Farmers Racer '88 Yamaha SR400

Isn't it weird how one little addition to an object can have seemingly untold benefits to it's aesthetics. Take, for instance, your common, garden-variety Martini. Now you could argue that a Martini is simply a slug of gin (or vodka, if you're having childish delusions about being a spy) and some vermouth. But I'd argue that what in fact makes the Martini is the garnish. Without that twist of lemon, olive, or whatever new-fangled hoopla they are currently adding to the glass, I'm betting that it would have disappeared without a trace into the ocean of nondescript cocktail wannabes a long time ago. The message you'll need to take from this, my little pickled pipers? One single inspired touch can make a good bike great. And in the case of Farmer's Racer, there's no free drinks for guessing just what twist we are talking about.

Click to read more ...

Yamaha SR400 - ‘Clock Work’ by Moto Rock

The Yamaha SR400 is still one of the most common bikes on the streets of Japan. It's as Japanese as Sushi, Karaoke and Girl Pantie Vending Machines. Yamaha has been building these indestructable little thumpers for mucho decades, hardly changing a thing - until recently when they introduced the fuel injected models. I have a huge soft spot for these single cylinder SR's, not just because I own one but because they can be easliy transformed into pretty much anything. We've seen most incarnations here at Pipeburn, mostly they're turned into cafe racers, trackers or less commonly even bobbers. But we don't usually see anything like this chrome creation built by Motor Rock. The guys from Nagoya have really taken this SR to the next level, building something truly unique. Sure, it has influences from Shinya, Zero and the samurai chopper, but Moto Rock have still managed to make it uniquely theirs. And we really love that.

Click to read more ...

Skull Motorcyles SR400 - ‘No.019’

Can't type. Brain melted by amazing bike. Must copy and paste thesaurus instead. Admirable. August. Best. Breathtaking. Choice. Elegant. Elevated. Exalted. Exquisite. Fine. Glorious. Gorgeous. Grand. Great. Lofty. Magnificent. Majestic. Marvelous. Matchless. Noble. Optimum Optimal. Outstanding. Peerless. Prime. Proud. Resplendent. Solid. Splendid. Splendiferous. Splendorous. Standout. Stunning. Sublime. Super. Superior. Superlative. Unrivaled.

Click to read more ...

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.

Click to read more ...

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.