Yamaha XJR1300 “BIG BAD WOLF”: the “big bad wolf” by El Solitario [PHOTO and VIDEO]

Yamaha XJR1300 “BIG BAD WOLF” – The latest collaboration between Yamaha and the best maker bikes in the world bears the important signature of El Solitario, a very trendy Spanish workshop, which has worked in recent months on the latest version of the Yamaha XJR1300, the iconic four-cylinder from Iwata which in 2015 celebrated the first 25 years of life.

The new Yamaha XJR1300 “BIG BAD WOLF”, the big bad wolf”, was shown for the first time in Germany in September, on the famous eighth of a mile of Glemseck 101, which saw it as the main protagonist of the end of the reign of Lucky Cat Garage, undefeated champion of the last editions of the famous German happening dedicated to the passion for Specials. Despite the robust transformation from street bike to purebred racing machine, El Solitario fully respected the Yard Built guidelines by creating “Big Bad Wolf” without cuts and welding on the standard version frame, further pushing the limit of where it's possible to arrive with an XJR1300 and a lot of imagination. "We are very satisfied with the collaboration with El Solitario.” said Shun Miyazawa of Yamaha Motor Europe. “We knew that the right time had come for the Galician workshop to take a new creative direction and "explore" unexplored terrain, putting itself to the test with our Yard Built project. The result was truly impressive: without cuts or welding on the frame it proved that the XJR1300 continues to be an excellent basis for "special" vehicles. The level of detail is very high and we are proud of this new creature, which has given not only a new face to our beloved model from the Sport Heritage range, but also a different image for El Solitario".

The “Big Bad Wolf” better known as “BBW” is a fully customized vehicle, with the exception of the frame, tank, handlebars and rear light, with a curb weight of only 183 kg. The engine has undergone profound changes, in fact the cylinder head has been revised and the intake port has been increased by 50%, while compression has increased from 9,7:1 to 10,7:1. The combustion chambers have been reshaped and the squish area enlarged. Titanium bolts were used for the connecting rods, while the crankshaft was re-balanced. The fuel unit has been replaced with cutting-edge Lectron 42 carburettors, developed specifically for the new Special by Lectron Fuel Systems. Additionally, a programmable Dynatek ignition was installed. On the rear wheel the power now reaches 148 HP, while Classic Co. has created the carbon fiber tail, the air box and the under-fairing tip, as well as all the aluminum parts that these modifications have made necessary. The English at Dymag developed the carbon wheels, while ISR created the triple clamps, 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brake calipers, and also the complete brake and clutch lever assemblies. K-Tech Suspension collaborated with Novatech in the development of the impressive front fork and rear suspension, while the thunderous titanium exhaust was made by Asahina Racing in Japan, designed to be fitted not only to “Big Bad Wolf”, but also on standard XJR1300 models as an accessory. Taleo Racing, official supplier of MotoGP, created a dedicated semi-circular radiator, while EMD worked on the aluminum engine guard. The special Racing by TWM fuel cap stands out from the tank, just as the aluminum swingarm from the Japanese Over Racing enhances the rear part of the bike.

La Yamaha XJR1300 “BIG BAD WOLF” it was wired with Motogadget M-Unit instrumentation and uses the M-Lock device for turning it on and off. The quick shift is from Corona, while the headlight unit is from PIAA. The new Special from El Solitario is fitted with Rain Michelin tires which maximize fun in all conditions. Finally, the splendid graphics and paintwork are the work of London-based artist Death Spray Custom.