V-Stars (650's and 1100's)

Yamahas, both old and new, are my favorite metric bikes.  Their line of V-Stars (called Dragstars in other parts of the world) combine the dependability and efficiency of Japanese engineering with the aesthetics of American styling, triangulated swingarms and air cooled engines.  They also have unlimited potential when modified.

Uptown Customs

Some of my favorite custom V-Stars came from Rob at Uptown Customs.  I haven't seen anything new come from Uptown in quite a while, so I'm not sure if they're still doing it or not, but Rob had some innovative ideas for his V-Stars.  He built them on custom hardtail frames with single tube backbones.  His bikes dont just look great though, they sound awesome as well.  He created a custom intake manifold that replaced the stock rubber boots and allows for S&S Super E, Keihin CV & Butterfly Carbs to replace the stock carb.  Combine that with 1 3/4" open exhaust and he was able to tune these bikes with an ultra low idle and a great sound.  Check out the video and pics below:

http://www.wix.com/sickboy1021/uptown-customs.net

Beachstar

Mario Baer of Germany built this beautiful V-Star right in his own back yard . . . literally.  He completed the build in just one summer, working only in his spare time, and yes - out by the garden.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/

H.B.C. - Japan

Nate's bike "Tetanus"

 

Randoms

With the dependability that Yamaha is known for and the great looks of bikes like these, I could definitely see these V-Stars someday having a cult following like that of their predecessor, the XS650.  I hope that in the near future I have the opportunity to take a swing at building one for myself.

Image1

After spending so much time at Brim's and taking so many pictures, my battery was nearly dead by the time I got to the shop.  I wish I could have taken more pics, but I will definitely be coming back to Image1 soon, so I'll be sure to get more pics then. 
Joel is a very talented builder, painter and pinstriper.  He's also the mastermind behind Run For Your Life (http://www.r4yl.blogspot.com/)  He and Jared are at the shop nearly every night burning the midnight oil.  When I got to the shop Joel was putting the final touches on an Ironhead digger he built and Jared was prepping a set of split tanks for paint.

This is Joel's Triumph.  Another bike that he built from the ground up.  I love this bike and its even better in person.

After sweating it out in the shop for a few hours and dehydrating ourselves with beer, we headed into the big city of Ada (population 3,000) for some grub at Little Mexico.  These spicy potatoes are the $h!7.

Thanks Joel and Jared for the great time.  I'll be back soon!

Things along the way

I was heading out to the Image1 shop where Joel Hauenstein creates his amazing bikes and lays down his custom paint and pinstriping.  It's about an hour and a half drive from Columbus, driving through the back roads of rural Ohio.  I had never been out this way before, so I had no idea what I might find along the way.

As I was passing through the town of Kenton, I saw a few bikes parked out front of what looked like a car dealership.  I had some extra time before I was supposed to be at the shop, so I pulled around back and parked so I could go check it out.  As I was coming around the side of the building, something caught my eye through an open side door.

I stepped in to get a look at it and saw another

I headed around front to see what else they might have.  I was greeted by Jeannie up front.  I was in awe when I stepped inside.  There were so many rare, vintage bikes and cars my head was spinning.  Jeannie smiled and handed me the key to two other buildings they have full of bikes.  I could have spent weeks in there.  I was disappointed I didn't have a real camera, but was glad to at least have my camera phone to provide some evidence of my story.  I could have taken a million more pics and it still wouldn't do the place justice, but here are a few.

After looking through the buildings and drooling all over myself, I headed back in to take the keys back.  I was greeted by Tom and Ralph Brim.  Tom owns the shop and his brother Ralph runs it with him.  They showed me the back room where they had even more projects going on.  They told me stories about some of their more interesting finds and how they got started in the business.  They have a ton of great bikes at the shop, but even more in their personal collections. 

Here's a pic of Tom (left) and Ralph (right)

Here they are with their dad back in 1972.  Awesome.

Tom, Ralph and Jeannie were great.  It was a great chance encounter, I'm so glad I stopped by.  I highly recommend them to everyone.  Thank you guys, I will definitely be back soon.

http://www.brimsimport.com/