Yamaha Choppers
First bike I ever customized was a 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100. Didn’t really end up being what I would call a chopper but I did use one of those choppers kits to rake the front end out to 49 degrees and 6 inches over. But I kept the windshield and saddlebags, so not really a chopper.
So when I went online looking for custom parts for this thing I kept coming across these homemade websites where guys were taking old Yamaha XS650s and turning them into choppers and bobbers. I thought that this was pretty cool and some of the bikes looked great but you could tell it was kind of an underground thing at the time.
Well, recently while doing some research for another website, I came across newer pics of these bikes including the Bratstyle customs from Japan. Man have things really escalated! This fad has turned into a serious cottage industry. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing motorcycle shows soon devoted to just these old customs.
The only thing I haven’t quite figured out yet is why the XS650? I know at the time it was the first “big” engine put into a Japanese bike but why not chop Honda 750′s or a 550? Guess it doesn’t matter, the bikes these guys are building are as cool as sh*t. Here’s a Yamaha Chopper video I found on YouTube that really showcases the true chops:
One last thing: after checking out these bikes I did go out and buy a cheap XS400 that I’m turning into a Bobber. You can find inspiration anywhere.
Check out more of these bikes here: http://www.xs650chopper.com/
Yeah, the Yamaha Chopper’s are way sweet. I don’t care if they’re using weird parts, I say go for it!