Danish custom motorcycle builders Wrenchmonkees previously created the jet black Skullmonkee Yamaha XJR1300. And now they’ve returned to the Yard Built program with the Yamaha XSR900 Monkeebeast.
The duo have gone for an all-terrain approach. As with all the Yamaha Yard Built bikes, the aim is to transform the standard machine without cutting or welding the frame to enable owners to do something similar to their own XSR900.
Whether you’d want to actually take a modified XSR off-road rather than using an adventure motorcycle designed for the purpose is obviously up for debate. But it does give the Yamaha XSR900 Monkeebeast a rather brutal and intimidating look for riding on the road and fairly gentle trail riding. Handy if you live off the beaten track.
And to be fair, the average road surface in the UK is in a worst state than most private lanes these days.
So what did Wrenchmonkees do? First up came the Borrani 17″ spoke wheels with black rims, 9mm stainless spokes and black hubs. And some Continental TKC tyres to match.
The brakes were also upgraded with a Nissin radial front brake and steel braided lines. Those lines also power a TRW rear brake disc at the back. Both Yamaha XSR900 Monkeebeast wheels are covered with custom one-off aluminium mudguards front and rear, and there’s also a K-tech rear shock absorber and Gilles Tooling chain adjuster.
For riding in an enduro style, you want a more upright position and to be able to move around. So there’s a Wrenchmonkee one-off seat, and Gilles Tooling rearsets modified with enduro footrests. Also changing the look and seating position are the Magura handlebars (which get Biltwell Renegade grips), and Motogadget pushbuttons to clean up the dash.
Helping illuminate your way is a Yamaha MT-03 headlight, and an LED rear light will help you get found in the dark. But people should be able to hear you thanks to the modified Yamaha MT-09 exhaust system and SC Project exhaust caps.
Wrenchmonkees also created a unique aluminium engine guard, which was then powdercoated with the mudguards and tank covers.
One reason builders get involved in the Yamaha Yard Built process is to get publicity and start selling their own range of related parts. And some of the bits designed for the Monkeebeast will be available direct from Wrenchmonkees if you fancy building something similar.
So that’s the Yamaha XSR900 Monkeebeast. A bike that will appeal to those looking for some post-apocalyptic style or those who happen to own a remote house up a country lane.
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