Yamaha XV 950 Yard Built - El Raton Asesino - 2014 — Specifications

Imagine a Yamaha XV 950 base, this large 942 cc V-twin that runs primarily on character and raw aesthetics. A German customizer, Marcus Walz, takes hold of it and decides to give it a massive dose of aggression and precision. The result, named “El Ratón Asesino,” is a machine that speaks first to the eyes, but also whispers promises of refined settings in the rider’s hands.

Walz didn’t settle for a few accessories. He radically transformed the silhouette, notably the rear, with a modified swingarm and a rear frame integrating a miniature LED taillight. The fuel tank, windscreen, and rear cowl are special parts, finished with a hand-stitched leather seat. It’s no longer a simple custom; it’s a mechanical sculpture where every element has been designed to serve a defined café racer line and a more engaged posture.

The chassis has been seriously revisited. The forks have been lowered and fitted with progressive springs, while the rear benefits from two fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers. You can feel here the desire not to sacrifice handling for style alone. Magnesium Marvic wheels and Wave brake discs, paired with modified calipers, complete this approach that aims for a certain dynamic rigor. The riding position is more sporty, as if to recall that this “Rat” can be unleashed on a winding road.

The cockpit is a concentrate of minimalism and quality. LSL grips, a quick-action throttle, custom-made switchgear, an LSL master cylinder and adjustable levers, everything is chosen for feel and precision. A mini Moto Gadget speedometer sits in the center, further purifying the whole. The engine itself receives specific embellishments, such as special valve covers and crankcases, while a hand-made header feeds a SC-Project silencer. The power remains officially that of the original block, 52 horsepower, but the 79 Nm of torque at low revs should be felt with more character thanks to this exhaust system.

What immediately strikes you is the finish. The pale blue paint, highlighted by the famous Yamaha speed blocks, offers an absolutely impeccable modern retro look. This machine is not aimed at beginners or utility riders. It speaks to the aesthete, the collector, the rider who seeks a unique work capable of mixing the art of customization with tangible technical improvements. Faced with other customs often more stylized but less mechanically refined, “El Ratón Asesino” stands out as a rare object, where detail is king and where the ride, potentially, has been considered. It’s a statement, much more than a simple motorcycle.