The Yamaha MT-10 is about as mental as naked bikes get. The 998 cc inline-four makes a stonking 158 hp and 111 Nm of torque, and backs up those numbers with razor-sharp handling. But with layer upon layer of angular plastics?and even fake air ducts?it’s the antithesis of everything the modern custom scene stands for.
That’s a minor hurdle for our friends in south London, deBolex Engineering. Partners Calum Pryce-Tidd and Des Francis have developed a reputation for building tasteful motorcycles using traditional methods and meticulous re-engineering.

Now they’ve used their skill set to rework the Transformers-like MT-10 into a machine that is still mechanically aggressive, but far more refined visually.
The project was based on a brand new MT-10, commissioned by a company called Bonesheart to promote a custom motorcycle lottery.
With an open brief, deBolex set out to refine the lines of the Yamaha. ?It was particularly challenging to slim down, being such a big bike,? Calum explains.
?Without redesigning the frame and tank, we would be limited by the existing skeleton and all the electronics that sat on and around it.?

Step one was to peel off as much plastic as possible. Parts like the Yamaha’s faux air intakes and robot-esque headlight assembly went straight into the bin. That immediately put the bike on a visual diet?but it also exposed a ton of wiring that needed to be relocated.
Then it was time to build the big naked up again with fres...