Of all of the Yamaha XV fashions launched through the years, not one could possibly be accused of being fairly. And but, {custom} bike builders have been placing their spin on the maligned Virago (and its variants) for longer than Bike EXIF has been round.
One workshop that is aware of tips on how to flip a sow’s ear into a handbag; STG Tracker. Run by Marcelo Obarrio and Germán Karp, the Argentinian outfit is flexible and infrequently builds the identical factor twice. So that they didn’t blink when a consumer requested them to show his 1981 Yamaha XV920R right into a scrambler.
The XV920R was Yamaha’s try at turning their awkward cruiser right into a standard-type bike with sports activities touring aspirations. Highlights included a taller stance, rear-mounted foot pegs, and an enclosed chain drive.
This specific XV920R was operating nice, so Marcelo and Germán didn’t must crack the engine open. They stripped the bike right down to its nuts and bolts, handled the engine’s exterior to recent finishes, and fabricated an aluminum sump guard to guard it.
The blokes retained the XV’s authentic entrance suspension, however swapped the rear shock out for a Honda unit. Subsequent, the early 80s alloy wheels have been ditched for a set of better-looking spoked gadgets. The entrance wheel was constructed utilizing an aftermarket hub and a 19” rim, with a Bybre brake caliper and Brembo disc.
The rear wheel was put along with a 17” rim and the drum brake hub from a Honda CB750, providing extra stopping energy than the inventory drum brake. The entrance tire is a Continental TKC80, whereas the rear is a Kenda Large Block. STG additionally ditched the heavy 630 chain, changing it with a 530 unit that rolls over {custom} sprockets.
With the operating gear sorted, Marcelo and Germán tackled the XV920R’s clunky bodywork. The inventory components have been binned—together with the bike’s inventory subframe.
A brand new rear part was fabricated and welded on, making a neat line alongside the bottom of the bodywork. Designed with a refined kick within the tail, it carries a custom-made leather-based saddle, a brief rear fender, and an LED taillight. LED flip alerts flank the again of the seat.
There was a time when each second {custom} Yamaha XV wore a Benelli Mojave gas tank—however STG found out one thing higher. They borrowed this tank from a brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which match the XV’s body with minimal fuss. However because the Royal Enfield is fuel-injected and the XV isn’t, in addition they yanked out its gas pump and put in a petcock.
The XV920R carries its air consumption in its left-hand aspect cowl, using the bike’s stamped metal body to direct air to the carbs. STG received round this by making a slim field, resembling a racing quantity plate, to accommodate a chunky Okay&N air filter. There’s an identical field on the opposite aspect of the bike, however that one holds {the electrical} stuff.
The Yamaha’s cockpit was beefed up with tapered bars, fitted with backlit micro switches, new grips, and slim new mirrors. The entrance finish additionally wears a digital speedo, a brand new headlight with a protecting grill, LED flip alerts, and a hand-crafted aluminum fender. Chunky off-road foot pegs do responsibility decrease down.
For the exhaust, Marcelo and Germán put collectively a two-into-one-into-two system out of chrome steel. Terminating in a pair of upturned reverse cone mufflers, it calls for consideration each time the XV is fired up.
Completed in a placing black, purple, and silver livery, with {custom} Yamaha badges adorning the tank, STG Tracker’s Yamaha XV920R is a worthy entry into the annals of {custom} XVs. Then once more, we’d count on nothing much less from Buenos Aires’ most interesting.
STG Tracker | Facebook | Instagram | Pictures by Darío Rodriguez
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