The Asian motorcycle customization scene never ceases to amaze the world and the latest from the Philippines proves that displacement numbers don’t always tell the whole story. A custom Yamaha XSR155 scrambler at the Makina Moto Show shows how skilled craftsmanship can turn a 155cc bike into something that commands respect.
Custom Build Overcomes Personal Challenge
The project started when Yamaha Philippines asked Jed Patrick Orina of Garage Esquinita to build a showstopping XSR155. The deadline was tight, just one month to finish the build before the big motorcycle show. But things got personal when Orina’s mom had a mild stroke on the same day the donor bike arrived at his workshop.
Despite the personal crisis, family support encouraged Orina to push through with the build. Good thing he did, the bike won the build-off at Makina and proved the builder’s skills and the platform’s potential.
Engineering Meets Art
The transformation involved a lot of structural changes to achieve the scrambler look. The team repositioned the subframe to increase seat height and optimize the rear geometry to get a more aggressive stance than the bike’s 155cc displacement.
Key mods:
- Custom side covers made specifically for the build
- Compact rear fender with integrated license plate bracket
- Two-piece saddle with separate rider and passenger sections
- Aluminum skid plate for engine protection
- Bespoke fuel tank design
The front end got equal attention with a custom fairing surrounding a yellow-tinted rectangular Hella headlight. A removable cover protects the light unit, a high-mounted front fender and aluminum fork guards complete the rugged look.
Performance Meets Practicality
Aside from looks, the build prioritizes function with spoked wheels wrapped in Shinko dual-purpose tires for versatility. The custom exhaust routes to what appears to be a SuperTrapp muffler under the seat, maintaining the clean lines while ensuring performance.
The color scheme is orange, black and white, it looks great under show lights and streetable.
Market and Future Prospects
The XSR155 is a hit in Asian markets especially in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines where smaller displacement bikes are the norm. It proves the demand for retro styled bikes with modern performance and reliability.
Yamaha XSR155 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power Output | 19.3 PS at 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Frame | Deltabox frame |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Brakes | Disc front (282mm), Disc rear (220mm) |
| Weight | 134 kg (kerb weight) |
| Expected Price | Around Rs 1.75-1.80 lakh (India) |
ALSO READ: Wedge Motorcycle Turns Ducati Scrambler 1100 into a Café Racer Masterpiece
This custom shows what the XSR155 is capable of as a canvas for creativity. While the stock bike is good in its class, builds like Orina’s prove that with thoughtful mods you can make a bike look way bigger than its specs.
This is for all the XSR155 owners out there who want to personalize their ride. The accessible mechanics, strong aftermarket support and Yamaha’s collaboration with custom builders creates an environment where creativity can thrive.
This build also shows the bigger trend in the motorcycle industry where owners want unique expressions of themselves rather than accepting the stock configuration. For the XSR155, this custom scrambler proves that even with small displacement, you can make a big visual statement.
