Yamaha XS650 by Thrive Motorcycle
Yamaha XS650 by Thrive Motorcycle
When asked to reveal their influences builders can come up with some pretty odd answers. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen “a wood-burning stove” credited before.
‘Moon’ comes from Thrive Motorcycle of Jakarta and they have an unusual method for finding out what their customers like. Putra Agung explains: “We asked the client ‘What’s on your mind right now?’ and he answered ‘A wood-burning stove.’” The stove in question turned out to be a Mendip Loxton an angular English creation usually finished in a dark charcoal enamel.
Wood-burning stoves are not common in Indonesia. After all temperatures rarely drop beneath 25°C (77°F). But that stove became the inspiration for this build which is based a Yamaha XS650.
Given the rarity of larger-capacity bikes in Indonesia obtaining and customizing an XS650 is no mean feat in itself: It took almost a year to locate the bike. But Thrive’s lead builder Barata Dwiputra completed the transformation inside two months including a complete engine overhaul and hand-fabricated bodywork.
Thrive wanted an aggressive look so the wheelbase was lengthened via a custom swingarm and the front end was lowered a little. The colors have been reduced to shades of black with brass and copper accents for the details.
There’s a very elegant floating rear fender and the shocks have been sleeved to simplify the detailing. The wiring has been simplified too and a square headlight adds to the angular look. The only curvaceous items are the simple straight-through exhaust pipes.
There are practical touches though like a custom canvas bag containing every tool needed to maintain an XS650. And a pair of leather belts have been fitted under the battery box designed to hold a flannel shirt or jacket in place.
It’s a remarkably original build from a company with a strong and unusual aesthetic.
Thrive does not have a website yet but is on Instagram and Vimeo. Thrive’s work is also featured in the book The Ride: New Custom Motorcycles And Their Builders. Order your copy here.
Source: Bike Exif
