The motorcycle featured here began life as a standard 1984 Honda Gold Wing, but it no longer resembles the factory version. Over time, it was completely reimagined with major changes to its frame, suspension, fuel system, and overall design. The builder drew inspiration from both personal history and a racing legend, giving the project a unique identity and theme that set it apart from other custom builds.
The machine now blends parts from different Honda models, modern performance upgrades, and handmade components. Careful attention was given to both function and appearance, with details ranging from suspension geometry to custom paint and lighting. The result is a bike that carries the character of its original model while reflecting years of creativity, technical skill, and personal vision.
Key Takeaways
- The project transformed a stock motorcycle into a fully custom build.
- Modern parts and handmade features improved both performance and style.
- The design balances mechanical function with strong visual details.
History and Inspiration
Early Factory Condition
The motorcycle began as a 1984 Honda Gold Wing in its original stock form. It came from a second owner, had low mileage, and was well kept. Over time, it shifted from a standard touring bike into a fully reimagined custom build, with nearly every major component altered or replaced.
Key factory details:
- Model year: 1984
- Condition at purchase: Stock, low mileage
- Original setup: Dual shocks, storage compartment in place of visible fuel tank
Naming After a Champion Horse
The bike carries the name “Ruffian”, inspired by a famous racehorse from the mid-1970s. Ruffian, a mare, won every race she entered until a tragic breakdown on the track ended her career. Standing at 16.2 hands, she left a lasting impression, and her strength and presence influenced the theme of the motorcycle.
The name also appears on the tires, created using custom lettering from a specialty company. The letters were glued onto the sidewalls after careful preparation, giving the wheels a clean, factory-like finish.
How the Motorcycle Was Acquired
The builder searched for the right Gold Wing for about a year and a half, checking listings on Craigslist and eBay. The chosen bike came from a careful owner and provided a solid base for modification.
Acquisition timeline:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Search period | ~18 months |
| Source | Craigslist and eBay |
| Condition | Well-maintained, second owner |
This careful selection ensured the project started with a dependable machine before it was transformed into the custom build known as Ruffian.
Key Custom Work
Front Section Changes
The original front suspension was replaced with inverted forks from a 2014 Honda CBR600RR. This gave the bike a modern setup while keeping it within the Honda family of parts. Custom lettering was added to the Pirelli tires using adhesive sidewall decals, giving them a factory-style look.
Key details:
- Inverted forks from CBR600RR
- Custom tire lettering applied with adhesive
- Maintained Honda components where possible
Suspension Modifications
The stock dual-shock design was removed in favor of a modernized setup. Custom fabrication allowed two shocks from a CBR600RR to mount to the frame. Reinforced steel channels and brackets were welded in place to handle the load.
Notable points:
- Dual shock system adapted from CBR600RR
- Reinforced with welded steel brackets
- Provides smoother ride despite non-factory geometry
Fuel Tank and Intake Conversion
The original Gold Wing storage compartment was replaced with a real fuel tank from a late-70s Honda CB550. This required major adjustments to fuel flow and throttle linkage. The factory air box was removed, and pod filters were installed to allow proper filtration with the new tank layout.
Changes made:
- CB550 tank fitted and modified
- Custom throttle linkage built after removing air box
- K&N pod filters added for clean airflow
Rear Frame Rebuild
The rear section of the frame was cut and reworked to support the new suspension and styling. A custom hoop with integrated lighting was added, including turn signals and brake lights. The design kept the rear clean while improving visibility.
Rear frame updates:
- Fabricated frame mounts for new suspension
- Steel reinforcement added for strength
- Integrated hoop with LED lighting and license plate signals
Performance Upgrades
Steering and Control Changes
He replaced the stock front end with inverted forks from a 2014 Honda CBR600RR. This change gave the bike a modern front suspension setup while keeping it within the Honda family of parts. The updated geometry altered the way the bike behaves in corners, with the forks tending to follow the lean more aggressively than the factory setup.
