16 - Tamiya 1/12 Yamaha Virago
What a enjoyable build, my first motorcycle and I'll definitely do more - Bikes are so much fun.
Didn't really like the red and gold scheme of the kit so decided to do a Copper, Chrome and black version.
I also wanted to play around with exhaust staining and I'm very happy with how it came out.
Moral of this story - buy a bike kit - they are awesome.
13 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Andrew H said on January 2, 2022
Looks great Anthony! I fully agree with your statement that bikes are fun. I think it's a combination of crafty kit engineering and the mix of painted finish and detailed mechanical bits that you can actually see when the kit is finished. Add the fact that they are typically "larger" scale, means the resolution offers more detail... I like your chosen color scheme, looks just right! Well done, sir.
Anthony Ricco said on January 2, 2022
Thanks so much Andrew - Appreciate the comments, yeah I need to get more bike kits for sure. Have you done any, don't see them on your profile.
Andrew H said on January 2, 2022
Yeah, you'll have to click the green "visit blog" button to see the full article listing.. I built Tamiya's 2019 new model Honda Monkey125 last year, and it was a great kit. I've also got a Suzuki Katana 90% done on the shelf that I'll finish before long, and did a few others in my past modeling life (teen years).
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Ah yes - I commented on your Monkey bike a while ago - superb and best is I saw all your other builds now - incredible work.
Jim Crabb said on January 2, 2022
Really nice build Anthony. The heat weathering on the pipes is dead on. And I agree, your color choice is better than red.
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Thanks so much Jim - the heat staining was really fun, came out a bit greener than I wanted but I was happy.
Robert Knaack said on January 2, 2022
That's a beautiful build, and the kit has some very nice detail!
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Thanks Robert, yes the bike kits have great detail and are really fun, this is one of the cheaper ones from Tamiya too so very worth it.
Doug Humphrey said on January 2, 2022
Great looking Virago, Anthony! Really like the job you did on the instrument clusters and engine. My stepdad had a 750cc (?) Virago, and a next door neighbor owned the 535 version, both of which looked really similar to the 1000.
Definitely agree about building more m/c models, you don't see them on shelves very often but there are some interesting subjects out there.
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Thanks Doug, yeah they are very interesting, need some more of them.
George Williams said on January 3, 2022
You’re right, these 1/12 bike kits are the business, and this one looks great in your custom colour scheme. I’ve posted a few here over the years, mainly Moto GP machines, please check them out if you have time.
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Wow George - I just had a look at your page and it's going to keep me busy for a while, amazing works, your bikes are fantastic but all your work is top quality.
Spiros Pendedekas said on January 3, 2022
Fantastic build, Anthony! Yes, bikes look so much fun to build and I already have a few kits to build someday!
Well done!
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Thanks Spiros - do yourself a favour and build one - you'll enjoy it a lot.
Tom Cleaver said on January 3, 2022
You can't kid me! That's a real one and you're just saying it's a model. 🙂
Very nice work - it really does "look real."
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Haha - thanks a lot Tom - thats the best compliment a model can get - really appreciate it.
John vd Biggelaar said on January 3, 2022
Absolurely great results, Anthony @anthonyricco
Very realistic looks with all the chrome.
Anthony Ricco said on January 3, 2022
Thanks a lot John - I would have liked to strip the chrome and repaint it but I don't have a decent chrome paint so left it.
Mark P Hartig said on January 4, 2022
Well done sir
Alcad II lacquer paint would be the answer
Anthony Ricco said on January 4, 2022
Thanks a lot Mark - I must try it. Appreciate the tip.