RH MOTORCYCLES MT660
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Over 40 years ago, in 1976, Yamaha launched the XT500 - still an absolute offroad legend!
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The early models of the MT-03 were powered by a 660 cc single-cylinder engine, the same unit as the XT660 Z and Tenere. These models are directly related to the original XT500. This makes the MT-03 a rather young member of the XT family. As a naked roadbike, the MT-03 can be considered an unusual stepbrother of the family.
The early models of the MT-03 were powered by a 660 cc single-cylinder engine, the same unit as the XT660 Z and Tenere. These models are directly related to the original XT500. This makes the MT-03 a rather young member of the XT family. As a naked roadbike, the MT-03 can be considered an unusual stepbrother of the family.
It takes more than just aesthetic changes to transform a street bike into an off-road machine. If you keep the original chassis, the bike becomes front-heavy and can hardly be compared to a dirt bike. But the focus of the concept was to honour the XT with a modern scrambler, and that worked out fantastic!
After a suspension update with Wilbers components, a conversion to a Brembo brake, the construction of a custom stainless steel exhaust with Supertrapp mufflers, the installation of DNA high flow filters and a DynoJet Powercomander the bike is stronger than ever and hangs perfectly on the throttle to convert every rider input directly into brute force - all this with a much improved rideability.
As the standard chassis is designed for road use only, Roy Holtman chose the Wilbers setup. The conversion gave the machine increased stability. The driving pleasure is increased by the optimized interaction with the performance increases of engine and brakes. All in all it rides like a completely different motorbike, which gives you the additional freedom to change to gravel without loosing safety or feeling for the ground.
"The adjustable components take riding pleasure to new levels, while driving dynamics and above all safety have also been improved - the ground is not important here!
In order to find the right balance between oldschool off-roader and modern scrambler design, stainless steel mudguards have been fitted at the front and rear. The front fender remained blank to create an 80s retro look.
The scrambler light, combined with XL footrests, stone guards and Neken handlebar components, perfects the off-road theme. The Miller seat is upholstered in grey suede, as suede offers better grip than conventional leather. The stitching picks up the look of the coarse-treaded Continental tyres. In the rear part of the seat is a small tool kit, as known from off-roaders from the 80s and early 90s. Optionally, a piece of plastic can be stowed away in it, so that a pillion rider can also find room on the bike.
The tank paint completes the 76 XT500 impression.
About RH Motorcycles
Roy Holtman is the owner and inventor of the custom bike forge RH Motorcycles (RH Motorcycles auf Instagram), based in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
After a degree in art and design and a lifelong passion for two-wheelers, he builds his machines with a special eye for detail and technology. RH Motorcycles specialises in producing handmade, custom motorbikes and parts.