LDK’s Spanish workshop builds a military-inspired XT600 scrambler…
Available from 1990-2004, the Yamaha XT600 was the latest evolution of the four-valve air-cooled singles that began with the legendary XT500, winner of the first two Paris-Dakar Rallies. Unlike some of the other big dual-sport “trailies” of the era, whose off-roading pretensions were only skin-deep, the XT600 was a trail bike first and street bike second:
“The Yamaha XT600E is about as straightforward, reliable and solid as an old school trail bike gets…. This is a true trailie: decent off-round and straightforward and un-fussy on. Don’t expect any frills or motorway plushness. But you won’t find a more honest workhorse than the Yamaha XT600E.” —MCN
Enter our friend Fran Manen whose company Lord Drake Kustoms (LDK) has workshops in Miami and Malaga, Spain. Recently, they obtained a 2001 XT600E (electric start model) that had lived a hard life at a riding school.
“Fran Manen was very clear about what he wanted: a scrambler with knobby tires, all black except the gas tank and inverted fork in silver.”
The team at the Spanish LDK workshop tore down the bike completely, modified the subframe, added a set of inverted forks, a 19-inch front wheel, and a Honda tank modified to preserve access to the oil-filler cap in the top tube of the frame. The color is a tribute to the Land Rovers of the Spanish military, and the bike is now for sale — available for shipping worldwide!
Below, we get the full details on the build from the LDK team.
Yamaha XT600: In the Builder’s Words
The XT models have begun to be customized over the last few years and this time Fran Manen (owner of Lord Drake Kustoms) has taken on a 2001 Yamaha XT600E, which came from a driving school in horrible condition.
Fran Manen was very clear about what he wanted: a scrambler with knobby tires, all black except the gas tank and inverted fork in silver.
From there, the rest of the work was in the hands of the motorcycle customization team of Lord Drake Kustoms in Malaga (Spain), which has shaped this fun scrambler based on the Yamaha XT600.
The first thing that was done was to disassemble the motorcycle completely, then the chassis was modified and the inverted fork was adapted with a 19-inch wheel. In this model, several modifications have been made to the chassis in order to adapt the fuel tank without disturbing the oil filler cap that these motorcycles normally carry in the upper tube of the chassis.
Subsequently, the seat, the front fender, the air filter box and part of the exhaust manifold were fabricated from scratch. All this was accompanied by a BMX-type handlebar, a 5.75-inch headlight with a yellow lens, and many other details such as grip end turn signals.
To improve the suspension, it was decided to replace the OEM shock absorber with a somewhat longer one with an air reservoir.
Finally all the parts were sent to paint in gloss black or textured black powder, except the fuel tank that has been painted in a military green color similar to that used by the Spanish army in one of its vehicles (Land Rover models).
This motorcycle has been transformed in the custom workshop that Lord Drake Kustoms has in Malaga (Spain); and in a few days you can ride it, because this bike is ready to be shipped worldwide.
If you want something similar or looking to customize your motorcycle in any other style, do not hesitate to contact our facilities in Miami (USA) and Malaga (Spain).
Build Sheet
- Base: Yamaha XT 600 E
- Year: 2001
- Engine: 600 cc Carburation
- Chassis: Original modified
- Tani: Honda
- Air filter: Handmade box with KN cones
- Exhaust: 2:1 modified with Spark silencer
- Handlebar: BMX 1″
- Rear fender: Handmade
- Mudguard front: Steel handmade
- Seat: Handmade and upholstered
- Front suspension: Inverted fork
- Rear suspension: Air shock +1”
- Wheels: 19″ front and 17″ rear tires with off-road tires.
- Others: Headlight, License plate holder, Odometer, cuffs, turn signals in grips, etc.
Follow Lord Drake Kustoms
Website: www.lorddrakekustoms.com
Instagram: @lorddrakekustoms
Facebook: @lorddrakekustoms
Youtube: LDK TV
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