Garrison Leykam & Betty-Lynn White
Westport, CT
'03 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom
One of the nicest bobbers you'll see, and the engine wasn't even made in the U.S. This bike was created as part of a promotion for a television pilot called Diners. Connecticut Custom Cycles did the work, including the suicide shifter (complete with bloody-eyeball shift knob), Buchanan polished stainless spokes, custom exhaust and modified Burly Bikini Beach bars. Sean Lezotte applied the colorful hues: The airbrushed tanktop, in keeping with the diner theme, depicts a checkerboard floor with a flawless rendition of a classic Wurlitzer jukebox.
Rick McCracken
Pipe Creek, Tx
'99 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic
Another D.I.Y. bike, this terrific bobber was produced by Rick as his first custom project. He modified stock and other parts as needed, including the exhaust-it was cut and re-welded from the original pipes. The air intake was also tweaked, while the seat was reshaped and covered in leather and faux ostrich. Rick then added a side-mount license plate and taillight mount, rejetted the carburetor and had the wheels powdercoated red. Krylon flat black spray paint keeps the Vulcan's look bad-ass but low-key.
Bill Shutter
Fredericksburg, PA
'04 Yamaha Road Star Midnight
Here's proof that you don't need to take your bike to a chop shop to turn it into something that's thoroughly customized-Bill did most of this work himself. The goodies list starts with the three-spoke RC Components Warlock wheels and pulley rotor. Follow that with Legends forward controls, pegs and grips, Raptor backrest, Baron handlebars with risers and a Dragger custom seat. Top it off with paint, a 3-inch Hard Krome exhaust, an Adjure headlight and a sprinkling of Star chrome accessories and you're ready to roll.