Ten years ago, choppers were the darling of the custom scene; thanks to reality TV, the market was flooded with raked-out chrome barges. Most of what was produced was overpriced crap.
Thanks to the financial crisis of 2008, and also possibly (but not likely) an improvement in the general public’s taste, those days are long gone now. Thankfully, what’s replaced them is superior. Guys like Greg Hageman are cranking out very interesting stuff, often aimed at creating parts suitable for the home builder.
When he’s not creating things like accessories for the Yamaha Bolt, Hageman’s creating customs like this one on eBay. Now, with a starting bid of $13,500 US, this custom bike is far outside the reach of many. But if you’re the kind of person who’s looking to spend a bit of money on a custom, this is a bike that will likely prove to be a smart purchase in the future. It’s far more rideable than the dreck cranked out by shops like Orange County Customs, and also a lot cheaper. Hageman built it in conjunction with photographer Erick Runyon, who’s the one who’s actually selling the bike.
The bike itself is based around a Yamaha Virago 750, with an 1100 motor dropped in. Add in a front end off a Suzuki GSX-R 1000, some parts from Dime City Customs, a Benelli gas tank, and plenty of other trick parts, and you’ve got a motorcycle that’s been crafted with a lot of thought into performance, not just style. You can find quite a few more details on the build here at Pipeburn, and the bike’s also been featured in Cafe Racer magazine, Bike EXIF, and so on. This really is a classic.
Although, as we’ve often pointed out, it wouldn’t hurt them to put on a front fender.
Mr Hageman does build some pretty good stuff.
He does sell bits and pieces on eBay from time to time, as he finishes up a batch. If you pick up an 81 82 750, they had the mono shock rear, one of Mr Hageman’s tail sections, a torch, and some imagination you’ve got yourself a low buck winter project !