The Ad Hoc Cafe Racers Yamaha XSR700 Otokomae stands out, even among the great bikes already produced for the Yamaha Yard Built series.
Barcelona-based David Gonzalez has already produced specials based on various Yamahas including XT600s, XJ650 and 750s and the SR 250. But the Yamaha XSR700 Otokomae stands out with the mix of modern style and colours.
Otokomae is Japanese and translates roughly into English as ‘handsome man’, in a masculine type of way. And the Street Tracker style carries the theme pretty well.
One of the first things you’re bound to notice are the front light and bracket taken from the Yamaha MT-01.
But look at the front a bit closer, and Yamaha experts might spot a number of parts from the supersports Yamaha YZF-R6. The list includes the front forks, disc brakes, brake master cylinder and clutch.
The Yamaha range also donated the handlebars and stem from the Yamaha MT-09. The radiator was painted black, while the air filter box was replaced by power filters. The fork sleeves now include the front indicators as well.
At both ends, the Yamaha XSR700 Otokomae has Borrani black rims with Michelin tyres.
Coming at the Ad Hoc creation from the rear shows the custom made rear subrame, which can be bolted on and off, to allow access for tools and reaching the battery. On top of the sub frame sits a custom cowhide seat, while under it is a Gears Racing shock absorber raising the ride height by 15mm.
The original Yamaha XSR700 exhaust was junked to be replaced by an SC Project full system. And when you look at the various detail shots from different angles, you spot a number of parts which have had a subtle bit of blue or yellow added.
We’ve left one of the biggest changes until last, and that’s the fuel tank. Rather than create a custom replacement, and go against the idea of Yard Built modifications being easy to replicate, David Gonzalez came up with a better idea. The new shape comes via a custom shell made of four parts attached over the original tank.
Not only does it give the bike a new look, but imagine how much better you’ll feel about replacing one panel if you happen to scratch it with the zip on your jacket?
The rear indicators and brake lights are now suitably small examples to avoid detracting for the rear profile of the Yamaha.
The bike was then finished off with a modern take on the traditional Yamaha Racing blue and yellow. The bogey/urine influenced yellowish green actually works pretty well against the more pastel blue.
I can imagine some people will have a strong reaction to the Ad Hoc Cafe Racers Yamaha XSR700 Otokomae. If it was matt black and had a vintage headlight, it wouldn’t raise an eyebrow. Which is the best thing about it. I’ve been looking at the pictures for a while now, and I still can’t decide whether or not I like the look of the headlight, more bulbous tank, and the unusual paint.
But I do love the fact bikes like this are being created, and they’re not easy to categorise or dismiss. And I bet it’s good fun to ride as well.
Leave a Reply