The Yamaha XV920 custom motorcycle by Ugly Motors
The Yamaha XV920 cafe racer built by Poland's Ugly Motors is a striking custom that turns a heavyweight 1983 Virago into a lean, aggressive machine. Known as Ugly#08 and created by workshop owner Jakub Beker, it pairs hand-made bodywork with donor parts from across the sportbike world, delivering the timeless finish and performance that has become the signature of his company.
The Ugly#08 custom cafe racer combines a powerful figure with modern, sporty refinements. Based upon the classic Yamaha XV920, it is redressed in hand-made bodywork and a painted Kawasaki KZ650 fuel tank. Created by Jakub Beker, owner of Poland-based workshop Ugly Motors, it carries the aggressive stance, timeless finish, and performance capability that defines his builds, as documented by custom-bike specialist Pipeburn.
How did the XV920 build start?
Ugly Motors' client was particularly clear with his specifications and tastes in order to achieve the agreed budget. He sourced a 1983 Yamaha XV920 Virago in good condition that had been brought over to Poland by an old man in Gdańsk. As the motorcycle weighed almost 240 kg wet, the first step was to replace the suspension, since the lightweight sportbike front-end was not up to the task. A set of Kawasaki ZX12R forks were given the go-ahead.
What modifications improved the handling?
Jakub crafted a new upper-triple to give the bike a much neater finish, and bolted a set of traditional clip-ons beneath. A Honda CBR 954RR rear shock was then fitted to improve the handling and lower the ride height; to make it fit, a bespoke shock mount was built in-house. The ZX also donated its huge twin 320 mm front discs with Tokico calipers, while the lightweight front wheel is wrapped in muscle-bound Metzeler tires. The full parts breakdown is covered by BikeBrewers.
What gives the XV920 its character?
The Yamaha XV920 by Ugly Motors features an industrial fuel tank topped off with two olive-gold race stripes before it was given a heavy clear coat of lacquer for extra protection. The custom seat adds to the bike's excellence with a touch of Italian flair: top quality tan leather, finely stitched to perfection.
Where can you see more custom cafe racers?
Ugly Motors has built a string of memorable customs. Explore more of the workshop's work with the Honda CB 750K by Ugly Motors and the Suzuki GSX1200 Inazuma by Ugly Motors. For another Yamaha air-cooled twin reborn as a cafe racer, see the CRSS #9 Yamaha XV750 Cafe Racer.
Discover the full lineup of hand-built customs in TheArsenale motorcycles collection and find the cafe racer that fits your style.
