DEBUTANT: A CUSTOM YAMAHA MT-07 FROM A NEW BELGIAN SHOP

[mangocrazy]

I guess most builders need to make money.

Make it too out there and it'll never sell.

Manufacturers can get caught out like that as well. Look at Ducati with the original MutleyStrada and the flak that the 999 got simply because it wasn't a 916 clone.

[weeksy]

My point is, this isn't to me 'formulaic'

Wayders started by grafting on a set of 41 mm upside-down forks, borrowed from the MT-07’s bigger sibling, the MT-09. They used the MT-09 yokes too, but shaved off the OEM speedo and ignition mounts. A small Daytona speedo now sits in a 3D-printed bracket, with the ignition located on the left side of the motor.

Mounted to the forks are a set of adjustable clip-ons, fitted with Brembo brake and clutch controls. Wayders kept the original switches, but installed new Ariete grips and Motogadget bar-end turn signals.
A new Wilbers shock was wedged in at the back to complement the upgraded front suspension. But since the stock brakes were left alone, since they cope just fine with the MT-07’s 74.8 hp output and relatively low curb weight.
To pull this off, Wayders sourced a replica Benelli Mojave fuel tank, then modified it to fit the MT-07’s quirky frame. The original fuel cap was repurposed up top, and a stealthy box was fabricated to host the battery and electronics underneath.

The livery was executed by Couleurs Ardentes, and takes inspiration from one of Bell’s carbon fiber Bullitt helmet designs. It features a ghosted checkered flag motif, applied using a hydro-dipping technique. Finishing touches include milled aluminum tank badges, and gold striping to match the suspension components.
Out back is an all-new subframe, designed to mimic the design language of the rest of the Yamaha’s frame. A custom seat sits on top, featuring upholstery by Atelier Sellerie & Garnissage.

The seat is secured by sliding the front in under the edge of the fuel tank, and snapping the back in place with a magnet. Removing it reveals a 3D-printed tray, complete with a handmade leather wallet from Trip Machine Company. There’s a tiny LED taillight integrated into the underside of it.
Other 3D-printed parts are the radiator shrouds, sprocket cover and chain guard. Wayders also installed an LED headlight on custom-made brackets, rear-sets with custom-milled foot pegs, and a new rear brake master cylinder.

The airbox was ditched for a pair of mesh-covered velocity stacks, while the exhaust muffler was swapped for a blacked-out SC Project unit.

Whilst arguably the looks may be a basis on a theme there's an awful lot of work in it.
But apart from "knobblies" then what really makes it formulaic?

[Count Steer]

And and and....they've taken the pimples off the tyres. Yay!

No bar end mirrors either. Double yay!

Had a closer look. Love that chequered effect on the tank. The photography is too. (One of the duo is a photographer, so that helps ).

[mangocrazy]

Knobbly tyres - check
Remove factory subframe - check
Stupidly short seat poking out the back - check
Acres of matt black - check
Ohlins lookalike suspension - check
Discard all plastics - check
Discard all mudguards - check
Single round LED headlight - check
Gaping hole between frame and engine - check

I could go on, but I trust you're catching my drift?

[weeksy]

Knobbly tyres - check
Remove factory subframe - check
Stupidly short seat poking out the back - check
Acres of matt black - check
Ohlins lookalike suspension - check
Discard all plastics - check
Discard all mudguards - check
Single round LED headlight - check
Gaping hole between frame and engine - check

I could go on, but I trust you're catching my drift?

I see your words but massively disagree.

[mangocrazy]

In fairness, it's a long way from being the worst of the genre, in fact I really don't mind it at all, but there does seem to be a paucity of design imagination, obscured by high quality workmanship. I imagine it would also work well IRL, as opposed to many of the show ponies we see. It's not just bikes - it's the same in so many areas that we refer to as arts.

Everyone is doing the same stuff, and it's safe even it it looks a bit rad - but not too much, as that might put people off. Modern music is a perfect example - vocoded whiney vocals are everywhere. Does my head in. Doesn't anyone actually sing any more?

[The Spin Doctor]

A bit like manufacturers sometimes.

You build what sells. The original CBR600F and the jellymould GSX600F that copied it are good examples. The first redefined middleweight sports bike, the second exploited the new niche.

Tons of other examples - the current obsession with adventure bikes is a good one.

You have to be really brave (and potentially rather stupid) to be 'out there' with something odd. It'll either be iconic - the Katana springs to mind - or a turkey - there was a photo of a Bimoto Mantra a few days ago.

I'm not sure how many of these chop shops actually sell anything that they build for show! For all the buggered about CX500s I've seen on the thread, I've seen one parked up in London. Possibly predictably, it was in a trendy area between Kilburn and St Johns Wood. Most 'customised' bikes here are simply standards with bullet indicators and an invisible tail light, a bit of exhaust bandage, a pair of loud cans, and bar end mirrors hung upside down.

[The Spin Doctor]

Modern music is a perfect example - vocoded whiney vocals are everywhere. Does my head in. Doesn't anyone actually sing any more?

Sorry, I'll get back on topic now.

[The Spin Doctor]

My point is, this isn't to me 'formulaic'
:
But apart from "knobblies" then what really makes it formulaic?

It's a load of off-the-shelf parts.

[Horse]

The tyres are just dual purpose (on-road off-road) as fitted to adv bikes etc.

From the article:

Wayders ... just completed their first custom bike, a Yamaha MT-07 café racer

So they didn't even keep to their own brief. But:

And if the idea of scrambler tires on a café racer gnaws at you, rest assured that the guys are considering a switch to racier rubber.