Absolute diversity of the Freeride Motos Racing’s stable, so it is difficult to combine them into one silo. You’re likely to find a slim supermoto in their workshop, since you’re a 90 year old Moto Guzzi. Shop owner Pierre Dhers is clearly on to a good one – so it’s no wonder he’s getting returning customers.
One of those customers was Dakar Rally racer and flat road racer Pierre Lachaume. The two Pierres met some time ago when Mr. Lachaume wanted a custom bike. He wants his 1989 Yamaha XT 600 modified at first, but, after some deliberation, Freeride created him a KTM flat tracker instead of.
Patience is a virtue he clearly possesses. After the KTM was completed, he returned to Freeride’s workshop to receive the graded XT 600.
Pierre Dhers explains: “After completing other projects together, the topic of XT returned to the table. “We want a rivala perfect way to go to the corner bar for a drink. “
If you don’t know, the French once had a boom in the national motorcycle trade, which produced some beautiful machines (put it on Google). The Freeride took inspiration from postwar French motorcycles, by fitting the fuel tank from a 1950s Monet Goyon. The oil tank and toolbox were raised from a 125 cc Terrat engine.
Brass gas and oil tank cap, hand-turned by Pierre’s father. who regularly contributes to the Freeride project. The brushed aluminum accents on the crate and the small luggage rack are period parts that have been restored for the project.
The stock Yamaha wheels have been refreshed and reworked with new 18-inch rims up front. This goes well with the rear rim — which is what you should expect from a flat road enthusiast like Lachaume. Looking very modern in the new black paint, the rims are fitted with Heidenau vintage style enduro tires.
The nearly 40-year-old brake system has been upgraded with a new master cylinder and disc. The discs have been expertly laser cut with the name Freeride, and ‘Lachaume 74’ in reference to Pierre’s race car number.
Another highlight for France over the years is the selective yellow headlights. It was donated by a car from the 1980s where it was originally a fog light. The stock indicators have been folded and replaced with discrete LED units, hidden between the front fork and under the saddle to the rear.
The chair was trimmed by Mr. Cannac Christophe of Akotabe in Carmaux, southern France. It sits on top of a custom subframe.
The driver’s cockpit now includes new switchgear, throttle assemblies and black Renthal bars held in place by polished lift bars. The front and rear suspension have been lowered, likely only a few cc more in flat-line style.
Freeride has also completely tweaked the engine, adding performance improvements using a new Prox muffler, Vertex valve and Vertex pistons. The carbs have been stripped, washed and refreshed, and now breathe through an aluminum filter from Malossi. Reassembled with all new gaskets, the engine is painted black to match the frame and will perform well for over 30 years of use.
Handcrafted stainless steel exhaust system, finished with a Supertrapp silencer. It might just be our favorite part of the build; The purple to golden bronze really stands out from the otherwise monochromatic design.
Gone are the original 1980s plastic guards — they’ve been replaced with short, painted steel guards to match the tank. There are leather accents all over the bike, including the taillights and number plate ‘racks’ that go back to old bikes. It may look unstructured, but it looks great.
Freeride set out to create a minimalist scrambler for getting around town, and completely nailed it. This XT 600 may come from France, but it is the physical embodiment of dolce away from granddaughter.
Picture the scene: you’re in the South of France and treat yourself to a relaxing session, waking up with a strong latte and cruising around town on your scrambler. After meeting friends for an afternoon drink, you take a scenic detour through the woods on your way home. Blissful.
Freeride Motos Racing | Facebook | Instagram | Photo of Clement Lazzaro
