Powder Monkees was a Chicago-based shop that specialized in custom motorcycles, part finishes and fabrication. Federal Moto also creates one-of-a-kind bikes. The two shops joined forces—Powder Monkees is now, officially, Federal Moto US—to create a custom beach tracker for one of Federal’s own who made the move to Florida. The goal of the collaboration was to create something small, simple and fun with a light color palette, minimalist parts choices and wild tires. What started as a 1978 Yamaha SR500 got a Yamaha TT500 tank, Honda TL250 headlight, Triumph mono-shock suspension, custom seat and framework, Mikuni carb, Metzler tires and the aforementioned fresh paint job. The end result, dubbed Sunshine State of Mind, is marvelous.
More Transportation
A Haunted Road Trip: Ghosts, Cocktails, and a Very Creepy Hospital
From dilapidated hospitals to disapproving librarians in a bar, I took a haunted Eastern Washington road trip.
2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks is More Civilized, But No Less Capable
The Outer Banks brings commuting comfort to Ford’s off-road icon without sanding away its personality.
A Pilgrimage to Italy’s Iconic Superbikes and Supercars in Emilia-Romagna
The museums, factory tours, racetracks, restaurants, and hotels that turn Emilia-Romagna into heaven for anyone who grew up obsessed with fast machines.