DIY Cycle Parts' Custom Virago Wins K&N's Top Performer Class in New York

Dec 28, 2016

DIY Cycle Parts' Custom Virago at the NY IMS

DIY Cycle Parts' Custom Virago graced the NY IMS

A 750cc Yamaha Virago is certainly not the typical donor bike for a custom build. That honor is typically reserved for large displacement American V-twins, exotic Euro mounts, or vintage Japanese inline 4 models. As atypical as a custom Virago may be, “Crème Brûlée” proves that any motorcycle has the potential for show-quality greatness. As you’ll see, that was one of the goals of its talented builders.

The bike, built by Thomas Foulds and his partners at DIY Cycle Parts in Yardley, Pennsylvania, won the K&N Top Performer Award at the New York stop of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS). K&N is proud to sponsor three classes of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show in each city that IMS visits.

A young IMS visitor gets the seat of honor on Crème Brûlée

We had a chat with Foulds about his background, about Crème Brûlée, and how the stunning build came to be. Here is what he had to say.

K&N: What was the inspiration for the build?

Thomas Foulds: My inspiration for this bike was my own struggles with finding reliable, good quality bikes that the everyday person can afford. When I started building this bike, I set out to build a bike that was practical and enjoyable for the everyday ride, but still retained the look and style for a full custom café racer style bike. It was important that I reach this vision without sacrificing the cost or reliability of the bike.

K&N: What are its coolest features?

DIY Cycle Parts' Custom Virago engine, wheel, and helmet

Custom paint on the Virago was done by Working Class Choppers, of Trenton, New Jersey

TF: One of the features that I like the most as a builder is the completely hung motor. It has no front or rear frame supports to hold the motor. The motor is used as part of the frame itself. I also really like the wheel and motor plexi inserts that were hand made for the bike, the newly modified frame that allows for the leaf spring seat, and the fully exposed mono shock.

K&N: What is your building background?

TF: There are three people that work in the shop, Steve Campbell, John Creely, and myself. Steve and I have been working together on motorcycles for the past 14 years, originally on small, personal projects, but more recently on entire bikes that we sell. Aside from working on motorcycles, I have also been an aircraft mechanic with the Air Force for the last decade.

DIY Cycle Parts' Custom Virago plexiglass accents

Plexiglass accents finish the look of the build

K&N: What are your plans for future builds?

TF: Funny you should ask that. As of right now we are planning an in-house biker build-off that will consist of three bikes, one for each of us. The bikes are all similar in size and style. We’ll use a 1981 CB 1100, 1980 GS 1100, and we’re still looking for a Yamaha or a Kawasaki 1100 to finish off the third. We will all have the same budget and time to finish the bike; the design is all up to us. We hope that each bike will showcase our individual personalities and we will let the public decide who is best.

K&N: Anything else you want to add?

TF: I would like to say that this is a veteran owned and operated business that is committed to building custom bikes and parts that the average working person can afford.

K&N congratulates Thomas Foulds of DIY Cycle Parts on the fantastic custom Virago. We also sincerely appreciate his military service.

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