“I couldn’t personal the identify of being a bike-builder till I actually did construct one from scratch.”
We’re as responsible of it as anybody else. We frequently speak about bike “builds” and “builders,” when the overwhelming majority of customized bikes are simply that: custom-made, not likely constructed. It’s the widespread language of the customs world, however once you get right down to brass tacks, there’s a world of distinction between a motorcycle with a scratch-built one-off chassis and one which’s extremely modified.
That’s to not take something away from most customs. Chassis and suspension engineering are extremely complicated, and in the case of bikes, errors with regard to geometry and suspension dynamics might be deadly. So body fabrication is greatest left to these with the abilities, expertise, and boldness to create, take a look at, and trip their very own machines.
One such builder is Dan Stone of Stibnite Moto, whose chassis-building chops have been placed on prime show at this 12 months’s Malle Mile Seashore Race, the place he rode his scratch-built “Stibnite Stinger” to an general victory on the Margate Sands (and took dwelling second place in the principle Malle Mile occasion as nicely). Says Dan:
“As a motorcycle builder — nicely, ‘customiser’ — I all the time felt unhealthy when requested: ‘Did you construct that?’ And having to say: ‘Nicely, it’s a Yamaha and I’ve modified it,’ and so on. So I felt I couldn’t personal the identify of being a bike-builder till I actually did construct one from scratch.”
Rising up, Dan was closely influenced by Streetfighters journal, the place “flash paint, pie-cut exhausts, and tubular chassis” have been all the fad. By the point Dan was sufficiently old to executie on his personal visions, the journal and full streetfighter scene had waned…however not the affect, which shines clearly by his 2023 Stibnite Super7.
Dan constructed the tubular body and swingarm from scratch, designing them across the engine that’s made him the “07 King”: Yamaha’s CP2, the liquid-cooled 689cc parallel-twin that powers the Yamaha MT-07, XSR700, R7, and even the Ténéré 700. Some specialists have referred to as this 700 twin the most effective parallel-twin of all time, and Dan has surrounded the compact 75-hp engine with an intricate internet of fabrication.
In addition to the bespoke body and swingarm, there’s a 205-piece pie-cut exhaust system, closely modified CB1000 gas tank, handmade seat unit, cast magnesium wheels, Öhlins suspension, and way more. The time and fabrication expertise are readily obvious from any angle, so it’s no marvel the bike has been “a little bit of a present pony” this 12 months.
Identified for his Malle Mile antics, nonetheless, Dan shouldn’t be one to maintain a horse within the barn, and he has plans for the Super7 as soon as the surly British climate clears up.
“Its first actual shakedown run was an 1/Eighth-mile drag race and nothing fell off! It’s very mild and stops on a penny. Hoping to get out for some observe days when the climate is healthier right here within the very moist UK.”
Beneath, we speak to bike-builder Dan Stone for extra particulars on the Stibnite Super7. You may absolutely declare that title now, Dan!
MT-07 Powered Café Racer: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, mannequin, and 12 months of the donor?
That is the 2023 Stibnite Super7.
• Why was this bike constructed?
As a motorcycle builder — nicely, “customiser” — I all the time felt unhealthy when requested: “Did you construct that?” And having to say: “Nicely, it’s a Yamaha and I’ve modified it,” and so on. So I felt I couldn’t personal the identify of being a bike-builder till I actually did construct one from scratch.
• What was the design idea and what influenced the construct?
I grew up studying my father’s Streetfighters magazines and all the time dreamed of constructing a motorcycle to grace their pages. Sadly, by the point I had the know-how to take action, the journal was no extra. However I’m closely influenced by the designs of the early 2000s streetfighter scene. Flash paint, pie-cut exhausts, tubular chassis, and the like.
• What customized work was performed to the bike?
It’s had a complete customized tubular body and swingarm that I constructed. A 205-piece pie-cut wraparound exhaust system. A really closely modified CB1000 tank, handmade one-off seat unit. It has cast magnesium OZ wheels and Öhlins suspension, plus quite a lot of different goodies all spherical.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
The Super7.
• Are you able to inform us what it’s wish to trip?
Up till this 12 months it’s been a little bit of a present pony. Its first actual shakedown run was an 1/Eighth-mile drag race and nothing fell off! It’s very mild and stops on a penny. Hoping to get out for some observe days when the climate is healthier right here within the very moist UK.
Extra Stibnite Moto Builds
