ART&DESIGN: Sketches On A Plane

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Between the sun and beach, I didn't get much (any) blogging done while on vacation.
I did however use my free time to crack the bind on a new sketchbook.

Here are some rough sketches I scribbled out, between turbulence, on the plane ride to and from MA. Turns out laying down good elipses during a thunderstorm is next to impossible, so I just aimed for composition and proportional studies.















ART&DESIGN: Classified Moto XV920 Merch

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Classified Moto has a pretty talented staff of creative people.
I'm the proud owner of one out of fifty of their previous screen prints of Tanya and the Yamazuki.
This time around you can get your hands on a limited run of prints and shirts featuring their latest XV920 build.

Print and shirt designs were all done by Bob Ranew, the bike's new owner.






Each hand pulled screen print is numbered, and printed on heavy 26x19" paper.

DAILY INSPIRATION: Classified Moto's Virago Released

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No more teaser shots. Full blown shots of Classified Moto's latest build, the Yamaha Virago XV920 for Bob Ranew, has been released. The full write up can be seen on BikeEXIF if you haven't been over there already.

In true Classified Moto style, the details are tastefully raw, and the suspension has been heavily upgraded. Follow the jump for the spec sheet and more shots.



Classified Moto XV920R6-R specification
Owner: Bob Ranew, North Carolina, USA
Basis: 1982 Yamaha Virago XV920R
Front suspension: 2009 Yamaha YZF R6-R with modified triple tree and upgraded bearings
Rear suspension: 2008 Yamaha YZF R6-S shortened and modified to mate to the XV frame with a Triumph Daytona adjustable shock
Tires: Dunlop D616 180/55-17 (rear), Metzeler ME880 130/80-17 (front)
Tank: Ubiquitous but awesome Benelli Mojave 360 tank, nickel plated with paint by our buddy Barry Griffin of Richmond, VA.
Exhaust: Custom with modified Moto Guzzi California pipe and NOS scrambler style heat shield
Controls: Custom foot controls left and right with left side perforated metal sprocket guard, nickel plated. Top mounted dirt bike bars with Oury grips.
Lights & gauges: Minimum required in Virginia. Headlight is 5 3/4-inch unit courtesy of Lloyd Vintage with custom nickel-plated cage made from used spokes. No turn indicators. Taillight and Acewell gauge from Dime City Cycles.
Fuel & Air: Carbs tuned for 2-into-1 exhaust and pod filter
Electrics: Simplified harness with battery mounted underneath the swing arm.
Seat: Custom seat rails, pan and foam with cover sewn by our buddy Devin’s delightful and patient mom.






DAILY INSPIRATION: More Classified Teaser Shots

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A week or two ago, I posted some teaser shots of Classified Moto's latest build, Bob Ranew's 9182 XV920.
Well, John has released yet another teaser shot, this time in full livery.


Now look up what a 1982 stock Virago looks like... then back at this again.
The stance is ...so...pretty.......::single tear::

Anxiously awaiting the full shoot, which John says is to be released very soon.

SHORT FILM: Iron and Resin, the brand.

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Iron and Resin is a collaborative of friends, based in southern California, specializing in one-off, hand crafted, merchandise. They run the gamut of land and sea, with their surf and motorcycle focused goods.

Scott G. Toepfer ( It's Better in the Wind ) was recently commissioned to shoot a brand book for them.
The book can be viewed on the Iron and Resin website.




Here is the branding short, also filmed and edited by Scott.
I'm going to try to pick up a copy of the book. I love lifestyle brand projects.