Custom 1982 Yamaha XV750
Ah! Something different. Yes, we’ve been through waves of the cafe racer craze, but still, it’s nice to see a Yamaha Virago getting some love. Especially when it’s as crisp and clean as the build by Pittsburgh’s Sam Tomer. As someone who just got their first motorcycle only four years ago, it’s impressive to see the progress made. We were excited to meet up with Sam in Sewickley to get some photos and talk bikes.
First off, why a Yamaha Virago? Can you give us the backstory of how this build came about?
Sam Tomer: I seem to always find myself called to not-so-attractive bikes in stock form. It’s a challenge to try and find ways to recreate and change the lines of a motorcycle. I love it when people are like, “What is that?” They’re shocked to hear that it’s a bike they’ve seen a hundred times, or have even ridden back in the day. I’ve always had my eye on a Virago, but unfortunately, most are just roached or so far butchered. I found this one in Cleveland and drove out the next day to grab it. It had a clean title and verified 5,000 miles. I just couldn’t pass it up. I almost bought one a year prior, and I’m glad I did not. This one just felt like the right time and place for what this build would inevitably be.
Sam Tomer: I seem to always find myself called to not-so-attractive bikes in stock form. It’s a challenge to try and find ways to recreate and change the lines of a motorcycle. I love it when people are like, “What is that?” They’re shocked to hear that it’s a bike they’ve seen a hundred times, or have even ridden back in the day. I’ve always had my eye on a Virago, but unfortunately, most are just roached or so far butchered. I found this one in Cleveland and drove out the next day to grab it. It had a clean title and verified 5,000 miles. I just couldn’t pass it up. I almost bought one a year prior, and I’m glad I did not. This one just felt like the right time and place for what this build would inevitably be.
Was there an inspiration for the direction you went as far as the bike’s style?
ST: Every time I start a project, I do a ton of research to see what’s out there. What’s possible? What am I capable of? What has already been done? And so on. Much of the inspiration came from Virago builds by Craig Jackson and De Stijls. They just completely transformed them. There are a lot of aftermarket and pre-made parts for the Viragos. Although they are really cool, it’s been done quite a bit. I wanted something a little different from the rest. One of my favorite bikes was my friend’s Suzuki GS 550E, of which I’ve always loved the gas tank. So, I chose to modify the tank to fit. I was tossing around color schemes in my head, and out of nowhere, my stepdad pulled up in his new mint green Fiat 500. I knew that was going to be the color. The subframe is off of a 1979 CB750 Super Sport donor bike that I had lying around the shop. I didn’t really push the bike in any kind of direction, it just seemed to build itself in a weird way. I just let it happen organically.
ST: Every time I start a project, I do a ton of research to see what’s out there. What’s possible? What am I capable of? What has already been done? And so on. Much of the inspiration came from Virago builds by Craig Jackson and De Stijls. They just completely transformed them. There are a lot of aftermarket and pre-made parts for the Viragos. Although they are really cool, it’s been done quite a bit. I wanted something a little different from the rest. One of my favorite bikes was my friend’s Suzuki GS 550E, of which I’ve always loved the gas tank. So, I chose to modify the tank to fit. I was tossing around color schemes in my head, and out of nowhere, my stepdad pulled up in his new mint green Fiat 500. I knew that was going to be the color. The subframe is off of a 1979 CB750 Super Sport donor bike that I had lying around the shop. I didn’t really push the bike in any kind of direction, it just seemed to build itself in a weird way. I just let it happen organically.
What were some of the stand-out parts of the build that you’d like to mention?
ST: I try to sharpen my skills with every build I do. This was the first front/rear-end conversion I’ve ever done. A little machining of the rear hub was necessary to accommodate a larger rear wheel and tire. I definitely got more familiar with my welder designing the subframe and refitting the gas tank. I love the process of painting. Especially when you have to make a clapped-out 40-year-old gas tank look presentable and functional on a frame it wasn’t meant to be on. This was just a lot of fun refining what I’ve already learned on other projects.
ST: I try to sharpen my skills with every build I do. This was the first front/rear-end conversion I’ve ever done. A little machining of the rear hub was necessary to accommodate a larger rear wheel and tire. I definitely got more familiar with my welder designing the subframe and refitting the gas tank. I love the process of painting. Especially when you have to make a clapped-out 40-year-old gas tank look presentable and functional on a frame it wasn’t meant to be on. This was just a lot of fun refining what I’ve already learned on other projects.
Did you have any moments of the build that were either interesting, arduous, or meaningful?
