The Yamaha XJR1300 was a fire-breathing brute of a machine, a two-wheeled muscle car whose air-cooled engine could be traced back to the 1980s. By the time the 1251cc powerplant found its way into the XJR, it boasted 105 horsepower and a tire-smoking 80 lb-ft of torque, capable of shoving the 500-pound beast through the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds.
“The XJR is much like stepping back in time to days when the latest special was built by Harris and based on a Z1000 or GSXR1100, it has the looks and the brutish build of the Eddie Lawson style of racer, but has a lot of today’s modern handling expertise built in.” —Motorbikes Today
The owner of this 2000 XJR1300 bought the bike several years ago with the intention to customize it, seeking out Tiago, Luis, and the rest of the crew at Portugal’s Unik Edition Custom Motorcycles, who’ve been making a name for themselves since their first build in 2016. They have a storefront in the Moscavide neighborhood of Lisbon with their workshop in the rear, where they work on their custom commissioned builds.
“He said he wanted to choose the best guys who understand the balance between cool and retro, that’s why he chose Unik Motorcycles!”
The build was inspired by the geisha of Japan, professional entertainers trained in traditional Japanese arts such as dance and music. Says the owner:
“This one is my one and only personal Geisha! To just entertain, me, myself, and I.”
Below, we get the full details on this custom muscle bike, as well as more gorgeous shots from Balaklava.
Yamaha XJR Custom: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Yamaha XJR 1300, 2000 model
• Why was this bike built?
The customer always had the intention to customize this bike, ever since he bought secondhand in 2014. It was a personal dream. He said he wanted to choose the best guys who understand the balance between cool and retro, that’s why he chose Unik Motorcycles!
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build
The inspiration was the name Geisha, because it was meant to be, lighter, sexier, very rideable and comfortable, and above all, enjoyable and made to entertain like only a Geisha knows how.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
It has a custom paint job, in cherry matte, black matte, and grey.
The wheels were custom made, and I think that maybe this is the first XJR Yamaha with completely closed rims. They were also painted in grey and black glossy.
The seat was also custom-made and the Unik Edition Custom Motorcycles logo was inserted.
The front light was changed to a LED light and also the rear.
The front forks were swapped for inverted ones.
The front bar-end indicators, as well as the rear view mirrors, left and right, are motogadget units.
The rear support license plate was custom-made by Unik and laser-cut to to fit perfectly into the rear suspension arm.
New rear subframe and exhaust.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Yes! Her name is GEISHA
Geisha (or geiko) are professional entertainers. They are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and music, as well as in the art of communication. Their role is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, drinking games and dance performances. Says the customer:
“This one is my one and only personal Geisha! To just entertain, me, myself, and I.”
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
This new and custom XJR is now much more rideable! It feels much lighter and has a better riding position. Says the customer:
“People who ride or rode the Yamaha XJR1300 know that it’s a heavy bike that feels light when you ride it. I was afraid that we couldn’t maintain this good feeling, but the first time I rode the Geisha, I instantly told Tiago from Unik Motorcycles that the bike was lighter and rode better than the old one.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The closed wheels.
Follow the Builder
Web: www.unikedition.pt
Facebook: @unikedition2016
Instagram: @unikedition2016
Photographer, BALAKLAVA: www.wearebalaklava.com | @we_are_balaklava
