The Dutch photographer Mark Meisner flew to Trondheim to find out more about Roel, his expatriate countryman. And the trip was worth it to see this heavily modified Yamaha GTS alone.
Roel bought the GTS 1000 around four years ago, while still living in Holland. Dating from the mid 90s, it?s one of the most complex bikes in the Yamaha archives?with electronic fuel injection, ABS and a radical front suspension system.

It?s not just the suspension that?s symmetrical: the wheels are too. The front wheel is now a clever hybrid, blending elements from Honda NSR150 SP and VFR750 wheels. The center of the hub is outside the rim, so Roel had to mill the edges of the rims. After a little realignment and welding, and mods to the steering column, it all fitted. To keep the bike low?a mere 32 inches high?every available space is filled with relocated parts. The radiator sits between the front suspension and the engine, and the oil cooler has been modified to sit beneath the front swingarm.

It took three goes to get the gas tank and seat unit looking right. They?re made from aluminum, with separate vessels inside the tank for gas and oil. The electronics and battery pack live behind the seat?which was upholstered by the Dutch specialist Marcel Miller.
The cockpit is empty, with nothing to distract the rider. ?You have to look underneath your left knee to see how fast you are going!? says Roel. On the right of the bike, concealed just below the seat, is a small aluminum panel for co...