I first came across JTEC MOTO after the Los Angeles-based shop produced a particularly cool one-off Ducati 900SS cafe build. Though the small outfit has worked with a wide range of donors, it seems to have of proclivity for V-Twin-powered projects in addition to a serious knack for creating some pretty stellar one-off subframes. Recently an XV920-based cafe build the shop did popped-up for sale so I thought I’d share it.
This project started as a 1982 XV920J that was stripped down to the engine and frame. The 65hp, air-cooled, four-stroke, 920cc, SOHC, 75-degree V-Twin was was overhauled, receiving new rings, gaskets, valve seals, rod, bearings, etc. The stock frame was fitted with an inverted front-end off an ’04 sportbike and the factory monoshock was swapped-out for a modern unit off an MV Agusta. Custom brackets were also created to accommodate aftermarket rear-sets, giving the bike a much more aggressive riding position when combined with clip-ons up front.
The new front end was also given ASV “Shorty” levers, clip-ons, grips, and KOSO OLED instrumentation. A bespoke subframe was designed, fabricated, and mated to the XV’s chassis, easily one of the build’s coolest features. A bespoke tail-section was also created, mounted in place, and then finished off with a custom seat and what appears to be an LED taillight off of a late model Ninja. An unspecified vintage tank was also selected and fitted to the build. A custom rear-fender was also chopped into shape and then tacked into place. The stock pipes were replaced with a custom two-into-one system with open exhaust note and then unfortunately wrapped in tape, though this could be easily undone.
On top of the higher-performance suspenders, the bike was also given a set of quad-piston calipers and disks up front, providing a lot more bite than the Yamaha’s factory twin 267mm discs and dual piston calipers. The Virago’s stock rims were also replaced with a pair of five-armed wheels wrapped in Metzeler tires. A custom headlight set-up was created, consisting of two LED strip headlights – a la the latest R1 – on either side of a small circular aftermarket bulb, topped with a semi-opaque headlight cafe cowl. The LED strips double as the front signals in addition to performing headlight duties while the taillight seemingly has integrated signals, keeping the build tidy and free of small protruding parts.
Finally the bike was given a coat of matte silver with black highlights. Interestingly the only color the Virago was reportedly offered in, in ’82 (in the US) was silver with black trim, though I’m unsure if this is an intentional nod to the stock livery or just an interesting coincidence. Lastly the project was dubbed, “Fenrir”, named after the Norse wolf god and son of Loki. According to JTEC, roughly 2,000 miles have been put on this build since its completion, though it reportedly remains in solid running condition with the only minor problem being a faulty speedo that seemingly needs recalibration. In addition to the photos of this XV build, someone put together a short video of the bike that also happens to feature the aforementioned Ducati build the shop also did.
“Fenrir” currently has a clean CA title (good through July 2018). This build isn’t without its faults, but all in all I think it’s a pretty high-quality custom that can actually be ridden thanks to some modern components. You can find this 1982 Yamaha XV920-based “Fenrir” cafe build from Jtec Moto for sale here on CafeRacersForSale.com in North Hills, California with a (negotiable) price of $9,600. International shipping is available.