Off brief, on trend: A Yard Built XSR700 from Hookie

Any designer knows: sometimes you need to give your client what they need, rather than what they've asked for. When Yamaha asked Hookie Co. to customize an XSR700 for the Yard Built program, the brief was “Playful, sporty and classic.” Not feeling the throwback vibe, the Dresden-based team decided to build something modern—even slightly futuristic—instead. So they took inspiration from current motocross and flat track bikes to create the 'Grasshopper.' Two out of three ain't bad, right? They sent a concept sketch off to Yamaha Germany, who were immediately hooked on the design direction. With that out the way, Hookie...