Building real-world custom bikes

This bike is based on a 1983 Yamaha XS650 parallel twin but only the engine and the steering head are original.

This bike is based on a 1983 Yamaha XS650 parallel twin but only the engine and the steering head are original.

Published Feb 21, 2013

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Jared Johnson of Holiday Customs in Portland, Oregon builds one-of-a-kind motorcycles the old-fashioned way, by hand, without the drama of American Choppers.

His creations are built to be ridden, rather than displayed, and usually cost from $10 000 - $12 000 (R90 000 - R107 000), compared to the $25 000 (R220 000) you'd pay in Orange County.

Real life bike building, as he likes to put it, is all about creating something that isn't "just a bolt on situation".

The bike in the video is based on a 1983 Yamaha XS650 parallel twin - but only the engine and the steering head (that's where the frame number is engraved!) are original. Everything else is either handmade or came from another bike.

This marvel of minimalism is for sale for $10 500 (R93 500).

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