ST: This bike was my no-compromise build. I thought I would run into a lot of roadblocks and adversity as others in the past have been. But honestly, this thing came together in under two months. Mainly because I’d have to burn the midnight oil after working 10-hour days. Nothing on this bike really gave me trouble. I spent more hours sitting in my chair smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee just visualizing each process and not jumping ahead of myself and getting discouraged. Some things don’t work out like you think they will, but that’s probably because there’s a better way. I think visualization is what I learned most about this—to slow things down and letting inspiration in. Let it be fun and not become a job or task.
ST: This bike was my no-compromise build. I thought I would run into a lot of roadblocks and adversity as others in the past have been. But honestly, this thing came together in under two months. Mainly because I’d have to burn the midnight oil after working 10-hour days. Nothing on this bike really gave me trouble. I spent more hours sitting in my chair smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee just visualizing each process and not jumping ahead of myself and getting discouraged. Some things don’t work out like you think they will, but that’s probably because there’s a better way. I think visualization is what I learned most about this—to slow things down and letting inspiration in. Let it be fun and not become a job or task.
The bike traveled south to the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas this year. How was that experience?
ST: Man, it was such an honor to attend the Handbuilt Show this year. To be in the same room as some of the builders I look up to from all over the world was just a full-circle moment. The folks at Revival Cycles were so accommodating and definitely put on a proper one. Super chill vibe at such an amazing venue. Austin is a really dope city. We stayed there for a week and had the time of our lives. In such a crazy, hectic, rat-race world, it’s nice to find reasons to get away every once in a while.
ST: Man, it was such an honor to attend the Handbuilt Show this year. To be in the same room as some of the builders I look up to from all over the world was just a full-circle moment. The folks at Revival Cycles were so accommodating and definitely put on a proper one. Super chill vibe at such an amazing venue. Austin is a really dope city. We stayed there for a week and had the time of our lives. In such a crazy, hectic, rat-race world, it’s nice to find reasons to get away every once in a while.
How has your motorcycle experience been with Pittsburgh?
ST: I’ve lived in Pittsburgh my whole life. Although visiting Texas and other states is great, there’s nothing like home. Maybe I’m just biased or like to stay in my comfort zone, but Pittsburgh just has so much variety. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I got my first motorcycle a little over four years ago, not knowing how to ride. Then COVID hit, and I tore that bike down and built it up in a little 7x7 shed barely big enough to stand up in. Since then I probably have a dozen builds under my belt, a shop with a paint booth, and a big enough space to have no excuses. I really got bit by the bug quickly. I don’t build the bikes for money. In fact, I have a problem with getting rid of them. Wrenching on these old pieces of metal has truly become a passion, an outlet, and a therapeutic way of expressing myself. The best part is you can jump on and ride your creation. To put your vision in motion. Some of my favorite local roads are out by the shop in McKeesport. There’s a lot of beautiful riding and twisties out near Raccoon Creek State Park. It’s always fun to have a nice night ride through the city, too.
ST: I’ve lived in Pittsburgh my whole life. Although visiting Texas and other states is great, there’s nothing like home. Maybe I’m just biased or like to stay in my comfort zone, but Pittsburgh just has so much variety. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I got my first motorcycle a little over four years ago, not knowing how to ride. Then COVID hit, and I tore that bike down and built it up in a little 7x7 shed barely big enough to stand up in. Since then I probably have a dozen builds under my belt, a shop with a paint booth, and a big enough space to have no excuses. I really got bit by the bug quickly. I don’t build the bikes for money. In fact, I have a problem with getting rid of them. Wrenching on these old pieces of metal has truly become a passion, an outlet, and a therapeutic way of expressing myself. The best part is you can jump on and ride your creation. To put your vision in motion. Some of my favorite local roads are out by the shop in McKeesport. There’s a lot of beautiful riding and twisties out near Raccoon Creek State Park. It’s always fun to have a nice night ride through the city, too.
Anyone you’d like to thank or mention who was involved with the build?
ST: None of this would be possible without my lady. She holds it down and allows my dreams to happen. There are times when I don’t come home until five in the morning covered in oil and smelling like gas. She, my two sons, and my family are my biggest fans and source of inspiration. All of my buddies are so encouraging and give me creativity when I need it most. The folks who trusted me to work on their bike were pivotal in my progression. Each of the builds I do has a piece of me and is a direct reflection of myself—good, bad, and in between.
ST: None of this would be possible without my lady. She holds it down and allows my dreams to happen. There are times when I don’t come home until five in the morning covered in oil and smelling like gas. She, my two sons, and my family are my biggest fans and source of inspiration. All of my buddies are so encouraging and give me creativity when I need it most. The folks who trusted me to work on their bike were pivotal in my progression. Each of the builds I do has a piece of me and is a direct reflection of myself—good, bad, and in between.
