It’s an atypical collaboration, however it’s worked out superbly. Shaun’s now got himself a slim, maneuverable SR500 that works on each tight metropolis streets and cruisy beach boulevards.
Shaun is at first from Canada, but he’s just moved to the sunnier climes of Miami, Florida. “Being able to journey all 12 months spherical is a dream come proper, after coming from a city with a 3- or 4-month secure using motive,” he says.
The pass precipitated Shaun to get himself a new set of wheels. And there might be no other desire but the Yamaha SR500.
“It turned into my chariot returned domestic—in stock shape—and it’s additionally the best gadget for the Florida sunshine.”
Shaun discovered a 1978 version, from the first yr of manufacturing. SR500s are in demand so prices are pretty high, however mint condition bikes pass for around $3,000.
Then he made a name to the Powder Monkees. “Mike and that i have been kickin’ tires approximately a construct for some time,” says Shaun. “He changed into the ideal suit: he’s speedy and efficient, and he has a deep appreciate for the distinct work that is going into customizing motorcycles.”
Shaun and Mike determined to create a motorcycle that’s a laugh to journey on brief journeys: “My office is near home, and the beach is a ten-minute ride across the bay,” says Shaun.
For idea, they appeared to Daniel Peter’s famous XR650. (And in case you think the area for these pics looks familiar too, that’s because Daniel finishing up shooting this motorbike.)
So what are the mods? The biggest visible modifications are the Yamaha TT500 gasoline tank and the Nineteen Seventies headlight, lifted from a Honda TL250.
The mono-surprise rear suspension comes from a Triumph avenue Triple, and right above it is a custom seat and the supporting framework.
Hidden away from sight is a shallow electronics tray—drilled for ventilation—maintaining a Motogadget m-Unit. The cabling is discreetly stressed within the bars the use of Motogadget’s m-Button machine, and there’s a Bates taillight on the lower back.
The single-cylinder, air-cooled engine has been more often than not left on my own. But for additonal oomph and smoother throttle reaction, Mike’s installed a Mikuni VM38MM carb—pre-jetted and supplied as a bolt-on fitment by means of Dime metropolis Cycles.
He’s additionally outfitted a k&N crankcase breather filter out, and a discreet head-established Motolanna compression launch.
The exhaust pipe hugs the engine tight: it’s a header from a TT500, mated to a simple 12-inch ‘Shorty Cone’ muffler exiting underneath the seat.
The tires are Metzeler Karoo 3s—a chunky dual-game sample that performs amazingly well on the road, without any of the squirming you’d accomplice with knobbies.
Shaun’s treated himself to a fixed of pinnacle-tier cockpit improvements too. He’s selected Renthal’s ultra Low bars fitted with Oury grips, m-Blaze turn alerts and easy retro-style switchgear from the japanese maker Posh.
The paint is sparkling and mild—a minimalist interpretation of the traditional speed block layout. It’s by Nicolas Lama, a Bolivian-born artist and Powder Monkees collaborator.
Shaun’s SR500 is now the perfect downtown day by day rider and weekend beach cruiser.
He’s known as it “Sunshine country of mind”—a amazing name for a motorcycle guaranteed to place a smile in your face.
Photographs by : Daniel Peter
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