In the mid 90s, the XJR 1200 was Yamaha’s foray into the increasingly popular ‘naked’ bike market. And it was no slouch, with a reported top speed of 220kph (136mph). Fast forward a decade, and here’s an even faster XJR 1200—built in 2006 by German designer Jens Finke, and featured in Fighters Magazin.
The engine is heavily uprated: the stock inline four puts out 98 hp, but Jens’ bike has considerably more. It’s packing serious heat with JE pistons, a flowed head, a hot cam, K&N filters and a stage II Dynojet kit. Plus that 4-into-1 exhaust—a lightweight Eagle Mach 7 DB Killer model, designed to give a useful power boost without infringing strict European noise regulations.
Jens also reinforced the frame, powdercoated it black and attached an FZR front end and custom swingarm. Those unusual parts on the front are CNC-machined and there are neat touches throughout, such as the ignition being moved to under the seat. Good to see a streetfighter with a little restraint—I’d say this XJR 1200 is the classic iron fist in a velvet glove.
