The Yamaha Yard Built series has been teaming custom bike builders to produce unusual motorcycles for a while. It’s already led to a range of special parts for the Yamaha range as the projects are supposed to be something any owner can potentially imitate. But the new Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype 2 Yard Built creation takes things a bit further, as it will be made to buy as a limited edition. And it looks pretty special. Even as one of 3 motorcycles Auto Fabrica ended up producing as Type 11 Prototypes.
Auto Fabrica was formed by brothers Bujar and Gazmend Muharremi in 2013. Based in Southend-on-Sea, their bikes have been acclaimed around the world, starting with the Type 1. And they’ve worked with plenty of Yamahas, including the SR500 based Type 2. And the Yamaha XS650 based Type 6 which received a lot of well-earned attention.
So it made sense that Yamaha would ask the brothers, along with designer Toby Mellor, to produce something special for the Yard Built series. What actually happened was the creation of three different Type 11 prototypes. And all three motorcycles are pretty special. But it’s the Prototype 2 which is available for a number of lucky customers to purchase.
And in logical fashion, it was the Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype Three which was started last, but informed both of the other versions. Despite being built around an original 1970s Yamaha.
Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype Three:
The Type 11 Prototype Three is based on a 1976 Yamaha XS750. And it resulted in a 1970s influenced mix with modern design. So it gained 3D printed velocity stacks, bespoke headlight covers, Brembo calipers and a Motogadget speedo among other parts.
There’s also a hand bent exhaust, which is an Auto Fabrica signature. And that lower fairing is mounted onto the forks close to the front wheel.
The tank, seat and tail unit is all a one-piece monocoque design. Which looks amazing.
But what about the modern Yamaha XSR900-based bikes?
Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype One:
The first of the Auto Fabrica projects is based on the modern Yamaha XSR900. And it’s a pure track machine influenced by motorsport on two and four wheels. Obviously the most radical first impression is the front fairing which moves smoothly into the tank. That creates a unique look, and the track-only design means no need for a headlight, indicators or anything else to take away from the initial impact.
The Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype One also feels like it’s been dipped into a bucket of trick parts. Particularly the front custom Ohlins FGRT forks. First they were shortened by 50mm, and then given an all-black finish. And they fit into custom billet aluminium yokes.
But that’s just the start. There’s a custom Ohlins STX45 rear shock absorber. And the suspension is helping to keep the carbon fibre BST wheels planted. Along with Diablo Supercorsa V2 rubber.
Then you get the PFM floating 330mm front discs and Brembo brake calipers, K&N intakes, and the custom three-into-three stainless steel exhaust system, plus Renthal clip-ons. There’s a Zircotec thermal barrier ceramic coating along with plenty of carbon fibre. In addition to the race-style carbon seat unit, other components were made from a carbon and nylon composite which makes then stronger and stiffer than typical ABS.
Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype Two:
Finally we come to the second of the three new custom bikes. Mainly because this is meant to be a bit of a blend between the Prototype One track focus, the classic style of Prototype 3, and in a road-going motorcycle which you can order tailored to your particular specifications and requirements.
The Auto Fabrica Type 11 Prototype Two has a similar fairing to the P1. But it gains a flush headlight, and there’s a similarly stylish slatted brake light at the back.
“Seeing this project evolve has been something really special for all of us,” commented Antoin Clémot, Yamaha Motor Europe Motorcycle Product Manager. “This went from a beautiful idea with a great bike to three incredible creations that speak to everything Yamaha’s Yard Built platform represents. That the Prototype Two is going to find its way into enthusiasts hands is thrilling as well. So often these are one-off pieces and knowing that this bike will be ridden out there in the real world, by people with a love for unique design, is something we can all get a kick out of.”
And thanks to the skill and experience of Auto Fabrica in creating CAD designs and 3D printed parts, there are virtually unlimited options for the colours, materials and finishes. It’s really down to your preference and budget.
Obviously if you’re wondering about the exact price, it’s probably not a realistic choice to have one of the world’s top custom bike builders create something to your specification. But all three of the Auto Fabrica Type 11 bikes are gorgeous to look at and admire. The flush digital tank gauge and flip-up fuel tank cover are just two of the many details which stand out on the Prototype 2. And you’ll notice more and more details every time you look each of the trio of Yard Built specials.
It’s not the first time special Yamaha XSR900s have been produced by the factory or custom builders. For more examples, check out the 2017 Yamaha XSR900 Abarth, or the Monkeebeast built by Danish shop Wrenchmonkees back in 2016.
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