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Board Tracker Dreams : Yamaha Yardbuilt

Yamaha’s Yard Built program combines the talents of the world’s top pro customizers with the dreams of the everyday man or woman. The beautiful bikes that are a result of the program can based on bikes from across Yamaha’s stable. This intriguing boardtracker started life as an XV950 cruiser.

In garages all over the world owners dream of creating their own custom motorcycles. The Yamaha Motor Company honours that spirit by asking professional bike customizers to provide inspirational ideas on how to transform modern Yamaha models into what the Tuning Fork company calls, “Yard Built specials.”

Once they have accomplished the goal, each builder is given the opportunity to produce unique aftermarket kits and sell them to Yamaha customers, allowing those who once only dreamed of building their own special to fulfill their ambition. 

For his part in the Yard Built program San Pedro-based Spanish design house Matt Black Custom Designs have paid tribute to the board track racers of 100 years ago with the beautifully crafted XV950 “Playa del Rey.”

There’s an impressive list of custom machined billet bolt-on parts to this motorcycle including 21-inch rims front and rear, rear pulley with cush drive system, plexi-glass cam gear cover, left-side crankcase cover and right-side generator cover. 

The small right-side cover and front pulley cover were also machined and an air filter adapter plate was created to go with a cool Crime Scene Choppers air filter cover. 

There are also some unique, bespoke parts created just for the build. These include the handmade fuel tank, both the electrical and battery side panels and the rear fender. 

The standard Yamaha XV950 headers flow into a one-off custom collector and modified MIVV Ghibli Silencer. 

A custom battery box is hidden internally and the modified XV950 handlebars deliver a genuine board tracker look. The custom work continues with stunning custom foot peg adapters, a front bash guard and a modified wiring loom. 

The Playa del Rey build is completed with a selection of custom aftermarket parts including a Rebufini springer front fork and Ohlins rear shocks. A Crafty B custom fuel cap sits on the handmade tank and a locally engraved engine cover sets it off. 

A Vitys headlight and grips add attitude at the front with mini hand controls and switch housings by Rebufini. Rizoma Bullet indicators and foot pegs and a Motogadget speedo and housing add bling. Stopping power gets an upgrade with PM calipers and a set of risers by LA Choppers adds to the west coast vibe. 

Matt Black Customs have made it easy for XV950 owners who want to add some of the Board Tracker style with bolt-on parts available directly from their website. If you want to trick out your XV in the board tracker style visit: www.mattblack.eu

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Canadian Biker Issue #315

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