This is an unconventional build in many respects and that’s exactly why I wanted to do a feature on it. Things can get a little repetitive in the “custom” skinny tire chopper world. I love EVO Sporty chops and Panheads as much as the next guy, but I have to respect it when a builder goes in a different direction and uses an alternative motor. When lots of time, work, and energy goes into a bike that becomes less desirable at resale, you know the builder is very differently motivated. Working with what you have on hand, just for the love of creating your own personalized ride, is a different vibe to me, and a big part of "built not bought" motorcycle culture!

This particular Yamaha V-Star, built by Ryan Moore, is just that kind of “use what you have on hand” bike. Not only is Ryan the kind of guy that builds for the love of it, he marches to the beat of his own drum. His career in tube chassis and 4x4 fabrication really comes through and this thing is huge! The front end and frame are all oversized tubing, but when you know what he does for a living it all ties together.

In person, the bike is like a cross between a monster truck and a 70’s long bike. I can’t help but call it "Chopzilla" even though he affectionately refers to her as "Jezebel." It’s dripping with his enthusiasm for welding and fabricating and truly one-off hand made parts. I should also note that Ryan was one of last year’s top performers in the Greasy Dozen Builder Collective. Though there is no individual winner in the GD, I’m sure many would agree that Ryan gave his all to promote “Built Not Bought Motorcycle Culture” and the Greasy Dozen Builder Collective. Heck, he even traveled 6,000 miles, round trip, to attend The Greasy Dozen Run! Ryan, I salute your dedication to the ChopCult community, your willingness to push the boundaries, and this Monster Truck Long Bike!

Owner Name, Location: Ryan Moore Duncan BC

Engine, Year, make, model, modifications: 2000 Yamaha Vstar 1100

Frame: One-off. Hardtail drop seat. Factory neck.

Fork: 22"ish over leaf spring

Chassis Mods: Reused nothing, So it's all modified.

Tire/ Wheel size and style: 205/65r15 rear directional drift tire on a 15" Honda civic wheel. Custom hub and perimeter brake. Stock 18" dual disc front with a 110/90-18 Metzeler

Favorite thing about this bike: The Gremlin Bell, which came from a good friend of mine. The first piece my daughter designed, CNC cut, cleaned, and welded completely herself was the mount.

Next Modification will be: Cams and pistons. Never enough power.

Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc.: Foot clutch with custom side cover external lever clutch. One-off external oil filter adapter. Hand tooled leather seat with my grandfather's tools, and local moose hide. Taillight, pegs, gas cap, exhaust tips all made on the lathe by my kids. Except for the parts from the awesome Greasy Dozen sponsors, my kids and I made everything.

Any building or riding story you would like to include: I've owned it since brand new. My buddy did the test ride of 4 miles, and no one else has ever ridden it. I met my wife on it, rode it 2,000 miles round trip, half in a blizzard, to get custody of my kids, and the last picture I ever took of my grandmother, she was sitting on it. It's been there for almost all of my important life events.

Thanks to: All of the greasy Dozen sponsors, especially Bear. Liquid Metal Coatings in Lake Cowichan for the paint. Most importantly,my wife, because without her to drive me and allow me to chase these bikes, I wouldn’t build them

If you think you have something unique or the commitment to promote "Built Not Bought Motorcycle Culture", be sure to enter your current build in the 2015 Greasy Dozen Builders Collective before February 15th. Full details at www.thegreasydozen.com.

Thanks,

Bear