Yamaha Virago XV535 By Old Empire Motorcycles

The ‘Bristol Bulldog’ is England-based Old Empire Motorcycles’ seventh build, a Yamaha Virago 535 inspired by the 1920s biplane fighter used by the Royal Air Force. In order to achieve the stocky look, OEM slapped on a set of USD forks and re-laced the wheels onto 16” rims wrapped in Avon SM MK2 rubber. OEM also ditched the original fuel tank for a vintage Japanese sportbike piece. Nifty details abound, like the velocity tanks peeking through the top of the tank, a small mesh cowling surrounding the twin headlights, and hand-tooled leather for the side panels, grips and peg inlays. At the rear is a pair of custom-made struts chromed and painted to match the front end, set off with 2.5” stainless pipes and a matte silver/gold paint scheme by Black Shuck Kustom. (bikerscafeblog)