David Gonzalez is one of those low-key, under-the-radar builders, slowly creating a portfolio of stylish and slightly unusual bikes. Ten months ago we covered his classy Moto Morini 350; it’s now a pleasure to show his latest build, this angular 1983 Yamaha XJ750.
The XJ750 Seca was a rather odd machine when it launched. Despite the cruiser-ish looks, it was pitched as a high-tech sport bike, with revolutionary anti-dive forks and LEDs galore in the instrument panel. It has not aged well, but Gonzalez’ makeover has given the old girl a new lease of life—with the help of extensive sandblasting and powdercoating.
Working in his hideout in the hills above Barcelona, Spain, Gonzalez stripped the bike and refreshed the engine, which was in good condition. It’s now sporting a tank from a Derbi 2002, a small but elegant machine from the 1970s. The seat unit is from a Yamaha TZ, with an aftermarket Gonelli light now embedded in the tail.
The suspension has been shortened at the front to improve the stance, with Betor gas shocks installed at the rear. The tires are Avon Roadriders—grippy, but with a suitably vintage vibe.
The ancillaries have been tidied up with a complete electrical and brake system overhaul, and the controls have been upgraded with GSX-R rearsets and new bars and levers. And if the headlight looks familiar, that’s because it’s from a Suzuki Bandit.
Gonzalez is gaining a reputation as someone who can make even the most ungainly bike look good, and he’s done a sterling job with this Yamaha. If you’ve seen a better looking XJ750 elsewhere, drop us a line.
Images by Monica Doallo. Check out the Ad Hoc website and Facebook page to see more of David Gonzalez’ work.
