Article Writer
Read About It
The Yamaha XT600 was one of the world’s most successful dual sport motorcycles, both in sales and performance. It was built in countless variations, but the air-cooled 39-44 horsepower single-cylinder engine and heavy-duty design remained consistent through the years and models.
Enter Thomas Jeukens of Belgium, who left his big corporate job just 1.5 years ago to found TOMA Customs. He says:
“I felt it was time for me to achieve one of my dreams and to fully live my passion: combining my intellectual abilities with creativity and manual work. That’s why I decided to turn my passion into my job.”
Recently, we featured the shop’s Suzuki VanVan 125 tracker. Now TOMA is back with their 15th build, this Yamaha XT600 “light scrambler,” built for a client who had a trio of needs: tall seat height, large gas tank, and comfort for two-up riding on unpaved roads. The result is the XT600 you see here!
Below, we get the full story on the build!
XT600 Scrambler (TOMA#15): In the Builder’s Words
When we start a project we first want to hear about the clients’ wishes and transformation ideas. Thus, it is a great opportunity for us to get to know our client and enables us to visualize what his dream bike would look like.
On this project, the client first idea was to turn a Yamaha XT 600 into a light scrambler for weekend rides on small roads, paths and in the woods. He wanted the outlooks to be fun and elegant, and the use to be easy to ride on, resistant and relatively good performance. He also specified he wanted the tank to have a significant autonomy so he could make trips of several hours/days in the woods without having to refuel too often.
After a few meetings, thinking and sharing ideas we got into the vibe of his dream bike and we knew the exact outlook of how the bike should look like. This is an amazing feeling you know, when you see you went beyond your client’s expectations and ideas. After that, we just know we have to make this a dream come true.
The first thing we had to bare in mind where three main aspects:
- Creating a very high seat height as our client is really tall.
- Finding a gas tank big/high enough
- Absolute comfort for two while off road driving
The first thing we went looking for was the gas tank. So, after several tests and researches, we found a tank of Kawazaki 500 that would do the trick. But, as on this XT600 model, the oil tank is integrated in the frame under the gas tank, it was thus necessary to rework the Kawazaki 500 gas tank so that it fits to the frame with new fasteners that we created.
Once the tank was in place, we shortened the rear part of the frame and started to work on the design and creation of our saddle. At the request of the customer we integrated gel in the seat foam to allow him to ride hours off road in absolute comfort. The finish and covering is in Alcantara leather.
We also raised the handlebars to allow a stand-up position while off road riding.
We adapted a front mudguard and a tailor-made rear fender in a retro spirit. After all this was done, we decided on the exact color with our customer and went for a vintage white to give a retro look to the bike.
The bespoke exhaust line is covered with an exhaust wrap to give the bike a rough touch.
All the electronics components have been replaced by new and more minimalist elements (headlight, indicatorlights, taillights, electronic speedometer, lithium battery)
We have also mounted enduro tires that allow comfortable road use.
List of modifications
– modification/shorten of the rear part of the frame
– bespoke front and rear mudguard
– bespoke exhaust line
– adapted a Kawasaki 500 tank
– retro headlight
– new set of indicatorlights
– new flat/higher handelbars
– bespoke seat with alcantara leather
– bespoke battery box under the seat
– Daytona speedometer
– removed a lot of original accessories that were superfluous
Follow the Builder
Workshop : TOMA CUSTOMS
Location : Brussels, Belgium
Bike Owner: Cédric
Pictures: Olivier Truyman
Contact: Thomas Jeukens, Workshop leader, +32 479351638, [email protected]
Website: www.tomacustoms.com
Instagram: @tomacustoms
Facebook: TOMA customs
Source...
