Paul Yaffe's Prodigy
65 images Created 2 Aug 2020
Paul Yaffe's Prodigy - 2000
Prodigy: “An impressive or outstanding example of a particular quality / An amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature.” This build named “Prodigy” was the third and final exercise in a particular direction of style. The exercise started with a bike named “Cashmere”. While building Cashmere, I started another project named “Sliver”. While building “Sliver” I was commissioned by Dennis Block who I had met in Daytona while showing Cashmere, to build Prodigy. By the time the “Prodigy” build had my full attention I was so obsessed with perfecting this particular 4-year style exercise that every detail had to be just right! I cut the Daytec frame into a dozen pieces tweaking its geometry until it flowed just right. I raked the swingarm pivot area, dropped the seat height and raked the neck. This build was all about flow. I wanted to integrate everything I could, eliminate as much clutter as possible having each part carrying multiple tasks.
Once the mountain of fabrication was completed (1000+ hrs) Prodigy had to be completely assembled pre-paint to allow every detail and function to be considered and perfected. A compartment was created within the tank tunnel that housed coils, all electrical, on-off and start switches and even the chock knob! Looms were fabricated and welded to the frame to route brake lines and such to avoid any clamps or zip ties.
Prodigy went on to capture Best of Show honors in Verona, Italy and Germany as well as every well-known show across the United States. Somewhere along this journey The Mattel Toy company decided to immortalize Prodigy by creating a Hot Wheel in her likeness! What an honor and certainly one of the biggest feathers in my career hat!
During her recent restoration I found even myself blown away at the level of detail and obsession I was capable of as my career took shape over 20 years ago... One thing I can tell you is that I got to ride her again a month ago before sending her here and she rides as good as she looks! She’s a keeper! Thanks for taking the time….
-Paul Yaffe (2020)
Prodigy: “An impressive or outstanding example of a particular quality / An amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature.” This build named “Prodigy” was the third and final exercise in a particular direction of style. The exercise started with a bike named “Cashmere”. While building Cashmere, I started another project named “Sliver”. While building “Sliver” I was commissioned by Dennis Block who I had met in Daytona while showing Cashmere, to build Prodigy. By the time the “Prodigy” build had my full attention I was so obsessed with perfecting this particular 4-year style exercise that every detail had to be just right! I cut the Daytec frame into a dozen pieces tweaking its geometry until it flowed just right. I raked the swingarm pivot area, dropped the seat height and raked the neck. This build was all about flow. I wanted to integrate everything I could, eliminate as much clutter as possible having each part carrying multiple tasks.
Once the mountain of fabrication was completed (1000+ hrs) Prodigy had to be completely assembled pre-paint to allow every detail and function to be considered and perfected. A compartment was created within the tank tunnel that housed coils, all electrical, on-off and start switches and even the chock knob! Looms were fabricated and welded to the frame to route brake lines and such to avoid any clamps or zip ties.
Prodigy went on to capture Best of Show honors in Verona, Italy and Germany as well as every well-known show across the United States. Somewhere along this journey The Mattel Toy company decided to immortalize Prodigy by creating a Hot Wheel in her likeness! What an honor and certainly one of the biggest feathers in my career hat!
During her recent restoration I found even myself blown away at the level of detail and obsession I was capable of as my career took shape over 20 years ago... One thing I can tell you is that I got to ride her again a month ago before sending her here and she rides as good as she looks! She’s a keeper! Thanks for taking the time….
-Paul Yaffe (2020)
