Supermoto goes retro: Ageing Yamaha XT600 transformed into thumping XT500 replica

Polish custom house 86 Gear Motorcycles have taken a time warp back to the early-1980s, transforming a customer’s well-loved 2000-plate Yamaha XT600 into an XT500-aping supermoto.

Used for years as a daily rider, before being handed over to the firm for its extreme makeover, the ‘XT630 Supermoto’ transformation took around one-and-a-half years, with modifications to the engine, frame, suspension, brakes, looks and more.  

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Starting with the frame, the original steel tubular set-up has had its subframe modified and shortened, with a shimmering alloy tank sourced from a 1983 XT500 added on top. Moving backwards, there’s also a retro bench seat, plus a minimalist Motogadget speedo and bar-end indicators upfront, in-keeping with the minimalist look.  

Underneath the new styling, there’s also YSS rear shocks and Wirth progressive springs in the forks. Stopping power is also improved with a fatter front disc and new front master cylinder. For improved roadholding, the bike also rolls on a fresh set of 17in SM Pro supermoto wheels, shod with Dunlop Mutant rubber.

Adding to this improved cornering prowess is more bite from the 21-year-old 45bhp single-cylinder engine, thanks to a new high compression piston, plus a camshaft taken from a Yamaha TT600 trail bike and more. Other tweaks also include a bespoke air intake, with K&N pod filters, custom exhaust system and a hydraulic clutch.