Speedconcepts Fatty

  You probably wouldn’t know just by looking at it, but this started out as a Yamaha R1 sportbike!  Here’s the details from Speedconcepts press release…

  Tyson Timperley and Speedconcepts unveiled its first custom motorcycle at Road Atlanta. The bike was conceived by Tyson Timperley, owner of Speedconcepts and the bikes owner Todd Treffert late one night on a bar napkin at a local bar in Milwaukee, WI. They were inspired by early race bikes from the 20’s and café racers from the 60’s. Shortly thereafter, a 2007 Yamaha R1 was purchased to donate its motor and front suspension. After about 10 months of fabrication work by Tyson, “Fatty” was born.

  After complete disassembly of the Yamaha, the engine was transferred to a stand and moved to Tyson’s basement. Tyson had built a frame jig in his basement and that is where “Fatty” really began to take shape. Many hours were spent eyeballing various frame lines and after hand rolling numerous tubes, they decided to go with the gentle sweeping arcs that currently showcase the one of a kind frame.

  The seat assembly looks like it floats, but does have a hidden shock assembly to cushion the rigid frames ride. Four exhaust pipes were creatively routed by Tyson through the tight space with two pipes coming up over the rear fender and two pipes peaking out underneath the lower frame rails. A radiator shroud that is reminiscent of old hot rods was made out of fiberglass to protect the Ron Davis Racing radiator. Fiberglass was also used to create the number plate which hides the instrument cluster and presents the headlights perfectly. The idea for paint was to keep it simple, so the frame was painted a gloss black while most of the other items were painted a flat black. To keep it race inspired, flat black numbers were added in a flat ivory background.

  While Tyson was busy fabricating, Todd worked on finding some of the unique accessories to complement Tyson’s handcrafted pieces. Pickard USA was chosen to supply the rims - 23” wheels on the front and 20” on the rear. They are covered by Avon tires - 130 in the front and 280 in the rear. Rizoma rearsets were used and Exile supplied rear sprocket brake kit. In addition to utilizing the stock Yamaha R1 brakes and rotors up front, the stock Yamaha wiring harness and gauge cluster were kept. To help keep the bike tuned properly a Power Commander was installed.

  I can see how the radiator is reminescent of an old hot-rod, and the number plates do their part to remind one of a racebike.  The part about it being inspired by 20’s racebikes and 60’s cafe racers is hard for me to see.  Both of those inspirations are all about light weight and speed, and “Fatty” just doesn’t jive with that.  Oh well, it’s a great build nonetheless, and I like it!

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Source: The Kneeslider