Hi All,

For the last six months I've been working with a couple shops to give my 2000 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic a new look with a rather unique theme. Specifically, the killer spheres from the Phantasm horror movie series.

The paint design evolved from two sources of inspiration

• The triple bladed sphere shown in one of the posters for Phantasm IV
• The "Silver Blade" custom paint job designed by JE Illusions

We started by stretching the tank using the extension from Baron Custom Accessories, and welding/drilling holes on the rear fender to eliminate the brake light/signal light/license plate assembly, and to accomodate installation of a pair of bullet signal lights on the sides. A side mount was then installed for the license plate and brake light.

My initial instructions for the paint were to come up with a design similar to the "Silver Blade" project referenced above, but with more substance to the blades, more defined edges, and contours reminiscent of the Phantasm sphere blades (no jagged edges though).Also, I wanted the black on top of the tins to fade to a bloody looking root beer color.

I was initially thinking of a 3d illustration for the spheres but was blown away when the painter proposed a tribal rendition of the triple bladed sphere. I couldn't have been happier then when I saw the skull-like tribal ball now gracing the tank top and the helmet and I'm thrilled with the look of every one of the tins.

As I write this the custom shop is working on final assembly. I can't wait to get this project literally "on the road" for Memorial Day weekend. I'll be sure to post pictures of the bike when it's complete.