Originally found this Yamaha XV250 on the marvelous Mulligans Machine. Of course it's from Gravel Crew in Japan who have such a distinctive style. I still can't believe it's a Virago. I see so many of these bikes around the streets but I have never seen one customized (unless you think adding saddle bags and tassels counts). The xv250 is actually a really cheap alternative to the more popular project bikes like the SR400's. Although I'm not sure they have the same range of custom parts readily available. 

Discovered the Motorcycle Factory Ajito (their website needs some work) on a Spanish blog called Retro Custom Racer. Ajito is a custom shop in Japan that have made loads of cool sr400's bobbers but it was this BSA C-11 named Racy King that really stood out. Everything on this bike looks hand made. The seat, brake light and Japanese dragon tank won't be to everyone's taste but you have to give credit where credit is due. Ajito has created something truly unique and we look forward to seeing more bikes from these guys in the future.

Heiwa is one of our favourite custom shops not just in Japan but in the world. This is one of the best XS650's I have seen. Right down to that little brake light. It makes me green with envy.

Deluxie Customs is a Japanese custom shop that doesn't use SR400's. Looks like they mainly customize old triumphs and Harleys. The Triumph below is a 1972 T100R Hill-Climber. Looks pretty sweet in the candy red pearl with white seat. Nice work.

Discovered this Japanese Custom Shop in Tokyo called Kick Back. They produce some really nice custom bikes. Like most Japanese shops they have loads of SR400's. Check website out for inspiration.

Club Zenith is a Japanese custom shop in Chiba. They specialize in Shovelheads and Choppers but I did find some Sr400's on their site that look pretty good. If you love your Harleys then definitely check out their gallery...

These guys are also in Japan and are called Flakes Custom Motorcycles they have some really nice bikes. They also specialize in some crazy paint work on tanks and helmets. I prefer the understated look but I have seen some crazy bikes and clothing in the tokyo streets. Heres one of their more subtle SR400's... except for that smokin exhaust.

Established in 1992 Okazaki City, Japan, Zero Engineering are a famous custom motorcycle shop from the land of the Rising Sun. But they now have a shop in a Las Vegas. As far as choppers go these are the best I have seen. There are so many nasty bikes on their website to drool over.