Custom Street Bikes - Eye Candy

Much like the concept of early chopper building, the streetfighter strips a production bike bare and then rebuilds it with pieces that the owner feels make it unique-and therefore a personal expression. But it helps to fit in somewhere.

Rolling up to a Harley show on anything besides an American V-twin could be asking for an empty-beer-can sandwich, but not if you can fool the crowd. At first glance, any knowledgeable bike enthusiast would likely assume this 1993 Honda CBR900RR for a tricked-out Buell Firebolt (and therefore acceptable to Harley-heads), but within seconds of incorrectly labeling it as such the surprise makes itself obvious.

The CBR900RR's fat frame is easily identifiable as such, but the upper fairing suggests otherwise. The machine actually hosts a number of other unique components, and the one at the rear is as foreign to the foundation as the front. Ducati's 1098 provided the inspiration for the tail, yet it flows with the American and Japanese lines perfectly.

The single-sided swingarm comes from a donor VFR750, and it opens up the right side nicely to display the cool old-school Eagle exhaust. They work nicely together and produce a dignified yet "hard-as-nails" appearance.

The Buyer's Box
1993 Honda cbr900RR

Front end: Braking Wave rotors, PVM wheelRear end: VFR750 swingarm,PVM wheel, Braking Wave rotorMotor: Eagle Mach7 exhaust,Dynojet jet kitPaint: Hot BikePolish/chrome: Hot BikeBodywork: Modified Buell upper,modified Ducati tailAccessories: ABM rearsets, Lucas barsBuilder: Hot Bike, Duisburg, Germany (www.hotbike.de)Owner: Roman Kolodziej

Magic Weave
Carbon Fiber doesn't come cheap, but when money isn't a concern when Miguel Pena approached Wild Card Customs to build him a bike, his objective was to have a fast and streetable exotic bike with no expense spared. What better platform to start with than a 2006 GSX-R1000? The motor was attacked first by porting and polishing the heads, adding a Web Racing cam and full Yoshimura exhaust for a claimed 190 horses on the dyno.

With the power taken care of, Wild Card then focused on reducing the Gixxer's already anorexic weight. An OPP Racing full carbon-fiber body kit and BST carbon-fiber wheels help shed some serious pounds. And though they might have put a hefty dent in Pena's wallet, it's all worth the performance and attention it attracts.

The Buyer's Box
2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Original Make/Model: 2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000Front end: BSTcarbon-fiber wheelRear end: BST carbon-fiber wheel, Galfer Wave rotorMotor: Full Yoshimura exhaust system, Power Commander, ported and polished head, Web Racing camPaint: Custom paint by Wild Card CustomsPolish/chrome: N/ABodywork: OPP Racingfull carbon-fiber racing body kitAccessories: N/AOther: N/AOwner: Miguel PenaBuilder: Wild Card Customs (www.wccustoms.com)

Pretty In Pink
An R6 with some serious shock value.Brittney Morrow's 2006 Yamaha R6 started as an all-black Raven model, but after riding it for only seven months she wanted to build a bike that screamed, "Look at me!"

She explained, "As a female rider I wanted everyone to know that the bike belonged to a girl. I wanted something that chicks loved and guys respected, even if it is pink.

The stars go along with the loud theme. I wanted it to stand out and shine!"

The paint is the obvious highlight, and Florida's Bang Customs did the deed. The shop picked up the bike from Morrow at Stunt Wars in 2007 and over the next three months completed the job. A House of Kolor candy paint with heavy metal flake was applied to the bodywork, swingarm, rims and frame. Nicknames, sponsor logos and symbols were incorporated into the paint theme for added flair. An Akrapovic carbon-fiber slip-on was even given a custom candy-pink logo. Bang Customs also created "Queen B" heel guards painted in pink. "The bike is a superstar, which follows its rider in tow," said an apparently proud Morrow.

The Buyer's Box
2006 Yamaha R6 Raven

Original Make/Model:2006 Yamaha R6 RavenFront end: StockRear end: StockMotor: Akrapovic carbon-fiber slip-on exhaustPaint: House of Kolor by Bang CustomsPolish/chrome: N/ABodywork: StockAccessories: KOS Racing swingarm spools and frame sliders, Bang Customs custom heel guards, double-bubble windscreen, custom artwork by Shakka Clothing, ST Machine mirrorsOther: Theme inspired by Charlie from Bang Customs and Jay "Flea" BuddOwner: Brittney MorrowBuilder: Bang Customs(www.bangcustoms.com)