concerned I agree that the stock look is better. Let a bike be what it is. If you wanted a harley then get one. I do admire the persons ability to modify the bike though. He is a craftsman. I'm sure it took alot of skill to do what he did.

 

You did a great job with your cafe racer project, but it wasn't like you set out to make it a Triumph or Ducati clone.

A few personal touches is a good thing.