Building a decent custom motorcycle is a far more intensive process than some might realize. Joseph Savor found this out the hard way: it took him seven years to finish this little firecracker of a Yamaha SR500.
Joseph’s based in Sydney, Australia, and customizes bikes part time as Simple Sycles. This SR isn’t his only custom build, but it was the one he started with?and it’s been in a constant state of evolution since. ?I’m equally happy and sad to say it?s version four,? he quips.

It all started when Joseph bought his first bike: a customized Yamaha SR400 from a well-known local shop. He soon developed an itch to build his own bike, figuring it’d be a walk in the park. So he sold the SR400, broke even, and started hunting for a replacement. Soon after, Joseph spotted a 1978 SR500 at a wrecker about three hours drive away. It seemed like a good deal?until he got it home. He realized it needed a full motor rebuild.

Joseph doesn’t actually have his own workshop?instead, he hoofs it over to his parents’ house in Oatley, and takes over their back yard. ?Mum and Dad have put up with a lot of mess and a lot less space in their yard for a long time,? he jokes. ?No garage, just tarps to cover up once I?m done, and always praying for no rain so I can keep working.?
He’s also not too big to admit that he can’t do everything, so he’s gradually built up a network of skilled pros that can jump in when needed.

Between...