Unapologetic: Soyouz Cycles' Yamaha XS650

Like all aesthetic pursuits, customizing motorcycles is mostly an exercise in personal taste. So when we told Philippe Lagente that his Yamaha XS650 might get less than favorable comments, his response was: “I don't mind—and I love to ride it.” Based in Toulouse, France, Philippe builds bikes as Soyouz Cycles—an after-hours hobby which he describes as “just a bunch of friends sharing a garage.” And while his build might tick all the wrong boxes for some folks, we dig it for reasons that we can't explain. (Just like some people prefer selvedge denim and Red Wings over an Aerostich onesie.)...