Once the bike had been fully kitted out with the best European goodies, it was packed up and sent off on the International Motorcycle Show tour. If you feel like you've seen a similar bike in standard Yamaha silver, then this is that bike--pre-paint.
After it had toured the U.S. for a year, it was sold to a local guy, Randy Groth, who is a big fan of Yamaha's flagship sportbike (he actually owns two custom R1s). He'd previously seen the bike and loved the work that EMA had done to it, but felt it needed some sparkle to finish it off. So, he took it into his local paint shop and had them create the Candy Brandy and Candy Apple finish that it rolls with now. He then had a lot of the performance parts plated in 18-karat gold, and finally, powdercoated the wheels to match.
Contrary to what your pappy always told you, sportbikes aren't just for the young and dumb. It's amusing that it took a 67-year-old owner to remind us how cool a custom can be when it's built more for performance than show.
That's the great thing about age--with it comes the confidence to follow your own style rather than letting whatever fashion is currently making the rounds dictate your game. So when you start building your next custom, think back to Randy's ride and don't be afraid to mix it up.
Buyer's Box
2004 Yamaha YZF-R1
Front End: hlins R&T forks, hlins steering damper, Harris adjustable triple clamps, PVM 10Y forged wheel, Galfer rotors, PVM six-piston calipers
Rear End: Harris WSB works swingarm, PVM quick-change rear hub, hlins shock, PVM 10Y forged wheel, PVM two-piston rear caliper
Motor: Dynojet Power Commander, Remus titanium exhaust
Paint: Candy Brandy by Enias Auto Body, Fremont, CA
Polish/chrome: Fast-Line Cycle, Fremont, CA
Bodywork: Gregg's Customs LED signals and license-plate bracket, GYT-R carbon-fiber rear hugger, heat shield and fuel-tank guards, Harris carbon-fiber front fender
Accessories: Harris rearsets, grips, clutch and frame sliders, Dynojet GP quickshifter, PVM 20mm brake master cylinder
Builder: EMA, Pleasanton, CA
Owner: Randy Groth, Fremont, CA