Super Star

Super Star

Well done with all the trimmings

IT'S A COMMON BELIEF THAT MILWAUKEE iron is the base requirement for a showstopping custom. But the tide is steadily turning as an increasing number of Japanesebased cruisers break into the custom scene. Just ask Yamaha customizer John VaughanChaldy, and you'll quickly learn that many of his current clientele were once die-hard Harley fanatics.

During the past two years, Vaughan-Chaldy has produced and sold several Royal Starbased customs. These bikes have spawned a new company, Baron Custom Accessories (550 Industrial Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028; 888/278-2819), which produces a line of custom and performance parts for the V-Four cruiser. One of Vaughan-Chaldy's creations is aptly named Super Star. It's the culmination of an 18month research-and-development program.

program. "Nothing was available for the bike when I started, so I got companies to build parts for me," says VaughanChaldy, who sketched his designs on paper, then got the Harley-Davidson aftermarket to manufacture them. "It was a little hard at first," he says. "I came up against some opposition and hard feelings." Once the parts builders saw a completed bike, though, Vaughan-Chaldy quickly gained their respect and cooperation.

Especially from Steve Baker, of Hog Heaven Custom Painting. "I was inspired after seeing the possibilities of what Baker could do with shaping and stretching metal," says Vaughan-Chaldy. "I don't like working with fiberglass. I think that's kind of the easy route. My father owned a classiccar dealership where we restored vintage motors. One thing you don't do is use fiberglass when restoring something."

The plan was to create a clean custom without lots of "appendages" hanging off of it. (As evidence of this, check out the clever use of LED lighting frenched into the fenders.) Baker lengthened and stretched the fenders, adding enough metal to hide most of the rear tire. This, Vaughan-Chaldy says, offers a more eye-pleasing transition from the sleek paint to the chrome-spoked wheels. The license plate also was recessed into the fender, and a tiny light was embedded into the overhang.

Baker stretched the stock sidecovers below the seat and extended the gas tank 8 Vi inches to better meet the custom leather saddle. A flush-mount gas cap was added, and the rubber strip that normally extends out from under the stock instruments was eliminated to better expose Baker's paintwork.

If chrome is your thing, this is one shining Star. Working from Vaughan-Chaldy sketches, Aeromach built many of the billet-aluminum covers. What started with simple carb covers led to covers for the cylinders, water pump and brake calipers. Aeromach also machined the fork-leg bullets, 8-ball handlebar risers, reservoir covers and oval mirrors. The lower triple-tree also wears a custom aluminum cover that facilitates the Headwinds headlight.

Baron Custom Accessories builds its bikes for customers who ride. "I always keep in mind that the bike has to be ridden," says Vaughan-Chaldy. "It needs to be comfortable, it's gotta have good performance and can't be something that requires high maintenance."

That's an appealing aspect for those who might enjoy an extended cruise on one of Vaughan-Chaldy's creations. If you're looking for a tasty custom that's more than just show, place your order for one Super Star to go. Hold the onions.

Don Canet