Hot Rod Enduro: The Motorieep 590TT

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

The Yamaha TT600RE was an air-cooled, street-legal enduro available from 2003-2007, featuring a 42-hp engine, electric start, and dual-stage carburetion.  The engine was essentially an XT600 unit, highly praised for its toughness and torque:

“The Yamaha TT600R’s air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke motor is simple, unstressed and reliable, with whopping 6000-mile service intervals. It makes short work of commuting hops across town and chugs easily across dirt, with dollops of torque.” —MCN

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

However, in stock trim, the TTRE was better-suited for tarmac than dirt, given the budget (read: non-adjustable) suspension, tires, and various accoutrements:

“The Yamaha TT600R represents the utilitarian side of modern biking. It does have some off-road pretensions, but it’s most at home pressed into the role of tough urban commuter.” —MCN

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

Enter Pierre Rieep of France’s Motorieep, based near Bordeaux. Pierre, a former motocross racer, has been building bikes since the tender age of 15, and he now works with his son and another technician. As you can see from this build, Pierre’s motocross racing career influences his custom projects. In particular, the 1980s Yamaha YZ range helped inspire this personal build, which has been heavily customized for better performance off-road.

The suspension, brakes, wheels, intake/exhaust, and more have been upgraded. The “Motorieep 590TT” now clocks in at 320 lbs wet, nearly 20 pounds lighter than the dry wet of the original machine! Below, we get the full story on this restomod enduro!

Custom Yamaha TT600RE: Builder Interview

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

Motorieep is a french company based near Bordeaux in the south-west of France. I’m working now with my son and a technician. I’m Pierre, 48 years old, I was motocross rider and I’ve been building bikes since I was 15.

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

The donor bike is a YAMAHA 600 TTRE from 2004.

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

• Why was this bike built?

This was a personal project but now it’s sold.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I’m the influence… ? But YZ from the 80’s.

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Everything you can see…

  • Showa 48 fork
  • Beringer radial caliper
  • Excel rims, 19″ and 17″, TKC80 tires
  • Stainless steel exhaust
  • WP rear shock
  • Special carburetion
  • Lithium battery
  • Rear and lateral plastics from YZ
  • 350 TT headlight
  • 50 Hp
  • 145 KG with oil and gas
• Does the bike have a nickname?

Motorieep 590TT.

Yamaha TT600R Scrambler

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

Very, very light.

Follow the Builder

Web: www.motorieep.com
FB: www.facebook.com/Motorieep/
IG: @motorieep

3 Comments

  1. Wow, that is really nice!

  2. Hi, very nice TT600RE, i ask an information, which model is the rear plastic? Ufo or acerbis..?

  3. Bernardo britos

    Excelent job!
    Same question as Paolo, what model is the rear mudguard?

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