Rock stars of the custom world
Yamaha was able to form close and authentic relationships with true icons and trailblazers of the custom-building world. These visionary builders used their collaborations with Yamaha to produce jaw-dropping, eye-popping creations that demanded global attention and respect. Builders were busy across the world, from Rough Crafts in Taiwan to Roland Sands in the USA, and from the hottest of custom houses in Europe, including Denmark’s Wrenchmonkees, Germany’s Kingston Customs and JVB Moto, and Italy’s branch of the iconic Deus Ex Machina family.
Custom for all
One of the greatest achievements of the Yard Built platform, and driven by Yamaha’s wishes, was requiring that the custom builds should never involve any major cutting or welding to the frames of the motorcycles. In doing this Yamaha was able to inspire thousands of motorcyclists, proving that truly personal and unique motorcycles could be created not just by custom builders, but by all. The story continues to evolve with new blood entering the story with their own takes on Yamaha’s rich heritage, blended with modern technology from the Sport Heritage range. German builder Patrick Sauter of Mellow Motorcycles is one such example, taking the XSR700 and transforming it into a flat-track ready beast, the ‘XSR700 King Kenny’ with a signature yellow colour and Speedblock design in homage to legend Kenny Roberts of course!
The next step
In the concept ‘Yard Built for Free Spirits’ a new wave arrives where the motive to change a motorbike revolves around specific needs of the end user. From the California-cool surf and skateboarder Manon Lanza to the creative mind of Coté Escriva, the Free Spirit of its rider determines the use and purpose of the built.