So, it's done, dusted and delivered. Frankenbike went to his new owner a few weeks back and has been doing the rounds, blowin' people away - as he should.
New owner Frank Kelloway is a happy man. "Bike is just terrific - thank you. Rides really well, firm but not too much, goes and sounds great, gearing is good." That's what we like to hear.
This was a great build to do - challenging, because it combined elements of both Honda XBR and GB models, with plenty of custom touches. We had a clear brief from the owner, purity of line and design maintained by builder Mike D, some inspiration along the way and lots of technical input from Dr Roger on all areas from fabrication to electrickery.
Details abound on this build, from the custom alloy bracket for the tacho to the mini-speedo tucked subtly away on the left fork leg; the brass clip holding the front brake line in place and the rare Yoshimura-branded rear shocks.
New owner Frank Kelloway is a happy man. "Bike is just terrific - thank you. Rides really well, firm but not too much, goes and sounds great, gearing is good." That's what we like to hear.
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| Frankenbike on D-Day |
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| Custom bracket holds standard tacho |
Details abound on this build, from the custom alloy bracket for the tacho to the mini-speedo tucked subtly away on the left fork leg; the brass clip holding the front brake line in place and the rare Yoshimura-branded rear shocks.
Paintwork is by Trevor Whitty, seat by Nitroheads, indicators and tail-lights custom-mounted. It all counts in a custom build and it all adds up when it comes to the time and care taken to make sure Frankie stands out from the crowd.
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| Frank, Mike and Frankenbike |
And no sooner had Frankenbike left the shop than we started on not one, or two but THREE new projects.
Watch for updates on:
Project GBH - Grievous Bodily Honda
Project SRK - an SR500 Kedo-style
Project DWP - this lucky guy gets a neat cafe racer as a wedding present! How good is that?