The new wave custom scene was originally built on a love for the old school. But these days, we’re seeing more ?neo? and less retro, and some very cutting-edge production tech.
A lot of builders now prefer computers to sketch pads, and 3D printers over English wheels. And that’s fine by us?if the results are as good as this radical Yamaha XSR900. Built by Dab Motors of France, the metal parts have been created using ‘laser beam melting’ and the bodywork is crafted from flax fibers.

?ALTER? is the latest in a long line of impressive Yamaha Yard Built commissions, and it’s an absolute jaw-dropper. It’s also been put together using unusual techniques, some of which we’re still trying to wrap our heads around. For Simon Dabadie?the man behind Dab Motors?modern is where it’s at. He?s based in Biarritz, and deliberately eschews traditional processes to create what he calls ?a new kind of custom motorcycle.?

Simon’s background is a mix of engineering, design and motorcycles. He’s familiar with 3D design and printing, and has worked for both Roland Sands Design and Deus Ex Machina.
Now he builds customs in ?a totally antagonistic way to the old school spirit, integrating new technologies into the creative process.? And he has a growing network of talent that he ropes in for help.

?The ALTER is our vision of the future of custom motorcycles,? he says. ?During this project we wanted to show that we have to embrace th...