partridge proves timing is everything with the yamaha MT-10 build for TW steel

award-winning designer of custom performance motorcycles, ant partridge, presents the yamaha MT-10 build. made in collaboration with watch manufacturer TW steel the motorcycle builds on the factory specs of the naked sports bike, wanting to offer something much wilder.

images courtesy of partridge designs

photos by chris fosin

dubbed ‘tempus fury’ the bike was torn down before being rebuilt using an extended alloy swingarm, specially designed MT-10 turbo kit and lightweight carbon wheels wrapped in drag race ready shinko hookup tires. other bolt on bits include trick clip-on handlebars, footpegs, grips, an engine protector, fuel cap, and levers. to allow the rear end to be tuned to different riding conditions such as drag racing, partridge ordered an öhlins TTX GP rear shock.

marking the first project under partridge’s new brand ‘partridge design‘, the project came with its fare share of challenges. outsourcing the production of the bikes carbon fiber body work involved working with some difficult workshops who chose to modify his designs as well as damaging the MT’s frame. thankfully, a call to his friends at yamaha ended with replacement parts being express shipped to him. what’s more, the mods he made on the bike, increasing the bhp from 158 to 205 left the skinko rubber losing traction and smoking up on the dyno wheel.

‘this must have been the single most stressful build in my career, but I refuse to be known as someone who lets a client down!‘ he says. perhaps most importantly was the fact this bike had been taken up by a motoringshow partridge had just started working on for the discovery channel. all of a sudden partridge was facing unfamiliar tv schedules and minimal budgets. ‘looking back now that filming is over, thinking about how stressful it all was if you asked me would I do it all again? the answer would be hell yes! I love taking on new challenges I think it helps build your skill set. overcoming obstacles and coming out on top is a hugely rewarding feeling. I think it’s great to push yourself and try new things, even if you feel in way over your head.’

read the original article at returnofthecaferacers.com where a report on this project and others are published with full specifications and an extensive gallery of images.