Yamaha’s latest push into the European custom scene has yielded some of the best XSR builds yet. The most recent Yard Built initiative involves nine different customizers, each producing bikes with a ‘Back to the Dirt’ theme.
We?ve already seen stellar work from Germany’s Hookie Co., and a Portuguese build from Capelo’s Garage and Elemental Rides that recalls the Yamaha IT enduros of the past.

Now it’s France’s turn to represent, with this fresh take on the XSR700 from Sur Les Chapeaux De Roues.
Like Portugal’s entry, this XSR is a throwback to another Yamaha classic. This time, it’s the lesser known but absolutely adorable BW200.

Produced in the 80s, the BW (‘Big Wheel’) was a fat-tired, easy-to-ride dual sport, making it the perfect beach cruiser. The modern Yamaha XSR is a far more advanced and powerful bike than the little BW?but this custom recaptures the old school charm. ?I think it’s the ?funnest? bike I?ve ever built,? says SLCDR?s sole proprietor, Manuel. ?It?s light and powerful, but with a fun look?and it?s easy to ride in a lot of conditions. I wanted this bike to be accessible to everyone, so it’s a little bike.?

The XSR isn’t exactly bulky or heavy out of the box, but Manuel has still trimmed it down further. But first, he had to replicate the BW200’s most distinguishing feature: its bubbly wheels.
Using a Honda Transalp hub up front and a Yamaha XT660 hub out ba...