Situated in the heart of the achingly cool Marais area of Paris, the 19th century Carreau du Temple came alive with a custom twist last weekend as Yamaha’s Yard Built motorcycles took their place alongside the cream of Europe’s custom motorcycles for the 2015 Bike Shed Paris show.

Fresh out of the box and on display was the latest Yard Built creation, the stunning XJR1300 ‘Skullmonkee’ by Copenhagen builders the Wrenchmonkees. Based on the 2015 XJR1300, the ‘Skullmonkee’ is a masterclass in creative customisation. Joining the ‘Skullmonkee’ on display was the show-stopping VMAX ‘Infrared’ by German builder JvB-moto. Completing the custom Yard Built display was the inspired XV950 El Ratòn Asesino by fellow German builder Marcus Walz.

The custom machines were complemented by the standard 2015 XJR1300 Racer and XV950R. Both bikes were in part inspired by the creations of Marcus Walz and the Wrenchmonkees and were very comfortable sitting in the company of the custom machines.

Yamaha France took advantage of the sunny weather and assembled bike lovers, organising a city ride out with selected journalists on a mix of old, new, custom and standard Yamaha machines.

The Bike Shed show now moves to London on 23rd/24th May where Yard Built will be back and pulling the covers off at least two exciting new projects!