The Yamaha XV950, also known as the Star Bolt, is not unlike the BMW R nineT. Of course, it belongs to a whole different class, but the principles that guided Yamaha when designing it have been more or less the same. The XV950 is a bike with cool looks and that's ready for almost any type of customization.
Parts can be effortlessly taken off and replaced with aftermarket ones to such a degree that major changes in aesthetics can be made without
hacking and sawing. Matt Black Custom Designs have been asked by Yamaha to take part in the Yard Build movement and deliver their own vision on how the XV950 could look.
Fans of vintage motorcycles, the Matt Black crew decided in favor of a board tracker design with a modern twist. A neo-retro bike was designed, and the result of these fellows' work is simply spectacular.
The old-school bobber scene was the main inspiration
Old-school racers have been the main source of inspiration for the bike that was baptized Playa del Rey. Since customization is XV950's middle name, Matt Black created the aftermarket bits and pieces as a part of a wide range of custom items that can be bolt on to the bike.
They came up with a 21" front rim, but also offer the standard-sized one in the same style. A new rear pulley with cush drive system was designed, alongside Lexan see-through cam gear cover, left side crankcase cover and right side generator cover.
CNC machines also delivered the small right side cover and front pulley cover while a Crime Scene Choppers air filter cover can now be equipped on the XV950 thanks to a custom adapter.
Hand-hammered parts are part of the Plata del Ray game
Matt Black created and crafted the sweet fuel tank, complemented by side panels and fenders. The exhaust line is also a custom job, and it ends with a modified Mivv Ghibli silencer. The dual springer fork was supplied by Rebuffini, while the rear shocks come from Ohlins.
The board tracker bars are probably one of the first retro elements that will capture attention. They are complemented by pieces of modern bike tech, such as Rizoma Bullet turn signals and pegs, plus a retro-looking Motogadget speedo. Performance Machine calipers and LA Choppers riders are also on the menu.
The parts that transform the XV950 from a cool-looking stock bike into a mind-boggling retro-vibe machine will soon be offered as individual purchases or as a kit. The truth is that this retro two-wheeler plays in a class of it's own, and we're glad Yamaha chose Matt Black for another Yard Built wonder.
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