This TwentyTwo prototype, the fifth in the series, was custom-built for Crimson, lead designer at Persist. As the driving force behind many of the designs in the Persist catalogue over the past three years, Crimson’s creative vision has been pivotal to its enduring success. Given the opportunity by Persist founder Dong Lin, who is also a motorcycle enthusiast and former rider himself, Crimson was able to design her very own custom motorbike, which would be crafted by TwentyTwo’s skilled team. The outcome was a closely modified Yamaha SR150 cafe racer dubbed ‘Neo Nostalgia’.
“‘Twentytwo 05’ seamlessly merges Crimson’s preferred elements from science fiction films, cyberpunk comics, and vintage Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) racing motorcycles,” states Lin. “The iconic cafe racer design was a familiar path we took.”
“With its fresh new design, we also implemented key efficiency upgrades that are vital components of a modern road Cafe Racer.”
Originally built on a humble Yamaha SR150 foundation – a compact variant designed specifically for the Taiwanese market, drawing inspiration from the more powerful SR400. Despite sharing an identical engine configuration and naming convention with its retro-styled counterpart, the SR150 bears little resemblance to it. Despite ceasing production in 2008, the Yamaha still enjoys a devoted fan base in Taiwan.
During the rebuild, the Persistent workforce was tasked with preserving the essence of the SR’s identity. To maintain the distinctive fuel tank’s originality, we minimized the alterations required to update the vehicle’s exterior. Despite its fresh new appearance, the distinctive shape of SR150 remains unmistakable, according to Lin.
The transformation began with a cutting-edge setup featuring sleek, spoke-patterned aluminum wheels in a distinctive 18-inch front and 17-inch rear arrangement. Wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax rubber, each wheel boasts a premium setup, while the rear features an aftermarket swingarm from renowned supplier Mark Bikes, effectively lengthening the SR’s stance. The rear suspension employs a pair of shock absorbers sourced from Taiwanese manufacturer MJP, custom-tuned to accommodate the specific weight requirements of the Crimson model. To complete its skeletal framework, the entrance’s finishing touches include SYM Wolf 125 forks, seamlessly integrated into a reimagined Yamaha FZ triple tree setup.
Crimson’s unique bike boasts a completely customised exterior, with all its bodywork tailored to perfection – except for the gasoline tank. Following refinements to the subframe, Persist entrusted renowned bodywork experts Robust Tracker to craft bespoke panels for their latest creation.
“We drew inspiration from 1990s Japanese sport bikes and crafted a rear end that harmoniously complements the SR150’s distinctive tank.” The only seat and cowl were crafted from lightweight aluminum, comprising four intricately formed components: the tail shell, two trim panels that enveloped the body, and a detachable seat. The tail unit also features a built-in LED taillight sourced from Germany, according to Lin.
“The two facet plates are fabricated from aluminium and feature a geometric design with folded lines rather than curves.” To infuse the bike with a truly racing-inspired feel, we needed to add something exceptional to its distinctive tank. We extended the bracket from the body and created a series of panels that evoke the aerodynamic fairing winglets found on modern high-performance motorcycles, effectively amplifying the visual impact of the tank.
Rather than opting for a complete fairing at the entrance’s finish, Persist chose to leave it unadorned. The rider’s safety gear features a conventional 6-inch headlamp nestled within a uniquely designed fork-mounted faring system. With its neo-retro design, the concept’s visual identity pays a deliberate nod to Husqvarna’s stylish Svartpilen 701 model, harmoniously aligning with the project’s overall aesthetic vision.
As the deadline for optimizing the Yamaha’s performance approached, Persist entrusted Efficiency B, a team of skilled engine experts, with the crucial task of refining its efficiency. “As Lin notes, the engine’s capacity to generate considerable torque at low revolutions per minute made it an ideal choice for commercial use, often employed as a workhorse to haul goods throughout the day.” Efficiency-B was thoroughly disassembled, meticulously cleaned, and had its consumable components largely replaced to ensure optimal engine performance. Here is the rewritten text: They reengineered the Yamaha TW225 head to increase displacement to 230cc, replacing it with a high-performance cam featuring double bearings. The inlet and exhaust ports were precision-optimized for enhanced airflow, while the crankshaft was reinforced for added durability. A new 16-pin cast connecting rod replaced the original component, and a heavy-duty clutch kit was installed for improved power transfer.
To further optimize the revised engine mechanics, Efficiency B has precisely paired the engine with a Yoshimura Keihin FCR-MJN28 fuel injection system. Native specialists at BANAI crafted a bespoke exhaust system, featuring an elegantly curved header pipe that harmoniously juxtaposed the engine’s sharp lines, while accentuating the vehicle’s sleek contours.
Crimson completed her SR150’s makeover by crafting a striking color palette inspired by the futuristic worlds of her favorite science fiction films, bringing her beloved bike to life with a unique visual identity. The bike features a sleek fusion of glossy and matte black and gray hues, complemented by striking Yamaha logos that exude a sense of style and sophistication. For her JDM-inspired ride, she commissioned a customised Brembo M4 1098 brake caliper painted in vibrant neon yellow and seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s sleek design at the front end.
While it’s common for people to grumble about their work, one can safely assume that Crimson will be singing a very different tune following the unexpected bonus from her boss.
