Since it began Yamaha’s Yard Built program has broken new ground, leading the industry with unique and inspiring collaborations with some of the world’s top custom motorcycle builders. Following a series of successful builds in 2015 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the XJR, Yamaha has again broken new ground, collaborating with Japanese selvedge denim company Iron Heart to create the first Selvedge denim inspired Yard Built motorcycle.
The result of the collaboration between Iron Heart and Yamaha is a stunning ‘grown up’ café racer. Showcasing everything both Yamaha and Iron Heart stand for in respecting hand craftsmanship and timeless design mixed with the latest technology.
Expertly realised by Ken’s Factory in Japan, the Yard Built XJR1300 by Iron Heart features a CNC machined aluminium clock case, front and rear indicators, grips, headlight bracket, front fender and foot pegs. Lightweight Kineo wheels allow a different size tubeless tyre to be added and handle bars from Magura change the riding position. As you would expect from an expert in denim, the seat is hand made from 21oz selvedge denim and set with pure silver rivets.
A beautiful titanium manifold feeds into custom twin stainless steel mufflers to provide a suitable soundtrack and the bike is finished in a deep indigo blue paint job with Yamaha Speedblock and pin striping. The Yamaha and Iron Heart logos and motifs are cleverly represented in gold leaf and the Speed block design and stitching on the denim seat are in the Iron Heart brand signature orange.
Ken’s Factory realised all the modifications to the XJR without any cutting or welding to the frame. They will release a full set of aftermarket parts for this build so that those that wish to recreate this über cool machine can do so.
all images courtesy of Yamaha