2007 Suzuki GSX-R600 - Toy Story

There's one main staple in every kid's toy box-a handful of Hot Wheels. Whether you were born in 1968 or 2008, the only thing that's changed are the makes and models. And over the years they've brought a hell of a lot of entertainment to us all.

This is the very notion that got the builder of this once smashed and rashed Suzuki GSX-R600 thinking about the build theme. As owner of the Maryland-based bike customization shop, Break Lites, Mark Tempeta has seen his share of tricked-out bikes. But it wasn't until he noticed his son vroom-vrooming around the house with one of his toy cars that he realized what custom bikes are all about: "No matter how old we get we never stop playing with our toys."

Not only could this colorfully quirky custom serve as a compatible mount for most riders, but it was surprisingly affordable to produce. Mark took ownership of the bike when it was in pieces because the previous owner had fallen off-and it sold for dirt cheap. After reincarnation Mark decided to give it an exciting new life as the envy of many.

With only $6000 invested (including the pink slip) he showed that a little money can look like a lot. Granted, he had some help along the way with paint and parts hookups, but this still isn't the $25,000 bank buster that it favors.

Probably the most outlandish upgrade is the clear bodywork produced by Hotbodies Racing. It obviously hosts the multi-layered flame graphics laid down by Killer Kreations, but also allows the vibrantly powdercoated engine to rest in plain view. The perspective that the clear bodywork offers at night when accented by the host of LEDs is pretty astonishing too. It's surprising that we haven't seen more of this sort of bodywork/paint treatment, but you can bet we will now that the cat's out.

Break Lites went out on a limb with this build, but the end result clearly proves it was worth the risk. Forget the chromed-out 'Busa, 'cause its baby brother just stole the show.