The SSB Yamaha Custom Bike Show kept race fans intrigued with a collection of highly modified, performance-focused sportbikes on display. While the bling machines still reigned supreme in the hands of the voters, there were plenty of performance-based builds on hand. Such is the trend typically at West Coast shows, where gold anodized performance parts typically replace chrome spikes. A unique R7/R1 hybrid had a constant gathering of curious fans and there were plenty of camera flashes pointed at the various other race-inspired R6s and R1s built with ultimate performance as the theme. Wheel, brake and suspension upgrades were everywhere, much to the appreciation of the 50,000 in attendance.
The surprise of the show was a wild RZ350 built by Nick Gargano. His mix of flash and performance gained him a third place trophy in the amateur builder class-not a bad day for a 26-year old bike.
It was the MSP Performance R1 that took home the top spot of the show in the pro class. Highly modded custom bodywork, crazy chameleon color-changing paint and remote-control air ride suspension knocked a lot of jaws on the floor and created the biggest buzz of the weekend.