El Solitario’s not afraid of the ‘Big Bad Wolf’

Spanish bike builder David Borras, best known for his custom bike outfit ‘El Solitario’, has built this fascinating XJR1300 as part of Yamaha’s ‘Yard Built’ series.

Named the ‘Big Bad Wolf’, this XJR is very far from ordinary, both aesthetically and mechanically. The bike is swathed in enough custom and trick bits to make any bike builder look on in awe. It’s not just about the aesthetics, either; El Solitario wanted to make the bike perform, and perform well.

Nearly everything on the bike has been custom made with the exception of the frame, handlebars, tank and rear light, reducing the stock bike’s 240kg wet mass down to just 183kg. The power has been increased from its standard 97bhp to 148bhp at the back wheel thanks to extensive engine modifications. Combining this with the bike’s successful weight loss programme, the BBW has become a formidable weapon.

Suspension mods draw on the expertise of K-Tech Suspension and Novatech, who collaborated to supply parts that would maximise performance of the machine. The carbon fibre wheels were developed and supplied by Dymag, with an ISR 6-piston caliper brake conversion giving the Wolf some claws to stop with.

Taleo Racing created the custom semi circular oil cooler that defines the bikes aggressive looks, while EMD in France machined in aluminium the prototype motor covers that will be available to buy from El Solitario for the stock XJR1300 in the foundry version. Another part that was made specifically for the bike and which can also be fitted to the stock XJR is the exhaust, made by Japanese outfit, Asahina Racing. It’s a truly global affair.

You can see more of the Yard Built series via the Yamaha Yard Built website.