Customs & Choppers - Viral Blade Streetfighter

But despite the doom and gloom, the scene is still strong and there are still some impressive bikes being built, like the 'Viral Blade' created by Victorian company, Bike Craft.

Based around a '94 model CBR 900RR Fireblade frame and engine, Viral Blade also combines Suzuki and Yamaha components into a very cohesive package, especially when you consider it was bought as crash-damaged stock 'Blade almost a decade ago.

The engine has been kept largely stock, but rebuilt by Robson at Bike Craft and dressed up with new braided lines, K&N Filter and other custom add-ons. The front end uses GSX-R 1000 K6 forks and brakes (on Galfer rotors) with a GSX-R 600 front wheel finished in a deep bronze paint on the outer rims that's also picked up on the GSX-R-sourced swingarm and rear wheel.

The front brake master cylinder is also GSX-R 1000, with Rizoma reservoir and levers. The trimmed fairing and headlight are also Suzuki - from a GSX-R 750 - while the front guard is a stock GSX-R 1000 item.

It's at the back where this streetfighter really gets interesting, though. The seat unit is built up from a modified Yamaha R6 with a completely new subframe made by Bike Craft, which sits above the 'Wizard's Sleeve' pipes scratch-built by Bike Craft, which are a talking point in themselves and something that Bike Craft are pretty proud of!

All up, Viral Blade is a pretty effective combination of three different brands into one standout unit. We also liked that fact the Bike Craft weren't afraid to use white! While black/silver/red/etc., have their merits, it's not often you see a custom builder choosing to go with white as a main colour scheme.

Brad and Mark at Bike Craft did all the paint and came up with the tribal-style black design, outlined in copper to pick up the engine colour. Wheels feature gloss black spokes, while the frame and triple clamps are finished in a satin black. We particularly liked the milling on the triple clamps and fork caps, as well as the MotoGadget digital dash.

Bike Craft's Viral Blade features on the Aussie Streetfighters 2009 calendar and also drew a lot of attention on the Bike Craft stand at this year's Australian Motorcycle Expo - Gold Coast.

The cost for all this? Owner Dan said "Don't Ask!" However, where sure it's pretty reasonable compared to what you can spend making a custom bike.

BikeCraft also created the diverse range of customs shown below. Bike Craft are located at Factory 1/6 Shearson Crescent, Mentone, Victoria. If you'd like the crew at Bike Craft to create a custom machine for you, give them a call on (03) 9585 2100, or check out their online gallery at www.bikecraft.net.au.