Customised motorbike builders in many yards have also pursued a neo-retro approach. Purchasing a pre-owned motorcycle can be a more financially astute option. For those with a keen eye for opportunity, scavenging late-model parts and gear to cannibalise and retrofit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Youziro, a Japanese motorbike enthusiast with an unwavering passion for customization and a deep appreciation for timeless, classic design. His crowning achievement – an ultra-refined, avant-garde reinterpretation of the iconic 1998 Yamaha SR400 café racer – stands as a testament to his unwavering passion and refined taste.
Youziro’s journey of rediscovery began in 2016, when he chanced upon a vintage SR400 at a public auction, sparking a neo-retro adventure that would span years to come. Following the acquisition, he swiftly implemented his vision for the SR, working in tandem with Hilt’s Chopper’z from Hiroshima to meticulously customize every aspect of the motorcycle in a series of carefully planned phases.
The concept at the heart of the challenge drew inspiration from the classic ethos of cafe racers. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering rockers of the 1950s, Youziro’s vision was to transform the Yamaha into a sleek, lightweight vehicle engineered for speed, agility, and stripped-down essentials. While his primary goal remained the same, he sought to infuse modern elements into the existing structures.
At the core of the bike is a heavily reworked version of Yamaha’s renowned single-cylinder, air-cooled, overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine with two valves. The engine has been upgraded with a 534cc piston and cylinder assembly, complemented by a Yoshimura ST-1 camshaft, an advanced oil cooling system, and a reinforced oil line package. These modifications operate synergistically to enhance overall efficacy while injecting a dose of modern credibility.
The gasoline supply has seen significant improvements with the recent installation of a Keihin FCR 39 carburetor, enhancing overall engine performance. Air is introduced to the combustion process via a mesh-covered velocity stack, effectively optimizing airflow into the engine. Meanwhile, the lightweight Thruxton titanium exhaust system expertly tunes the note, coaxing a rich, melodic tone from this nimble motorcycle.
Among the numerous hurdles Youziro faced during construction was the daunting task of incorporating disparate bike parts, a process he wryly refers to as “cannibalizing and modifying them”.
To optimize his custom motorcycle build, he’s incorporated high-performance components, including a salvaged and reworked front fork and triple tree assembly sourced from a late-model Kawasaki ZXR400. A seasoned donor provided a matched set of Brembo 65mm 4-pot calipers, which the discerning owner complemented with high-performance Sunstar 310mm racing rotors. The rear finish of the SR features a reworked and reengineered swingarm sourced from a Yamaha FZR400R SP, showcasing its unique heritage. It’s supported by trendy Aragosta piggyback twin shocks? With the upgrade featuring Gale Velocity Kind-R rims paired with high-performance Dunlop GPR300 tires on both the front and rear wheels. These upgrades ensure that this Yamaha cafe racer not only looks great but also provides an exhilarating ride.
With its trendy finishes seamlessly embracing the iconic design of Youziro’s masterpiece, this unique model is elevated by the addition of a Daytona Velona speedometer and Yoshimura Professional-Gress2 gauge, showcasing vital information on oil and water temperatures, voltage levels, and elapsed time. The NHK ODM-2000 steering damper effectively maintains the vehicle’s entrance stability. The Bore-Ace rear units position his feet aptly for aggressive corner assaults, and the stock Roadster handlebars have been replaced with sportier clip-on bars.
The aesthetics of this bespoke bike have been elevated to new heights through the incorporation of a meticulously crafted alloy gasoline tank, a one-of-a-kind MASUMI seat, and a distinctive FRP tail unit, complemented by Dayton’s intricate facet covers and an Omega Racer aluminium cafe racer fairing that exudes a sense of refined sophistication. The scarcity of visible lighting amplifies the bike’s racetrack appeal, elevating it to another level; however, for practicality, a PIAA headlight is discreetly positioned on the side of the body, accompanied by bar-end mounted flip signals that provide added visibility.
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Youziro’s Yamaha SR400 cafe racer seamlessly blends vintage design elements with modern efficiency enhancements, crafting a harmonious balance between nostalgic charm and contemporary flair. The depth of his passion for the iconic Yamaha motorcycle mirrors his meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of life. As he throttles up, he honors the storied heritage of the SR, its enduring popularity a testament to the passion of Japanese enthusiasts.
