Federal Moto?s Shaun Brandt is one of the rising stars of the custom scene, and he?s wowed us with several of his builds already. But when he wanted a bike for himself, he turned elsewhere?to Mike Muller of Chicago’s Powder Monkees.
It?s an odd collaboration, but it?s worked out beautifully. Shaun?s now got himself a slim, maneuverable SR500 that works on both tight city streets and cruisy beach boulevards.

Shaun is originally from Canada, but he?s just moved to the sunnier climes of Miami, Florida. ?Being able to ride all year round is a dream come true, after coming from a city with a three- or four-month safe riding reason,? he says.

The move prompted Shaun to get himself a new set of wheels. And there could be no other choice but the Yamaha SR500. ?It was my chariot back home?in stock form?and it’s also the perfect machine for the Florida sunshine.?

Shaun found a 1978 model, from the first year of production. SR500s are in demand so prices are fairly high, but mint condition bikes go for around $3,000.
Then he made a call to the Powder Monkees. ?Mike and I had been kickin’ tires about a build for a while,? says Shaun. ?He was the perfect fit: he’s fast and efficient, and he has a deep respect for the detailed work that goes into customizing motorcycles.?

Shaun and Mike decided to create a bike that?s fun to ride on short trips: ?My office is close to home, and the beach is a ten-minute ride across the bay,? says Shaun.
For inspiration...