Of all the questions I get about the bikes we've built, it's safe to say half of them are about Sunny's XV750. In fact this late bloomer of a Virago was the motivation behind Bob Ranew's XV920 build — one of Classified Moto's current projects. The odd thing is that suddenly in the Richmond area, Viragos have become scarcer than...than...uh...a mouse at a cat convention? Anyway, the drought appears to be over and there are no less than six suitable Viragos ranging from 535cc to 920cc within a 100-mile radius of the state capital. If you've been thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these highly malleable '80s gems, now is the time. Search Craigslist and grab one yourself for a great DIY summer project. Of course we'd rather you let us build you something fun, famous and Classified. If you wanna, email john@classifiedmoto.com and we'll release the hounds.

You may have noticed this vehicle is not a motorcycle. But in the very first post on this site, I alluded to its existence and to more details that would follow. Well, I think you're finally ready for the scoop. Behold my 1989 Dodge Caravan — Turbo. So intense was my love-hate relationship with it that eventually I had to walk away from "fast" altogether. But the feeling has passed, and I'm just about ready to release this disturbed grocery-getter back into society.

Five years ago, the birth of my daughter Audrey came with but one downside — I would have to forfeit my thoroughly modified MINI COOPER S for something bigger and more practical. Now, with three kids, the possibility of the "M" word, was very real. My brain and soul did battle until I came up with the perfect solution. Yes, I would buy a minivan. But it would be on my terms.

I bought a beater turbo van locally, and immediately contacted Chrysler Turbo guru Mike De Moss at Forward Motion in Wilmington, Delaware. After some quick education on the massive horsepower potential of the Chrysler Turbo four banger, we got started. Mike built an impressive longblock with all the good stuff — complete with a serious cam and forged pistons — and gathered all the stuff I'd need to install it back in Richmond. Intercooler, blow-off valve, boost controller, a full set of Autometer gauges, intake, adjustable cam sprocket, urethane motor mounts, 3-inch exhaust and even a set of light wheels with drag radials mounted — I spared no expense to outrun an awful domestic vehicular fate.

Before long, my daily driver was the ultimate sleeper. It was stupid fast. I did burnouts. I took it to the drag strip. I hauled mulch and kids and whatnot. I was a regular at the dyno. But despite the advice of Mr. De Moss to monitor the air/fuel ratio religiously, to take baby steps when increasing boost, to just not do anything dumb — I blew it up. Twice. I fixed it twice. I trailered the van to Delaware for Mike's help on a regular basis. Then my transmission failed. Twice. I knew it was something I did, I just didn't know what.

Eventually, I realized I could not be trusted with such a ridiculously fun vehicle. With white smoke pouring from the tailpipe as my third dyno run ended, I had reached my breaking point and parked it.

But that was years ago. Time heals all wounds. People change. Sleepers awake...

A couple of weeks ago, I posted that we had a great shoot at Adam Ewing's photo studio in Richmond. Well, here are some of the initial pics from that epic day. First up is Adam Stockton's 1978 XS 750 Special. Click HERE for more details, but some history follows. Early this year, I made a trip to Virginia Beach to buy two bikes — a Honda Interceptor and Mr. Stockton's Special. I picked up the latter from a guy who kept it in his living room. He tells me the project lost steam when his mechanic had to do a stint in the slammer. Prior to his incarceration, the wayward technician installed some precariously placed forward controls and various chrome bits. Otherwise, the carbs were seized, the charging system was not working and the brakes were stuck. Looking back at the bike as I trailered it through the Hampton Roads Tunnel, it seemed happy to be moving again. I rolled back into Richmond after midnight with snow on the ground. The next day, I snapped some before pics and set out chopping. A lot of intrigue and turmoil ensued — the bike, perhaps, haunted by the mojo of its outlaw former mechanic. But with the first snow of the season still frozen on the ground, I hereby declare this monstrous triple officially Classified. Happy trails to bike and rider.

Many thanks to Mr. Adam Ewing for his incredible photo skills. More of his Classified Moto series to come, but you can check out his portfolio on his website.

Dreams Factory's Sunny Zhao and crew pulled out all the stops to capture the "Reciprocity" XV750 Wednesday at Virginia Motorsports Park. Armed with a dangerous-looking Red One Mysterium camera with a bazooka-sized lens, Sunny dreamt up a ton of incredible shots that flattered the bike to no end. Not only did Sunny and his amazing team get the job done, they did it on what seems like the coldest day of the year so far. To see more of Mr. Zhao's handiwork, go to the Dreams Factory site. To see the trailer for his feature that will co-star his evil Yamaha, visit the Reciprocity teaser site. The footage he shot at VMP will make it's way onto that site very soon. Until then, it will remain Classified.

Many thanks to the Dreams Factory team: Sunny Zhao (Director), Tim Dowdle (Producer and Miracle Worker), Josh Mumford (AC), Jon Dodd (PA), Leigh Hagan (2nd Camera Tech) and Rinny Wilson (2nd Camera Tech). And from VMP, Bryan Pierce and Reid Kidwell. Nothing would have happened without everyone's help. Thank you!

And as usual, the core Classified Moto crew — Cindy Hicks and Adam Ewing — were there shooting, riding and wrenching. Mr. Greg Ownby was sorely missed, but in his honor, we wrecked his '82 FT500 streetracker getting the perfect shot. New brake pedal on the way! (Photos: Cindy Hicks)