Key adjustments:
- Inverted forks from CBR600RR
- Modified frame mounts
- Reduced turning radius at low speeds
Comfort and Suspension Setup
The original dual rear shocks were removed and replaced with a custom dual monoshock arrangement, also sourced from the CBR600RR. He fabricated steel brackets and reinforced channels to handle the load, since the Gold Wing’s driveshaft housing was not designed for this type of stress. Despite the heavy modifications, the ride feels smooth and not overly stiff.
| Component | Original | Modified |
|---|---|---|
| Rear shocks | Dual factory shocks | Dual CBR600RR monoshocks |
| Frame support | Stock | Reinforced steel channels |
| Ride feel | Softer, touring style | Smooth but more controlled |
Wheels, Rubber, and Custom Lettering
The bike runs on Pirelli tires, but he personalized them with custom sidewall lettering. Using adhesive lettering from a specialty supplier, he scuffed the sidewalls to ensure proper bonding before attaching the decals. The result is a clean, factory-like appearance that matches the bike’s unique identity.
Steps taken for tire customization:
- Selected Pirelli tires
- Designed custom lettering through an online service
- Prepared sidewalls by scuffing for adhesion
- Applied and sealed lettering for durability
This detail ties into the bike’s overall theme and gives it a distinct look that complements the rest of the build.
Electrical and Screen Functions
Digital Gauge Cluster
The bike uses a Moto Gadget unit that shows speed, RPM, and temperature. The display can switch between miles per hour or kilometers per hour, as well as Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also tracks details like radiator heat, acceleration, and braking. While the screen is reliable, its dot-matrix style can be harder to read at a quick glance.
Built-In Rear Lighting
The rear frame hoop holds integrated lights that function as brake lamps and turn signals. Extra signals are also built into the license plate bracket. This setup keeps the back of the bike clean while still providing good visibility on the road.
Adjustable Readouts and Units
The system allows the rider to customize measurements to personal preference. Options include:
| Feature | Choices Available |
|---|---|
| Speed | MPH / KPH |
| Temperature | Fahrenheit / Celsius |
| Extra Data | Radiator temp, acceleration, braking |
This flexibility makes it easier to match the readouts to different riding styles or regions.
Visual Features
Paintwork and Surface Finish
The builder painted the motorcycle himself in a home paint booth. Instead of keeping the usual black frame and silver motor, he reversed the scheme. The frame carries a lighter tone, while the engine stands out in a darker finish. This choice gives the bike a cleaner and more distinct look compared to its factory setup.
| Component | Factory Look | Custom Look |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Black | Light color |
| Engine | Silver | Dark finish |
Bars and Seating Stance
The handlebars rise slightly, giving the rider a more upright position. This setup avoids the heavy forward lean often found on low custom builds. It balances comfort with control, making the bike easier to handle during longer rides.
Key points:
- Slight rise in bars
- Upright seating posture
- Reduced strain on wrists and back
Distinctive Design Touches
Several details make the motorcycle stand out. The tires feature custom lettering applied with adhesive after the sidewalls were prepped. The rear hoop includes integrated lighting for turn signals and brakes, paired with a license plate light system. A digital display from Moto Gadget sits up front, showing speed, RPM, and temperature in a compact layout.
Notable elements:
- Custom tire lettering
- Integrated rear hoop lights
- Compact digital display with multiple readouts
Riding Feelings
First Time on the Road
The rider noted this was the first time seeing the finished build in person. The bike started with a deep, steady sound that stood out right away. Pulling onto the street, the limited turning radius became clear, especially at low speeds, but it didn’t affect normal riding once moving.
Seating Position and Controls
The seating setup felt more upright than expected for such a low and customized build. Handlebars with a slight rise kept the rider from leaning too far forward, creating a relaxed stance. This arrangement made the bike easier to control and more comfortable than many other custom projects.
Cornering and Ride Quality
The suspension, built with dual shocks from a newer sport model, gave a smooth ride despite heavy fabrication. The rider expected stiffness but found it handled bumps well. In corners, the front end tended to pull into the lean, a trait noticed on other custom builds too.
Key points observed:
- Smooth ride despite modified suspension
- Forks react quickly to lean angles
- Balanced feel once underway
A small digital display added modern data such as speed, RPM, and temperature, though the rider found it harder to read at a glance. Even with that, the bike delivered a solid mix of comfort, style, and unique handling traits.
