In the world of bike customising we constantly need raw material. Solid, dependable engines and good quality running gear that can be taken and transformed into stylish individual transport that remains supremely rideable. And every now and again the bike factories oblige us by producing top quality raw material. Design classics that have proven themselves worthy of our attention with the hacksaw and welder include the Harley Shovelhead, the Triumph Bonneville, the 750 Honda and more recently the Yamaha FJ1200.

For make no mistake, the FJ is a design classic. A big, strong, willing motor that runs forever, top notch brakes and running gear and dependable electrics. Even the stock frame and suspension works well, though it does look a bit weird with the plastic removed. The problem with the stock FJ is that frankly, it's a bit of a lorry. But strip away those acres of plastic fairings and side panels the size of Asia and you've the bare bones of a wicked and stylish streetbike capable of effortlessly reeling in the miles.

Goth isn't the first to chop an FJ, and probably won't be the last. But the bike you see here represents a superb example of the custom builders craft; it's lean, hunched, muscular lines belying the bikes origins as a big, dumpy tourer. Goth originally bought the bike as a tidy stocker and ran around on it for two years before the lure of the hacksaw became overwhelming. He liked it a lot but described it as "a bit of an old man's bike". So down it came into small lumps, and away to Nottingham Custom Cycles for a new frame to provide the heart of the transformation.

The stock swingarm is quite a beefy item, but as Goth likes hurling his bike around the twisties he installed a guaranteed flex-free JMC swingarm linked to a new rear shock. Martek alloy yokes support the standard FJ fork legs, and the wheels and brakes are the original FJ items. The motor needed no attention other than a clean-up, polish and lick of paint and was treated to a Dynojet stage three kit to go with the K&N filters. That superb stainless exhaust system was hand made by Goth and Tony at B&I Engineering and features some rudimentary baffles to provide back pressure for the exhaust valves.

Goth topped the whole kaboodle off with a 750 Zephyr fuel tank and a seat handmade by (the legendary) Tony Archer to produce that lean, hunched look. Not content with just sorting out the big lumps, Goth then spent countless hours detailing the bike. All the bracketry you see is hand made and polished from ally plate or stainless including the footrest hangers, speedo mounting and oil cooler mounts. Every nut and bolt has received attention, and details such as the warning lights incorporated into the handlebar risers are testament to his dedication.

Goth and his partner Sam are no strangers to the custom bike scene, having between them run a variety of chops and big Jap customs over the years and collecting the odd trophy to boot. Those of you with long enough memories might even remember a BSH feature on Sam's 900 Honda chop "Purple Velvet" which appeared in, erm..., the early eighties. Having finally finished this bike, Goth and Sam are patiently waiting for the weather to improve to put some miles on it. There is a chance that Goth's job may provide opportunity for a move to sunnier climes before they get chance, so after all that hard work the bike could be for sale by the time you read this. Call him on (01484) 559899 and talk around £3750.

After spending an agreeable half-day eyeballing Goth's bike and wiping the envious drool from my chin I took a look at my own FJ, now languishing in the shed with a tattered fairing and bashed silencers and awaiting an insurance claim. "Bit of an old man's bike" eh? And I swear I saw it shuffle an inch in the direction of the hacksaw....

Dr.Rod.

CHECKOUT

Engine: Yamaha FJ1200 3CV, stock with K&N filters and Dynojet stage 3 kit. Earles Oil Cooler. Exhaust system: Handmade stainless steel by owner and B&I Engineering. Frame: Nottingham Custom Cycles.

Rear Suspension: JMC alloy swingarm supported by "very expensive" aftermarket shock.
Front End: Stock FJ fork legs in Martek alloy slab yokes. Handmade risers.
Wheels and brakes: Stock FJ1200.
Fuel tank: Kawasaki Zephyr 750.
Seat: The very wonderful Tony Archer.
Mudguards: Sleekbob rear, FJ front.
Lights: Twin Mini-Bates front, Catseye rear.
Powder coating: Triple S Enamellers, Bingley.
Chroming: Vernon Moss, Brighouse.
Paint: Black, by Mr Franklin.
Other stuff: All alloy and stainless bracketry by owner including Chainguard, Gearshift, Footrest Hangers and Oil Cooler Brackets. All nuts, bolts and spacers polished or made from stainless steel by owner including caliper nipples(!). Thanks to Big Albert for sorting the electrics and Tony at B&I Engineering for help and facilities.