Received a message from Michael at Visual Impact a while ago asking if I’d be interested in profiling his latest build, a 1983 Yamaha XS650 brat-style bobber. After my reply in the affirmative, I looked forward to seeing it because his shop specializes in custom paint and I expected something pretty killer.
Here are photos and a little info about the build:
First, the scoot utilizes a brat builder kit Mike sells.
The tank is by Alien and painted in a style to resemble a Japanese tattoo sleeve per the customer’s wishes. Michael wanted every angle to show something different. That meant dragons, carp, demons, samurai and more.
The rear fender is from Front Street Cycle. It’s chopped and narrowed two inches with paint to mimic the Japanese rising sun flag in blue.
Ardcore built the “Top Fools” pipes, and Flyrite pegs are attached to the stock frame mounts with a little modification.
Court House Custom provided the kick pedal, which Michael fabbed to the stock XS arm that was shortened by a few inches.
The rims and forks are stock with the forks shaved and lowered two inches.
The tires are an Avon up front and a Shinko bringing up the rear.
Michael shaved the stock trees, installed a West Eagle seat, and 11-inch Progressive shocks.
To finish it off he polished the cases, brake drum and tappet covers and painted motor black.
That’s a really nice brat. Bet it handles very well and is a lot of fun to blast around on.
Check out Visual Impact for more photos of the paint work Michael does on everything from airplanes to helmets.
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