Icon Cretin

Icon are renowned for their over the top helmets, jackets and bikes. Their latest creation is no different. This little green 76' Yamaha TT500 has been done in true Icon style. Although, unlike the rest of their gear this has a really cool retro look. It makes me feel all prepubescent and stoned just looking at it. The incredible thing about this bike is the diverse range of parts. It has the front end from a 1990 Suzuki Katana 600, Handlebars from a 2002 Honda Reflex (the one thing I would change) and even a rear brake from a Hayabusa. For more pics and the full spec list of this impressive build visit the one and only Hell For Leather Magazine.

Erwin SR500

The much anticipated Chop Cult has launched. The site has a fresh feel and some even fresher bikes. We found this immaculate purple 1979 Erwin SR500. Built by the talented Kim Boyle, we are having trouble taking our eyes off it. We thought the beautiful Blue Moon Kustom tank looked familiar having seen it on their blog recently. For more details on the build and more beautiful pics by Wes Drelleshak check out Chop Cult.

Drag Star Cafe Racer

This is a conversion of a 1998 Yamaha XVS 650 Drag Star (Star V Star 650 in the US) called the Beachstar. It's been described as a cross between a cafe racer and a board tracker. With or without the 60's looking fairing this bike looks awesome. The Beachstar was built by a German by the name of Mario Baer. Baer needed only one summer to modify this old 1998 Yamaha Drag Star, working only in the evenings. Thats impressive work. It's not just a show bike either, it's also a commuter. He rides the Beachstar to work nearly every day and last year the Beachstar won some impressive shows including the world-renowned 2008 Intermot show in Cologne. We are looking forward to seeing Baer's next project which he describes as "Hmmm...something exceptionally spectacular with a huge rear wheel and a small front wheel. Something completely crazy!". [More pics on Motorcycle Cruiser].

Phantom Cafe Racer

This one off Phantom-Cafe' racer is built on a 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 chassis with a direct drive shaft -replacing the early chain drive. The 650 cc motor had been reworked to add another 100cc to accommodate the added weight of the heavy chrome plated body. This custom design was built & owned by the legendary Mr. William L. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was best know for being the V.P. of the design staff for GM. He was responsible for designs that produced 72 million cars, including the Chev Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and his favourite the Corvette. We think his car designs are better but big points for originality.

Gravel Crew SR400

Yamaha SR400 Gravel Crew style. This Japanese shop always gets us excited in the nether regions. The clip-ons probably couldn't get any lower. The square headlight is a unique touch that makes these guys great. Check out their gallery for more inspiration.

Custom Jump

It's been way too long since I've mentioned a Japanese Custom shop. Heres one called Custom Jump from Kyushu. They specialize in TW200, TW225's and of course the favourite SR400. They have created some crazy TW's and this is just a taste. Check their gallery to see more, including an American Chopper styled TW225.

Big Moon XS650

Saw this awesome Big Moon Yamaha XS650 on Bikeexif who found it from Speedjunkies. Three links in the opening sentence... that's a personal record. SFX: audience clapping.

VD Classic

The French are famous for many beautiful things. Like french fries, french models and now custom SR500's. We love VD Classic and love the bikes they make. Especially their take on the Japanese classic SR500. We are big fans of the SR500 and even bigger fans of Cafe Racers. So to see VD using a lot of chrome and clip-ons is always a good thing. Also love the simplicity of their sr500 street tracker.

Yamaha RD56

This Yamaha RD56 is one amazing bike. It looks like its had more action than Paris Hilton's bed. Unlike Paris I think the scratches and dents actually adds to the beauty. The RD56 frame was a new design based on the revolutionary Norton Featherbed.