The Yamaha XV950 ‘Ultra’ Yard Built Special is a definitely different take on the Yamaha XV950 by Swiss company GS Mashin. Builder Tom Mosimann has created this radical change without any cutting or welding to the frame, as required for a Yard Built special.
Apparently Mosimann was inspired by Gothic architecture, but the Ultra looks more fun than the average cathedral. It features a custom fairing handmade from 1.5mm steel sheet, and mounts cut from a stainless steel pipe. Lighting is served by a Bates headlight and two Highsider indicators.
The custom crafting continues with the fuel tank, using the same steel sheet and a trimming press to form the upper edge, married to the original VX950 tank for the lower section.
And steel also forms the tail unit with Shin Yo rear light. Along with prototype K-Tech rear suspension units, with a super clean design based on the existing Bullit units.
You’ll have spotted a deviation from the normal trend for wider wheels – the Yamaha XV950 Ultra features the original hubs with 18 inch back and 21 inch front rims, new spokes, and functional ABS. Remarkably practical for something so different.
Other custom details include the hand made seat with leatherwork by Jose Rey Saddlery, and an aluminium upper fork crown manufactured by Asic Robotics.
The most impressive details, besides the Ultra itself, is that Tom apparently created 95% of the bike with just a few tools, an angle grinder, a bag of sand and a hammer in his small garage in Bern. Talented sod!
The Two Brothers end can looks good at the end of the wrapped exhaust, and the practicality also includes a sculpted bellypan, and clean clocks and details.
It makes for a really interesting motorcycle. From some angles it’s futuristic, from others strangely classic. And for some reason, the tank makes me think of old BMWs. As well as various drag bikes over the years. It all seems to depend on the angle you look at it.
What’s really cool is that even if you’re not a fan of the overall result, or there’s a detail you might not like, there will still be things that you love. And it’s different, which is what custom bikes are all about.
Plus it should make for some interesting thoughts and comments. Leave yours below and let us know what you think…
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