Leprechaun

A year ago a Yamaha RS 400 came from distant Japan to become a donor for my next project.

Initially it was planned to make a compact single-seat motorcycle with no plastic and other dermatine, but a little bit of rust and rat look.
I used the fuel tank and the rear fender from the Izh. I decided not to change the geometry of the motorcycle, keeping its home base. A new rear part of the frame was made, all the excess brackets are cut off. The motorcycle was understated with the help of shorter shock absorbers, assembled from several different ones. The fuel tank was thoroughly redesigned for the correct landing on the frame, the sidewall with the inscriptions Izh and the platform under the shift lever are cut and replaced with new metal sheets.
Every detail of this motorcycle has its own history: the wheel is a trophy, it is from the NSO of 1936 and is installed in the form in which it was found; fork casings are converted from casings from the Pannonia; a headlight from the old Minsk, with Japanese optics; the stop signal is made of a bell and a cataphor from M72; pedal of the kick starter from an old bicycle; the electro-glove box under the saddle is made of two spoons from the dining room, and its closure was a part of a musical drum; the silencer is Frankenstein from the details of the BMP and the tuning tail from the Kawasaki Voyager. The seat is self-made, on the springs.

When all the details in the metal were gathered together, I got a compact rideable retro-cycle with a comfortable. There was a non-standard solution - to cover it with varnish with the addition of pigment, so that through it you could see scratches on the metal and there was a feeling that the motorcycle was covered with glass. Decoration was decided to paint with the addition of green pigment, and the frame and small parts - with a brown one.
And so, I have a painted motorcycle almost ready, I sat and looked at it, and then one word comes to mind: the leprechaun! Well, surely - small, green, with old worn thing (the handlebar is old, and most of the details are old)). But I had to add some details. And made it) The wrought-iron bracket with clover leaves was carefully treated with acid to match the rusty handlebar.
Wooden pads took their place on the front wheel, the seat is covered with embossed in the form of floral and clover ornaments. On the gasoline tank there were lining, cut from the shoe sole. And instead of plastic clips, leather straps with brass buckles. All visible wiring was hidden into a fabric braid from an old armored carpet.
Now it's time to ride and adjust it. On the move the motorcycle is very friendly and obedient, it can be driven by anyone - addiction is not required.

The effect is achieved - an unusual motorcycle, looking old-fashioned, also reliable and simple. Leprechaun discovers to us a new meaning of ordinary things and the beauty of flaws, such as rust and dents. It does not have a gram of putty and plastic, there is no electric starter and electronics, every detail is absolutely honest and unambiguous. Yes it is custom, it's my child. His owner is riding on it and does not carry any tools. You can be sure this motorcycle has a soul.