VMX-Style XT600 from Garage Esquinita…
Back in 1984, Yamaha introduced the XT600, their new “go-anywhere, do-anything flagship. The 595cc dual-purpose machine could be traced back to the iconic XT/TT500 models, which had proved their mettle on the grueling sands of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Cycle World, testing the original XT600 in August of 1984, noted the new bike combined nimble street maneuverability with solid off-road chops:
“The XT makes an excellent off-road explorer. It will splash through streams, climb impressively steep hills and slide around smooth turns at a good clip.” –CW
It’s a testament to the XT600’s design that it remained in production for 20 years with relatively few changes along the way. The bike could hit nearly 100 mph flat out, and it wasn’t uncommon for these engines to do 60,000+ miles before needing a rebuild.
This ’85 XT600 comes from our friend Jed Patrick Oriña of Garage Esquinita, located in the Philippines. Built for his good friend Sam De Mesa, the bike has been transformed from a crusty donor with many missing parts into a lighter, more streamlined vintage-style enduro (“vinduro”) oozing with 70s nostalgia.
This XT now features a DT100 tank, custom-built subframe, handmade side panels, custom seat, motocross tires, Renthal bars, and lots of other smaller parts. The paint is classic Yamaha yellow with a touch of the iconic speed block pattern. The result is a beefy 80s workhorse of a single-cylinder with nostalgic 70s style.
“It’s like you’re riding a stallion, pure single-cylinder power.”
Well done, Jed! Thanks for turning this forgotten dual-sport into an eye-catching, fun-loving ride! Below you’ll find our full interview with Jed about the build. We look forward to featuring more projects from this talented Filipino builder.
XT600 Vintage Enduro: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
1985 Yamaha XT600.
• Why was this bike built?
A personal project for my good friend Sam De Mesa.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The design concept is to make it a vintage enduro bike since we got the bike with many missing parts, so what I did was to make it slimmer and more streamlined. I put a DT100 tank on it and put some aggressive mx tires.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
What I did was that I custom-built the subframe, fabricated the side panels, fabricated the seat, and change some of the parts like the handlebars. We used a Renthal handlebar, and then custom-painted it with classic Yamaha yellow.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
595cc, 46hp, 34 kw @6000rpm SOHC 4valve, 137kilograms
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
It’s like you’re riding a stallion, pure single-cylinder power.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
What I’m proud of is the paint; we did an amazing job replicating the classic Yamaha design.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I’d like to thank my partners
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @jedpatrickorina
Facebook: Garage Esquinita
Photography: Kenn Castro and Max Hernandez
More from Garage Esquinita
Retro Enduro: Yamaha XT600 Vinduro - VMX-Style XT600 from Garage Esquinita… Back in 1984, Yamaha introduced the XT600, their new “go-anywhere, do-anything flagship. The 595cc dual-purpose machine could be traced back to the iconic XT/TT500 models, which had proved their […]
Built in 21 Days: Hero Hunk 160R Street Tracker - Build-off Winner: 160cc Street Tracker from Garage Esquinita… Last year around this time, we featured a contest-winning Yamaha XSR155 from Jed Patrick Oriña, a young Filipino builder who operates Garage Esquinita. “Esquinita means a small […]
Grand Battle Brat: Suzuki GS150 “Bart” Tracker - Winning Tracker, MotoBuilds Pilipinas 2024: “Bart” by Garage Esquinita… While the major manufacturers have largely transitioned to liquid-cooling and EFI on their large displacement bikes, they’ve continued to produce smaller, simpler air-cooled machines for […]
HELLA: Yamaha XSR155 Scrambler - Yamaha XSR155 Scrambler from Garage Esquinita… The Yamaha XSR series is the company’s family of “neo-retro” motorcycles that combine modern engines and running gear with more classic design language. The XSR700 and XSR900 are […]
Very nice Yamaha !
Your bikes make me feel like a kid again thank you from Bjm from Ocala Florida
Love it!! 😍👏 It just needs a round headlight 😎