Yamaha XV 950 Yard Built - Son of Time - 2016 — Specifications

When a XV 950 falls into the hands of a customizer like Roderick Seibert, one doesn't expect a simple customization, but a radical transformation. The "Son of Time" project, born in the Amstelveen workshop of Numbnut Motorcycles, is striking proof of this. Here, the universe of TW Steel watchmaking meets that of raw mechanics, with a stated ambition: to create a machine inspired by salt flat racing machines, where only the straight line and pure speed count.

To achieve this goal, Roderick kept only the essentials: the 942 cm3 V-twin engine, already rich in torque from 3000 rpm. The rest was sacrificed on the altar of performance. The frame was cut and lengthened, giving way to a custom tank and seat, shaped to blend into an aggressive and low silhouette. The obsession with lightweight construction led to Dymag carbon rims, while the custom exhaust promises a mechanical symphony as raw as the beast's character. This is far from a friendly custom; it's a war machine designed for the chronograph.

Obviously, taming 52 horsepower in such a minimalist bodywork requires a chassis to match. Roderick took it seriously by equipping it with a fully adjustable K-Tech fork and monoshock. The braking system, a crucial point when aiming for 180 km/h, is entrusted to a pair of 320 mm floating discs at the front, gripped by Brembo monoblock calipers, all controlled by an RCS master cylinder. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires complete the picture: this motorcycle was born to stick to the tarmac, even if its dream playground remains the track or endless straight lines.

This Yard Built is much more than a styling exercise. It demonstrates the vibrancy of the European custom scene and the margin of progress of a base like the XV 950, often perceived as too tame. The result is a concentrate of technology, with its Dynojet Power Commander, quickshifter and Motogadget tachometer, which dialogues in perfect harmony with the old-school aesthetics. The gray and red paintwork is the final signature of a successful collaboration.

Who is the rider of this "Son of Time"? Certainly not a beginner, nor even a customizer seeking only looks. It's an enthusiast of pure sensations, raw mechanics and unique projects, who understands that true personalization goes far beyond accessories. This machine is a statement, a homage to speed in its purest form, and proof that, even on a road-going base, the spirit of competition is never far away.