Raider Motorsports SR "Norton Manx"

Just a quick update - those of you who enjoyed the Raider Motorsports/Moz Rissman article we posted recently might be keen to hear some news concerning the latest creations from the Coffs Harbour shop.

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Yamaha SR400 - The Varkain

A few months ago we featured another SR400 built by Raider Motorsports in Coffs Harbour. Well, it looks like they've been up to their old tricks again – turning stockers into rockers. Their latest bike is the black sheep of the family and is appropriately named The Varkian – which is Finish for "By Stealth". "As with all our motor-sickles, the Varkain is 100% designed and hand-built in our garden shed" says Maurice from Raider Motorsport. "The frame has been stripped, all the ugly OEM brackets and mounts hacked off before a trip to the sandblasters and then over to the powder-coaters. The engine has been disassembled, all clearances and OEM tolerances checked and/or refined prior to reassembly and some trick heat-proof coatings and making of lots of shiny bits and pieces. Engine side cases are powder-coated, as are the rims and hubs. The Varkain has a stack of custom and handmade accessories, far to many to mention and more than you can see in the pics, plus the usual neat bits and pieces our customers have come to expect, like new wiring loom, LED warning lights, new vintage Firestone tyres, new seat from our Nitro-Bed range, new custom paint, blah blah blah and stacks more!"

If you want to view more pics of the Varkain build, from "stripped and naked to all dressed up and ready to play", visit the Raider Motorsport gallery. The bike is for sale and is currently at Chidiac Motor Group showroom in Sydney if you want to check it out in person.

 

2010 SR400

We just received some photos of the 2010 SR400 from Japan. That's right, Yamaha have decided to continue the ever popular SR model. Let's face it, they would be crazy to stop production of this classic based on the sales in Japan alone. Especially with a revival in retro, classic and cafe racer bikes around the world we think the 2010 SR will do Yamaha proud. The main difference between the previous SR's that have almost been unchanged for 30 years and the new 2010 SR400 is the addition of fuel injection, which will reduce it's previous high fuel emissions that stopped it being imported into many countries. This is great news for SR fans like ourselves and we look forward to seeing more of these beautiful bikes on the road (in whatever form). 

Custom House Stinky SR

The name might sound a bit funny but Customs House Stinky (CHS) have been building some serious looking motorcycles in Japan since 1983. Their website is littered with beautiful bikes including many Cafe Racers, mainly using the much loved Yamaha SR400. The only thing that stinks about these bikes is the smell of burning rubber as they disappear into the distance. CHS also have an impressive range of handmade tanks and seats that are quite pricey but you are definitely paying for quality. If you want to see more pics of this stripped down, red framed SR Cafe Racer check out this gallery or visit their main gallery to see the whole range.

Motor Garage Goods SR

Motor Garage Goods are an up and coming Japanese custom shop in Itami City, near Osaka. Like most Japanese shops they love the ever so popular SR400. They have done a great job creating this awesome SR in true cafe racer style. It's low, light, lean and mean. Not to mention a beautiful paint job with matching fairing and tank. We also love that fat stainless Yoshimura muffler that looks like it packs a mighty bark. For more from these guys check out their sweet gallery including some Harley Davidson's that are hotter than wasabi.

M&M's SR

This isn't a bike built by the chocolate maker, it's from a custom shop in Japan that goes by the name M&M Motorcycles. Based not far from Yokohama in a city called Kanagawa. Like most Japanese shops they specialize in SR's, W650's and TR's. We really dig this yellow SR tracker. Judging by their website they seem to build mostly street trackers. They also have a blog and a shop that are worth checking out. The shop has some interesting things, ranging from ashtrays through to motorcycle parts and clothing.

SR400 Drovers Dog

We love receiving the Deus Oily Rag in our inbox and discovering what the guys at Deus have been creating. The first thing that stopped us in our tracks is this SR400 Drovers Dog. Done in true Deus style, with a SR skinny tank and those beautiful vintage Firestones. The only thing that bugs me is the Deus graphics on the tank, l have to be honest I much prefer the original logo (but hey, a bit of paint stripper would fix that). Hit the jump for the full Drovers Dog gallery.

Bratstyle SR500

Having recently received my SR400 from Japan I can't stop searching for pics of them for inspiration. So when it comes to SR400 and SR500's one of the best places to go is Bratstyle. They are a Japanese custom shop that have a very distinctive and rideable style. They especially love their Sr400's, XS650's and W650's. Check out their gallery for more eye candy. One of the first purchases will be a set of old-school Firestones like the ones on this SR500 aptly named Godspeed.

Gravel Crew SR400

Yamaha SR400 Gravel Crew style. This Japanese shop always gets us excited in the nether regions. The clip-ons probably couldn't get any lower. The square headlight is a unique touch that makes these guys great. Check out their gallery for more inspiration.