The ‘Faster Wasp’, is Californian custom builder Roland Sands’ fifth Yamaha collaboration, and is a thoroughbred concept with more than a hint of legend Kenny Roberts in its design.

A professional racer himself, Roland Sands embraced the ‘Faster Sons’ philosophy of classic timeless style blended with cutting edge Yamaha technology and added a third element, infusing Yamaha’s racing pedigree into the mix. The result is a machine with massive impact, paying tribute to Kenny Roberts’ iconic TZ750 in instantly recognisable yellow and black ‘bumblebee’ colour scheme with just as much bite. Taking Yamaha’s latest 850cc in-line 3-cylinder engine with a lightweight aluminium frame, the ‘Faster Wasp’ has a serious sting in its tail with powerful performance wrapped in a classic package.

The concept build features numerous parts by Roland Sands Designs, including the hand-fabricated aluminum gas tank, tail section, intake scoops, radiator covers, front number plate & front fender. There’s also a prototype Clarity timing cover, prototype rearsets, rear brake reservoir and prototype case guards. The chain guard, timing plug, axle sliders and gas cap are also all prototype RSD items.

The ‘Faster Wasp’ rolls on RSD Morris forged aluminium wheels (17x3.5” front & 17x6.0” rear) wrapped in Dunlop Q3 tyres. The screaming triple sound track comes courtesy of Two Bros Racing stainless steel headers with an RSD Slant muffler. The power is transferred to the back wheel with Renthal sprockets and stopping power comes from RSD custom superbike front brake rotors, Performance Machine radial brake calipers, an RSD Radial brake master cylinder and Spiegler brake lines.

An RSD cable clutch perch and Barnett custom clutch cable keep the gears in check and RSD Nostalgia handlebar risers, Renthal FATbar handlebars and RSD Traction grips give the rider total control. An Öhlins front fork cartridge kit and Öhlins rear shock keep the ride tight and Samco cooling lines adds a race level touch of detail.

The stunning look of the ‘Faster Wasp’ is perfectly detailed with a custom leather seat by Bitchin Seat Co., that amazing yellow and black colour scheme by Airtrix and Cerakote by Specialized Coatings.

For more information, please visit rolandsands.com