Maria Motorcycles Yamaha XSR700: Elegant Custom Craft Meets

The Maria Motorcycles Yamaha XSR700 is a refined example of how modern engineering and classic design philosophy can coexist in perfect harmony. Built by the Barcelona-based custom workshop Maria Motorcycles, this bespoke interpretation of Yamaha’s popular XSR700 transforms an already capable modern motorcycle into a timeless, elegant, and deeply personal machine.

Known for their clean aesthetics and thoughtful design language, Maria Motorcycles approach customization with restraint and precision. Their XSR700 build is not about excess or shock value; instead, it focuses on balance, usability, and emotional connection, proving that true craftsmanship lies in subtlety.

Maria Motorcycles: A Design-Driven Workshop

Maria Motorcycles is a respected custom motorcycle studio based in Spain, recognized for creating bikes that sit at the intersection of industrial design, lifestyle culture, and motorcycling heritage. Their work often reflects:

Clean, uncluttered lines
Premium materials and finishes
Practical, rideable custom builds
Strong visual identity without exaggeration

Rather than completely reinventing motorcycles, Maria Motorcycles enhances the original character of the donor bike, refining its form while elevating its emotional appeal. The Yamaha XSR700 project perfectly demonstrates this philosophy.

Why the Yamaha XSR700?

The Yamaha XSR700 is an ideal platform for customization. Built on Yamaha’s CP2 parallel-twin engine, the XSR700 offers:

Strong low- and mid-range torque
Lightweight and agile chassis
Proven reliability
Neo-retro styling cues

Its versatility allows custom builders to explore different design directions without compromising performance or rideability. Maria Motorcycles chose the XSR700 as a foundation because it already balances modern performance with classic inspiration, making it a natural candidate for a refined custom transformation.

Design Concept: Modern Classic with Mediterranean Soul

The Maria Motorcycles XSR700 is designed to feel timeless rather than trendy. Every modification is intentional, ensuring that the motorcycle remains visually relevant for years to come.

Overall Silhouette

The bike’s profile is compact, low, and perfectly proportioned. Maria Motorcycles reshaped the rear section to create a clean, flowing line from the fuel tank to the tail, eliminating visual clutter while maintaining comfort and functionality.

The stance communicates elegance and confidence, whether parked or in motion.

Bodywork and Paint

The fuel tank retains its original shape but receives a custom paint finish, often featuring warm tones, subtle metallics, or classic color combinations. The paintwork reflects Maria Motorcycles’ attention to detail—smooth, restrained, and premium.

Branding is minimal, allowing the design itself to take center stage.

Seat and Subframe

A custom seat unit replaces the stock setup, featuring:

Slim profile
High-quality upholstery
Comfortable padding despite minimalist appearance

The modified subframe is carefully integrated to preserve structural integrity while enhancing visual cleanliness.

Lighting and Visual Details

Lighting plays a major role in defining the bike’s modern-classic identity:

Compact LED headlight with classic round form
Minimal LED taillight integrated into the seat
Discreet indicators that blend into the design

These elements provide modern functionality while preserving a vintage-inspired silhouette.

Engine and Performance Character

At the heart of the Maria Motorcycles XSR700 is Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, known for its character, reliability, and versatility.

Engine Performance

Approx. 74 horsepower
Strong low-end and mid-range torque
Smooth throttle response
Excellent fuel efficiency

Rather than pushing for higher output, Maria Motorcycles focuses on enhancing the riding experience, allowing the engine’s natural character to shine.

Exhaust System

A custom exhaust system improves both aesthetics and sound:

Clean routing that complements the bike’s lines
Deeper, more refined exhaust note
Reduced visual bulk compared to the stock unit

The sound remains engaging without being excessive, perfectly matching the bike’s refined personality.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

The XSR700’s lightweight chassis makes it a joy to ride, and Maria Motorcycles enhances this strength with carefully chosen upgrades.

Suspension

Refined front fork setup for better feedback
Rear shock tuned for comfort and stability
Balanced damping suitable for city and backroad riding

The suspension setup prioritizes control, confidence, and everyday usability, making the bike enjoyable across a wide range of riding conditions.

Braking System

Upgraded braking components ensure:

Predictable stopping power
Improved modulation
Enhanced rider confidence

The braking system is both functional and visually cohesive with the overall build.

Wheels and Tires

Tire selection is critical to both performance and aesthetics. Maria Motorcycles chooses rubber that provides:

Strong grip in urban and rural environments
A classic profile that complements the bike’s design
Confidence in varied weather conditions

Ergonomics and Rider Comfort

Unlike extreme cafe racers, the Maria Motorcycles XSR700 is designed to be ridden daily.

Riding Position

Upright and relaxed posture
Wide handlebars for control
Neutral footpeg placement

This setup ensures comfort during commutes, weekend rides, and longer journeys.

Rider Interface

Minimal handlebar controls
Clean switchgear
Compact instrument cluster

Everything is intuitive and uncluttered, reinforcing the bike’s minimalist philosophy.

Technology: Hidden but Present

Although the bike looks classic, modern technology is seamlessly integrated:

Fuel injection for smooth power delivery
ABS for safety
LED lighting for visibility
Modern electronics hidden beneath clean surfaces

The result is a motorcycle that feels mechanically honest yet technologically capable.

Craftsmanship and Build Quality

Maria Motorcycles’ reputation is built on attention to detail, and this XSR700 is no exception:

Precise metalwork
Perfect panel alignment
Hidden wiring and fasteners
High-quality finishes throughout

Every component feels intentional, contributing to a sense of refinement and cohesion.

Everyday Usability

Despite its custom nature, the Maria Motorcycles XSR700 remains practical and reliable:

Proven Yamaha engine reliability
Comfortable ergonomics
Manageable weight
Easy maintenance

This makes it suitable not only for shows and photography but also for real-world riding.

Market Position and Appeal

The Maria Motorcycles Yamaha XSR700 appeals to:

Design-focused riders
Urban motorcyclists seeking individuality
Custom bike enthusiasts
Riders who value subtlety over excess

It exists outside the world of mass production, offering something personal, refined, and emotionally engaging.

Cultural and Design Significance

This build reflects a broader shift in custom motorcycling:

Moving away from extreme modifications
Emphasizing usability and elegance
Treating motorcycles as design objects

The Maria Motorcycles XSR700 represents modern European custom culture, where craftsmanship and lifestyle intersect.

Ownership Experience

Owning a Maria Motorcycles XSR700 is about:

Riding something unique
Appreciating thoughtful design
Enjoying daily usability without sacrificing style

It’s a motorcycle that rewards both visual admiration and time spent on the road.

Conclusion: Maria Motorcycles Yamaha XSR700 – Timeless, Refined, Personal

The Maria Motorcycles Yamaha XSR700 is a shining example of how modern motorcycles can be transformed into timeless custom machines without losing their practicality. Through careful design, premium craftsmanship, and respect for Yamaha’s engineering, Maria Motorcycles has created a bike that feels balanced, elegant, and deeply satisfying to ride.

For riders who value: