Over the last few days I've seen two unique custom bikes. The first was a Yamaha V-Max. I'm always interested in talking to owners of V-Maxes as it is probably the only factory turbo cruiser and a rare enough bike in stock trim. So when I saw one pull in to the Mira Mesa Bike Night (MMBN) last Thursday, I walked over as the rider got off.
Well, this was anything other than a stock V-Max! First noticeable change was an LED light kit installed along the main "backbone" and under the tank. There were also former polished parts that the owner had bead blasted which gave them an almost powder-coated appearance that fits this model bike well. The custom touches weren't all cosmetic though. The owner mentioned that the bike had required lots of maintenance and repair to get running properly, so while he had everything apart he removed the valve that kept the turbo-boost from kicking in at low RPMs. Basically, he said, it comes on as soon as the throttle opens everything up and doesn't stop. He shared his other ideas and plans for the bike with me, and I plan on having a camera in the future to get some pictures as it is a sharp bike.
Then on Saturday I'm waiting to turn right as traffic passes. Here comes what looks like a standard Honda but it doesn't sound quite right. As the bike rolls by, I notice the rider is a petite woman and the bike seems to have straight pipes. When I can turn, I head the same way the rider was going as that is the way home. After two lights I have a chance to lane split up to the red light (both safer, and to see what mods have actually been done to the bike). Sure enough, it's got straight pipes, and the bike looks like a bobbed Honda Nighthawk. OK, that's cool, both the 650 and 750 in-line fours are solid motors and back in the first custom motorcycle craze this engine was one of the three customizers used. (Do you know the answer to the other two makes? Answer at the end of the post!) So I pull up and realize not only does this bike have a custom exhaust, it also has upgraded rear shocks. Not sure which brand they are, but they are blue with an external reservoir and definitely would keep this bike hugging the road. The rider/owner seemed to be a young woman and maybe weighs 90 pounds. So I'm sitting at the light on my Connie-we're about a half a ton of fun compared to this chopped Nighthawk and tiny rider. So I'm thinking we're going to launch out from the traffic, but since I pulled up to her, I'll wait and ride in the number 2 stagger.
Well, she eases the clutch out, and while smooth, pulls out fairly slowly. What? She's not riding like a nervous or new rider, but this repeats at the next two lights. Now I'm really puzzled, but a slight hint is shown when we reach the first light with cars stopped. This rider barely slows down and easily pulls through the stopped cars to the red light. My guess is she may race/drag or dirt race, and as small as she is may have to keep from standing this bike up (unless wanting to!). Unfortunately I'll have to ask another time as we went opposite ways at the next red light. Very well done custom touches to this bike as well.
OK, in the 70s it wasn't only Harleys that were customized. Honda 750 engines, Triumphs and Harley Pan- and Shovel-heads were all popular bikes to chop/customize. Custom frames were made for all three engines, unlike the recent craze where almost all frames and parts were for American v-twins.
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