The Yamaha SR400 reigned as a cult icon within the custom motorcycle scene during its resurgence in popularity around 2008 and 2009. The iconic thumper’s influence on customisation enthusiasts was cemented by workshops such as Deus Ex Machina and the stunning creations built by Japanese fans, leaving a lasting impact on global aficionados of bespoke SRs.
Yamaha brought a close to the SR’s remarkable 43-year production journey in 2021, but this has not diminished the iconic instrument’s allure. For motorcycle enthusiasts, cafe racers have long been a staple of the riding community, and Makato “Mac” Endo’s stunning build is a prime example of how to get it just right.
For more than two decades, Mac has cherished his 1996 Honda SR400, a faithful companion that has been by his side since the early days of his motorcycling journey. Within just seven months, this latest bike prototype underwent a transformative rebirth, emerging as a sleek neo-café racer. With meticulous attention to detail, Mac began by selecting a comprehensive list of high-quality aftermarket parts tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of his prized motorcycle. He proceeded to transport his SR bike to the workshop at Flakes Customcycles. Under Mac’s guidance, Flakes meticulously disassembled the SR and began reconstructing it using his innovative, cutting-edge parts.
One of the standout features of the SR400 cafe racer is its unique combination of a rubber-mounted BSA Brooklands alloy gasoline tank, paired with a distinctive Peyton Place-inspired cowl design. The custom twin exhaust system and Imola-style aspect covers add to the car’s already impressive visual appeal. Behind the fairing, a custom-designed sprint houses the Cognito Moto and Motogadget gauges that reflect Mac’s distinctive style.
While the entire construct checklist for this Yamaha SR400 may run long enough to fill your arm, the finished product’s clarity is impressively uncluttered. It’s custom builds like this masterpiece that may have enthusiasts seeking out Yamaha SR400s for their own projects for years to come.
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