Yamaha XJR 1300 Yard Built -Botafogo-N- 2015 — Specifications

Even with a fondness for modern roadsters, one can’t help but cast a nostalgic glance towards those large, characterful machines, those powerful engines that vibrated beneath the fuel tank. The Yamaha XJR 1300 is a bit like that: a 1251 cm3 engine, an old-school inline four-cylinder, which runs on raw emotion more than electronics. And when a customizer like Numbnut Motorcycles takes hold of one to create a Yard Built model, you expect something substantial, both literally and figuratively.

This “Botafogo N-Type Special” version is not just a custom build. It’s a sporty and retro reinterpretation, a tribute to a 1917 race car, the Fiat Botafogo. The result is a bold blend where the touch of a passionate enthusiast can be felt. The original chassis, considered sacred, has not been cut or welded. The entire transformation rests on the addition of parts, a respectful choice that preserves the soul of the base. Visually, it stands out with its unique light green color and an LED headlight concealed behind a grille, a nod to the past with current technology.

But where this custom really takes off is in its technical equipment, almost audacious for a street bike. A R1 fork, radial six-piston calipers, a pair of Öhlins rear shock absorbers… it’s a configuration of a pure sportbike. Pro-bolt discs, Goodridge lines, and an RK 520 racing chain confirm the intention: this XJR is not just for showing off in the city. With its 98 horsepower at 8000 rpm and generous torque of 108.9 Nm, the original engine finds here a setting that allows it to fully express itself, supported by a custom exhaust with a promising sound.

Who is it for? Certainly not a beginner. At €15,000, it’s in the high-end of customization based on a production model. It’s an object for collectors, for the rider who seeks exclusivity and an authentic mechanical feel, far from riding aids. It’s for those who want a muscular roadster, with a unique look, capable of serious performance without denying its heritage. Compared to other Yard Built models, it positions itself as the most sporty and technical of the family.

Ultimately, this XJR 1300 Botafogo is a success. It proves that you can inject a serious shot of performance into a classic platform without betraying it. It has character, technology, and an assumed style. Its flaw? Its price, obviously, and its “one-of-a-kind” nature which makes it inaccessible. But as a stylistic exercise and demonstration of know-how, it’s a beautiful slap. Yamaha and Numbnut sign here a custom that has more arguments than just appearances.