Because the early evolution of cars and motorcycles occurred alongside advancements in metallurgy, timber has never really been a go-to choice for materials when constructing a vehicle, with exceedingly few exceptions like the Morgan Motor Company. Noticing the distinct lack of wooden components, Biarritz-based builder, Sébastien Valliergues—better known by “George Woodman”—has taken his woodworking background and passion for motorcycles and parlayed the pair into a wholly unique style of timber-clad custom motorcycles, the latest of which is a fully-faired Yamaha XSR700.
After completing his “Hanko” XSR build for Yamaha’s Yard Built program in 2017, GWG has returned to the retro-styled MT-07 platform to craft another cafe racer dubbed “Hommage.” A single-piece front fairing is made from Beechwood, as is the custom cafe-style tail. The tank (cover) is still clearly from an XSR, but has been treated to Woodman’s signature spin while the build’s custom Xrace exhaust and wheel outlines are also painted to look like wooden items. Aftermarket controls, numerous top-shelf Rizoma bits, and a one-off livery complete the package. George Woodman Garage’s “Hommage” Yamaha XSR700 build is currently for sale—where the price is available upon request—with interested parties able to contact the shop via its website.
