The latest to join the Yard Built line-up is XJR 1300
Skullmonkee, built by the Wrenchmonkees. A shortened and cleaned-up frame,
narrower fuel tank and smaller headlamp are the Skullmonkee's key attributes.
"We worked hard to ensure we made no radical design changes for the build.
Instead, we focused on adding our clean style and silhouette with no cutting or
welding to the framework," says Wrenchmonkee Per Nielson. "We looked to strip
the bike back and removed some pieces to make it look like they had never been
there, then from the beginning we were looking to work with other companies to
find bolt-on parts that we could modify to create our style," adds fellow
Wrenchmonkee Nicholas Bech.
The W'monkees have made some judicious use of aftermarket
bits to transform the standard
XJR, including their own CNC-milled aluminium triple trees and engine
covers, black aluminium clip-ons and Biltwell grips, MMB mini digital speedo
with yellow illumination and a unique custom-made yellow headlight. The brake
system gets a complete overhaul, with a full Beringer setup, including
Hypersport brake discs, and Beringer calipers, brake master cylinder and
matching clutch master, along with black steel-braided hoses.
Matt-black aluminium rearsets have been customised in-house for a more aggressive riding
position, and Öhlins STX 36 shocks have been added for improved handling. The
standard XJR wheels remain, but are now wrapped in Michelin Pilot Road 4s for
improved grip.
Other notable bits on XJR1300 Skullmonkee include an LSL Titan steering damper,
a Wrenchmonkees custom rear bracket with LED light and a custom 4-into-2
stainless steel exhaust system. A gloss-black paintjob with Skullmonkee tank
emblem and a few simple gold touches complete the package, which is a fitting
tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Yamaha XJR1300.