Just like the custom Yamaha XV950 we featured, the ‘CS-06 Dissident’ custom Yamaha XJR1300 is part of the Yard Built series which involves Yamaha commissioning specials builders around the world. And having previously built custom 1200 and 1300 XJR specials, the terribly-named it roCkS!bikes were a logical choice to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the XJR.
Civil engineers by day and bike builders by night, Osvaldo Coutinho and Alexandre Santos are known for creating flowing ‘monocoque’ specials which combine the fuel tank, seat and tail piece into one smooth unit. In this case, turning the muscular XJR into a smooth and slippery cafe racer which just happens to have a whacking great engine.
What makes this even more impressive is that the pair didn’t do any cutting or welding to the bike.
If the CS-06 Dissident inspires a turn of speed, the stopping power has been increased with a complete ISR braking system, including master cylinders for the front brake and clutch, and front and rear calipers. The front gets 340mm discs, the rear gets 267mm discs, 6-piston calipers at the front apply the pressure, and there are Hel Performance steel mesh brake and clutch hoses.
The Yamaha range was raided to provide some YZF-R1 upside down forks for the front suspension, which were then modified to fit the XJR1300 steering column. The back relies on the familiar golden yellow of Ohlins.
And like the ‘Playa del Ray’ custom, Motogadget supplied parts including aluminium grips, M-Blaze indicators and a Motoscope pro dashboard. The parts were mounted on a custom CNC machined aluminium bracket and a set of LSL clip-on cafe racer handlebars.
The stock engine covers were replaced on both sides with lighter aluminium pieces with glass windows to show what’s happening with the big 1300cc engine.
And there’s more, including a smaller, high performance oil cooler and a handmade 4-into-2 stainless steel exhaust.
Although the cafe racer style isn’t known for great rider comfort, there’s an artisan-made leather seat unit which clips into the monocoque. And the riding position is enabled with LSL rear sets and foot pegs to get you in the right position.
When you’re not riding flat out, you can admire the gold paint and classic Yamaha speed blocks on the petrol tank section, along with an aluminium ‘Monza’ filler cap.
There are going to be purists who will probably question the choice of modern upside-down forks on a machine with vintage style. And some logical people may ask whether replacing some parts with aluminium will make much of a difference to a weighty muscle bike like the XJR1300. But somehow it all comes together nicely to create a bike which looks more refined, but is still obviously packing some substance.
Keeping it all on the road are 17″ Kineo spoke rims, and Pirelli Angel GT tyres.
Possibly one of the best features of the CS-06 Dissident custom Yamaha XJR1300 is also one of the most subtle and hidden. In addition to smoothing the flow of the bike, the monocoque one-piece unit also carries some artfully recessed LED brake lights.
Let’s face it, it’s hard to criticise the CS-06 Dissident, beyond maintaining that ‘it roCkS!bikes’ is not only a terrible name, but a pain in the backside to spell right every time.
And if that wasn’t enough, here’s a handy video of Shun Miyazawa from Yamaha Motor Europe, plus Osvaldo and Alexandre from ‘it roCkS!bikes’.
This is normally the point where we’d explain you can buy some of the parts used, or commission the builders at their website – but it doesn’t appear to have been finished yet…
So take a look at a couple more pictures of the CS-06 Dissident instead.
Yamaha is already teasing more motorcycles in the Yard Built series. And after seeing what they’ve done so far, we’re looking forward to seeing them. It’s going to be fascinating to see how manufacturers and builders try to outdo each other this year.
Leave a Reply