Classified Moto XV1100

Classified Moto are just turning out winner after winner.It’s hard to believe the Richmond, VA-based hotshop has onlybeen operating for two years, but owner John Ryland now has ordersfor 13 bikes on the go. This is his latest, based on a 1989 YamahaVirago XV1100. The machine has a more aggressive look than previousCM bikes: it’s angular, muscular and low-slung. “Wejust had a gallery-type show in NYC, and everyone who sat on thebike put on their ‘mean biker’ face,” laughsRyland.

“The Virago 1100 (like other stock Viragos) is pretty much achecklist of things I don’t like in a motorcycle,” saysRyland. “But there seems to be an unlimited supply of themfor sale at reasonable prices, and people are starting to do reallycool stuff with them. Greg Hageman is on a Virago rampage andwe’re watching in awe. We love Greg and his bikes.”(So do we.)

Classified Moto’s signature gold forks are the strongestsplash of color on this bike. They’re from a 2004 SuzukiGSX-R1000, and hooked up to a CNC-machined custom upper tripleclamp. The tank is from a Yamaha XS400, and there’s arecessed compartment for a tool kit under the tank. Leather straps(or rather, Chihuahua collars) hold the kit in place. “Icouldn’t find any vintage leather straps that were smallenough!” says Ryland.

The footpegs are made from transmission shafts left over fromClassified’s popular moto lamps. And yes, they occasionally scrape: “Not a tonof clearance, but not much less than stock. And the riding positionis really comfortable, despite its aggressiveappearance.”

Head over to the Classified Moto website formore images of Ryland’s bikes, and keep in touch with CM newsvia their Facebookpage.

Images by Adam Ewing.