Project Three - The Showbike
Baseline: 2006 Yamaha R1 / Unlimited Budget
A realistic schedule that takes into account lead times for parts arrival is crucial, as even the smallest missing piece can have a domino effect on deadlines. In our second installment we added blue accents to break up the Sport Chrome chrome, modified the Graves Motorsports rearsets to fit our C&S swingarm, mounted the Patrick's Performance adjustable kickstand and installed a Vortex Racing engine cover and lowering links.
Making custom wheels seems pretty straightforward, but it takes years of experience to make a quality wheel that fits correctly. Performance Machine is a leader in wheel design and craftsmanship and provided us with its "Judge" wheels and a front brake caliper. The decision to add a rear tire larger than 240mm meant tire selection became limited, but Avon Venom R Custom series tires are available in sizes up to 330mm. For our 10.5-inch rear PM wheel we're using 300mm worth of rubber.
A NOS system was installed for extra power, and we opted for the dry system for simplified installation and space savings.
Taking care of the front end is a glowing Gator Glass logo in the Hotbodies Racing windscreen.
Grip Ace grips take the functionality of the turn signals, hi/low beam and starter switches and relocates them into hidden buttons at your fingertips. Grip Ace worked with RIS Designs and adapted its system to fit into a modified billet grip. With all the switch housings removed, the bars are clean and clutter-free.
C and C Motorcycle Seats in Paramount, California, can create custom seats in a wide range of colors and materials from basic leather to exotic skins that would make PETA cringe. We chose a neutral two-tone gray design made from sharkskin for its texture and durability.
The paint scheme on any custom bike is crucial, and on our project it's the biggest feature of the bike. Alsa Corporation's Eclipse paint changes from black to white when heat is applied, and we incorporated it with some amazing results. Cory Saint Clair of 3rd Element Designs came up with a cutting-edge design to take advantage of the innovative paint.
In the next issue we'll bring together all the elements of the build and reveal the last several months of hard work.
The Builder's Box
Tony Sesto
Sesto Custom Cycles
www.sestocustomscycles.com
(714) 924-6600
3rd Element Designs and Alsa Corp Paint
Facts: Cory Saint Clair of 3rd Element Designs applies the Eclipse paint that changes from black to white when heat is applied and costs $399 a quart.
Cost: $8,000
www.myspace.com/
3rdelementdesigns
www.alsacorp.com | 
Race Tech Fork Internals
Facts: Race Tech in Corona, California, optimized our forks for Zamora's weight and the type of riding expected on this bike.
Cost: $668.70
www.racetech.com |
C&C Motorcycle Seats
Facts: C&C creates a custom seat in a wide range of colors and materials from basic leather to exotic skins. We chose gray sharkskin for its texture and neutral color.
Cost: $499.99
www.ccseats.com | 
Performance Machine Wheels
Facts: Performance Machine is a leader in aftermarket wheels. We chose the "Judge" design wrapped in Avon Venom R rubber for it's bold, simple design.
Cost: Front: $1,099.95
Back: $1,699.95
www.performancemachine
.com |
Gator Glass Windscreen
Facts: Gator Customs of Crestwood, Illinois, is the originator of Gator Glass. The Super Streetbike logo runs flush with the Hotbodies Racing windscreen and illuminates with the flip of a switch.
Cost: $425
www.gatorcustoms.net | |