This chunky Brat/Scrambler painted in old-school Yamaha colours is the work of Javi & Co
from KMI favourites, Tarmac Custom Motorcycles in Vigo, Spain. All their builds are high
quality and they’re more than happy to mess with more modern late eighties machines, like this
1986 Yamaha XJ900.
The original bike was a competent commuter and went on to become the fugly Diversion, but
beneath the ugly plastic there was always a solid 900cc in-line Japanese four with a double
cradle tube frame and all the elements you might need for an uber-cool large capacity custom
but you need a good eye and the right skills…
The bike arrived with Javi and the guys in horrible cosmetic condition, but it was sound from an engineering point of view, and a good runner. As with all the TCMC builds it was initially completely disassembled before being sand-blasted, painted or powder coated.
The original tank was an ugly lump that sloped down at the back and tapered down towards the
side panels so it had to go to be replaced with a much prettier old-school Kz650 which was
wide enough for the engine and frame. It was airbru in retro Yamaha livery and fitted with an
adapted Monza style cap.
A Yamaha R1 kindly donated the front forks discs calipers and front master cylinder so expect a
plush ride and very good braking – a major upgrade on the original bike. Piggy back shocks
were fitted at the back to even up the ride.
The handlebar is Renthal with CNC risers and running a quick-turn throttle while the headlamps
and speedo were swapped out for smaller items. Fenders are handmade aluminium and guard
the chunky Heidenau tyres which have been fitted to the original three-spoke XJ wheels.
Carbs were re-jetted to work with a pair of megaphone exhausts and free flowing air filters making the
most of the already-decent 900cc powerplant. while the electrics were replaced completely with new battery, CDI & regulator box in stainless steel behind the stainless sidecovers.
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