# Yamaha XV950 “Playa del Rey” by Matt Black Custom Designs

- Link: https://custommotorcycles.info/yamaha-xv950-playa-del-rey-by-matt-black-custom-designs/
- Published: 2015-08-06T06:00:31-04:00
- Author: Manny Costa

[View Yamaha XV950 "Playa del Rey" by Matt Black Custom Designs Photo Gallery](https://custommotorcycles.info/yamaha-xv950-playa-del-rey-by-matt-black-custom-designs/#photogallery)

The Yamaha XV950 Playa del Rey turns a familiar bobber recipe into a much more deliberate
custom. Built by Matt Black Custom Designs in San Pedro as a Yamaha Yard Built project,
it combines a low solo-seat stance with a carefully finished tank, a distinctive
front end and enough mechanical detail to keep the XV950 visible beneath the styling.

## A bobber shape with a sharper silhouette

Its proportions are immediately recognizable: a compact seat, exposed rear frame
and broad tyres give the motorcycle the grounded posture expected of a bobber. The
execution is less stripped-back than the usual minimalist build, however. The painted
side panels, sculpted tank and extended-looking rear bodywork create a continuous
line from the steering head to the tail.

The colour scheme does much of the visual work. Warm metallic brown and cream panels
are separated by fine pinstriping, while black wheels and the dark V-twin add contrast
underneath. The result has a period-racing flavour without pretending that the Yamaha
is an untouched vintage machine.

## Details that reward a closer look

Matt Black Custom Designs reportedly made the tank, and its finish is one of the
bike’s defining features. The broad central panel carries Yamaha lettering and a
decorative illustration, framed by cream insets and lining. A custom fuel filler
cap reinforces the hand-finished character rather than disappearing into the paintwork.

The solo saddle is another focal point. Its dark leather surface and visible stitching
give the otherwise glossy motorcycle a tactile, crafted element. A small, polished
headlight and single-dial speedometer keep the cockpit visually clean; the gauge
is mounted prominently above the unusual front fork assembly instead of being buried
behind a conventional handlebar arrangement.

## Modern hardware under the custom finish

The XV950’s V-twin remains the visual anchor. Cooling fins, covers and the exhaust
layout are left sufficiently open to read as working motorcycle hardware, while 
the surrounding painted brackets and guards add structure around it. The rear suspension
uses Öhlins shocks, an upgrade that is as conspicuous in the side view as it is 
purposeful in the build’s blend of old-school appearance and contemporary components.

That balance is the Playa del Rey’s strongest idea. It does not rely on a bare frame
or an overloaded catalogue of accessories. Instead, the build changes the motorcycle’s
identity through colour, proportion and a short list of prominent custom parts. 
The effect is a Yamaha XV950 that still looks usable and mechanically coherent, 
but carries the visual confidence of a one-off showpiece.

### Build notes

 * **Base:** Yamaha XV950
 * **Builder:** Matt Black Custom Designs, San Pedro
 * **Notable features:** reported handmade tank, leather solo saddle, custom filler
   cap, springer-style front fork, single-dial speedometer and Öhlins rear shocks
 * **Paint:** Ray Hill is credited with the finish and pinstriping

## Photo Gallery

[⌊Yamaha XV950 matt black 01⌉⌊Yamaha XV950 matt black 01⌉[
 [⌊yamaha XV950 matt black 04⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yamaha-XV950-matt-black-04.jpg) [⌊yamaha XV950 matt black 03⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yamaha-XV950-matt-black-03.jpg) [⌊yamaha XV950 matt black 02⌉](https://custommotorcycles.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yamaha-XV950-matt-black-02.jpg)