Sweet sled showcases Yamaha's new SCR950

As has become, erm, customary from manufacturers in recent years, Yamaha has commissioned a top bike builder to create a one-off special to show what’s possible with its new-for-2017 scrambler – the SCR950. 

So Cal builder Jeff Palhegyi, a long time Yamaha collaborator, has drawn his inspiration from the company’s YDS3C Big Bear Scrambler. As well as echoing the colourschemes of Sixties Yamahas, Palhegyi’s custom is full of neat touches like the retro logos and rubber knee grips on the fuel tank, two-tone paint and a custom exhaust system with heat shields that harken back to the days of the desert sleds that defined California cool during the McQueen era.

The build also sees the XV950-based Scrambler receive leather wrapped Renthal handlebars that match the custom made seat and tool pouch. There’s a bespoke subframe and side panels, while the swingarm has been shortened. Off-road style Shinko Adventure Trail tyres are mounted on Ride Wright 40-spoke aluminum soft lip wheels, with Fox RC1 Podium 14-inch performance rear shocks giving the custom a dirt bike stance. Other detailing includes the custom aluminum headlight bracket and skid plate, steel braided brake lines and a custom logoed aluminum cover for the K&N air cleaner.

Palhegyi’s creation is the second custom SCR950 commissioned by Yamaha. Last year, California-based Japanese builder Go Takamine of Brat Style unveiled his Chequered Scrambler (below) to much acclaim.

While not quite as cool as the Californian creations, the standard SCR950 is in dealerships at the end of March, priced at £8,499 on the road.