Yamaha XV 750 - The Story Behind The Bike

Pablo and his Yahama XV 750

My name is Pablo, I am 28 years old, I am from Valencia, Spain and I work as an engineer. Since I was little, I have always been a great fan of motorsports, especially Formula 1 and MotoGP furthermore, since I had my first Yamaha when I was 14 years old, I have always been an unconditional fan of the Japanese brand.

Currently, engineering is not only my passion but also my profession and I try to apply it in all aspects of my life. The Truss Moto project is no exception and, in fact, captures the essence of who I am today, but also that of my hobbies and concerns from all time.

In the first of my creations, of course, a Yamaha, an XV 750 model from 1981, commonly known as Virago, I was seeking to obtain a pure cafe-style custom bike, but also to print on it the “R” aspect from the motorsports world and consequently, all the modifications aimed at turning the classic Virago into a sporty custom bike.

Seat and subframe rebuilds

Among all the modifications, it is worth mentioning the subframe, since it is a piece of my own design inspired by the concept of a tubular truss, which gives rise to the name of the project and gives that engineering touch to the motorcycle. The aim of the design was to completely modify the physiognomy of the motorcycle to adapt it to the aimed “R” position, raising the joint between the tank and the seat. Through the subframe braces, under the seat, the brand-new shock absorber Sachs shines and contributes to that sporty style.

Despite the paint works, the tank remains as the original one, although the seat has been replaced by a handmade Tuffside seat imported from Los Angeles, USA. In addition, to adapt the driving position, the new Tarozzi footrests have been placed at the rear of the bike.

Rebuilding the Yamaha XV 750 Virago

The steering system has been replaced by the front end of a Yamaha YZF R1 2008, which includes the Öhlins fork kit FGRT 801 and Brembo double brake disc, keeping the original R1 rim. The new front end has been completed by the ITR raised handlebars that accommodate the brake pump and clutch lever both from the same brand.

The power improvements are due to modifications to both, the intake and exhaust system. First, intake has been substituted by a Mikuni VM34 carburetor kit together with a K&N air filter. The new exhaust is a handmade part from MAD Exhausts accompanied by an SC-Project brand silencer.

No wires. The electrical system of the motorcycle has been completely modified based on the control unit of the German manufacturer Motogadget with which it has been possible to eliminate up to 80% weight of components of the electrical system. It consists of a signal bus

that is responsible for managing the actions from the controls and the responses of the systems through electronics, without the need to add relays or fuses.

End result Yamaha XV 750

With respect to the lighting system, a vintage-look LED headlight from Puig Hi-Tech Parts has been installed. Regarding indicators, the Highsider brand all-in-one indicators and mirrors are used at the front part, whereas the minimalist mo. blaze pin, also from Motogadget, has been chosen as rear indicators.

These and some more are the modifications that have turned a classic virago into a sporty, comfortable, and fun cafe racer bike.