The Yamaha XSR700 was only launched at the end of 2015, as a more timeless and custom version of the MT-07 platform. And already the first Yard Built Yamaha XSR700 has been produced by Bunker Custom Motorcycles in Turkey.
If that seems like an odd location to choose, consider that the Uzer brothers behind the company previously built a nice 1980 Yamaha SR500 Street Tracker and a gorgeous 1982 Yamaha SR500 Scrambler in amongst the other makes of bike they’ve played with.
Their Yamaha XSR700 Tracker looks capable of tackling just about anything. For starters, the exhaust manifold and silencer were re-positioned, lifting the ground clearance from 14cm to 20cm. To make the switch, a handmade stainless steel 2-into-1 exhaust system was created with an Akrapovic catalytic convertor to keep things nice and legal.
Also raising the bike is the new 19″ spoked front wheel, which like the 17″ rear, comes from the Super Tenere. And to add to the all-round ability, the upside down forks from an MT-09 Tracer found their way onto the bike.
If the added space underneath wasn’t enough, the seat was also raised by 6cm, using a bolt-on extension which will fit any stock XSR700 frame. To suit the higher riding position, a set of Renthal bars has been fitted.
So that’s most of the essentials covered. Other features for both comfort and functionality include billet clutch and brake levers, foot pegs and side-stand rider from the Yamaha accessories catalogue.
But the bodywork definitely isn’t standard. It’s been hand beaten from 2mm aluminium to create the custom fuel tank covers, side panels, front and rear mudguards, radiator covers and seat plate. And the fuel tank covers are carried by an aluminium spine which was CNC milled before being sanded and polished.
Finally the front light is a 5.5″ aftermarket halo job, sitting in a custom mount made from steel tube, as was the front mudguard mount.
“We went for the tracker style as we really wanted to capture the spirit of freedom as much as possible,” agreed the Uzer brothers. “The twin motor is the perfect base with its engine characteristics and the bike inspires you to create something light, agile and free.”
The Yard Built series continues to pump out interesting, and frankly lust-worthy motorcycles. The Bunker Custom Motorcycles take on the Yard Built Yamaha XSR700 looks fresh and modern rather than aping the racers of old, and it’s nice to see something a little different appearing, with changes that make sense for a potentially new range of ways to ride the bike. It’s safe to say we like it…
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