Of all the Yamaha XV models released over the years, not one could be accused of being pretty. And yet, custom motorcycle builders have been putting their spin on the maligned Virago (and its variants) for longer than Bike EXIF has been around.
One workshop that knows how to turn a sow’s ear into a purse; STG Tracker. Run by Marcelo Obarrio and Germán Karp, the Argentinian outfit is versatile and seldom builds the same thing twice. So they didn’t blink when a client asked them to turn his 1981 Yamaha XV920R into a scrambler.
The XV920R was Yamaha’s attempt at turning their awkward cruiser into a standard-type motorcycle with sports touring aspirations. Highlights included a taller stance, rear-mounted foot pegs, and an enclosed chain drive.
This particular XV920R was running great, so Marcelo and Germán didn’t have to crack the engine open. They stripped the bike down to its nuts and bolts, treated the engine’s exterior to fresh finishes, and fabricated an aluminum sump guard to protect it.
The guys retained the XV’s original front suspension, but swapped the rear shock out for a Honda unit. Next, the early 80s alloy wheels were ditched for a set of better-looking spoked items. The front wheel was built using an aftermarket hub and a 19” rim, with a Bybre brake caliper and Brembo disc.
The rear wheel was put together with a 17” rim and the drum brake hub from a Honda CB750, offering more stopping power than the stock drum brake. The front tire is a Continental TKC80, while the rear is a Kenda Big Block. STG also ditched the heavy 630 chain, replacing it with a 530 unit that rolls over custom sprockets.
With the running gear sorted, Marcelo and Germán tackled the XV920R’s clunky bodywork. The stock parts were binned—along with the bike’s stock subframe.
A new rear section was fabricated and welded on, creating a neat line along the base of the bodywork. Designed with a subtle kick in the tail, it carries a custom-made leather saddle, a short rear fender, and an LED taillight. LED turn signals flank the back of the seat.
There was a time when every second custom Yamaha XV wore a Benelli Mojave fuel tank—but STG figured out something better. They borrowed this tank from a new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which fit the XV’s frame with minimal fuss. But since the Royal Enfield is fuel-injected and the XV isn’t, they also yanked out its fuel pump and installed a petcock.
The XV920R carries its air intake in its left-hand side cover, utilizing the bike’s stamped steel frame to direct air to the carbs. STG got around this by making a slim box, resembling a racing number plate, to house a chunky K&N air filter. There’s a matching box on the other side of the bike, but that one holds the electrical stuff.
The Yamaha’s cockpit was beefed up with tapered bars, fitted with backlit micro switches, new grips, and slim new mirrors. The front end also wears a digital speedo, a new headlight with a protective grill, LED turn signals, and a handmade aluminum fender. Chunky off-road foot pegs do duty lower down.
For the exhaust, Marcelo and Germán put together a two-into-one-into-two system out of stainless steel. Terminating in a pair of upturned reverse cone mufflers, it demands attention every time the XV is fired up.
Finished in a striking black, red, and silver livery, with custom Yamaha badges adorning the tank, STG Tracker’s Yamaha XV920R is a worthy entry into the annals of custom XVs. Then again, we’d expect nothing less from Buenos Aires’ finest.
STG Tracker | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Darío Rodriguez
