Yamaha SR400 Cafe Racer by Fred Krugger
The recent cooperation with Belgian designer Fred "Krugger" Bertrand takes this to a whole new dimension by giving the Custom Cafe Racer Bike SR400 a fantastic touch of MotoGP history.
To work on a Yard Built project with Yamaha, Fred chose to draw inspiration from his close friend and countryman Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be MotoGP mechanic for Valentino Rossi, arguably the best driver ever.
To work on a Yard Built project with Yamaha, Fred chose to draw inspiration from his close friend and countryman Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be MotoGP mechanic for Valentino Rossi, arguably the best driver ever.
Although this role alone is enough to make Bernard one of the most enviable mechanics in the world, but his previous career is peppered with legends. For example, he previously worked on the Yamaha racing bikes such as Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe. Fred and Bernard decided to use the modest Yamaha SR400 as a basis to bring the racing spirit of the 1970s back to life - as a tribute to the Yamaha TZ machines and also to highlight Bernard's career.
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"This Yard Built is truly a unique piece of art," commented Christian Barelli, Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator. "I doubt there's a custom bike that embodies our racing history as much as this one. It's an incredibly beautiful bike, and the longer and closer you look, the more wonderful details you'll notice. The SR400 is not normally associated with MotoGP racing, but this machine is as genuine and authentic as it can be, a true Yard Built jewel. "
"This Yard Built is truly a unique piece of art," commented Christian Barelli, Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator. "I doubt there's a custom bike that embodies our racing history as much as this one. It's an incredibly beautiful bike, and the longer and closer you look, the more wonderful details you'll notice. The SR400 is not normally associated with MotoGP racing, but this machine is as genuine and authentic as it can be, a true Yard Built jewel. "
A lot of work is being done on the SR400's small engine, most notably an Aisin 300 charging system - just as you would expect from a motorcycle inspired by the best in MotoG racing. The unique stainless steel exhaust system is complemented by a S & S 48 mm carburetor engine instead of the fuel injection system.
The wonderfully polished front forks have been lowered and fit the rear set Fox struts. A set of Dunlop K81 tires keep the SR400 on the road - inspired by the tires that broke the 160 km / h barrier for the first time in the Isle of Man TT race. Fred has brought his passion for perfection fully into the SR400, so there are almost too many custom details to mention them all. Above the front fork bridge and the handcrafted handlebar, the Motogadget speedometer, switches and grips sit behind the small tailor-made front fairing. The brakes and clutch have been improved, come from the house of Beringer and provide additional power to meet the SR400 with charging.
The SR400's standard fuel tank has been retained, but made thinner and longer, with a tailor-made tail unit hiding all electrical components. An impressive interpretation of the Yamaha Speedblock in blue and white completes the color scheme. All the names of the racing drivers with whom Bernard has worked in his career have been incorporated into the design. If you look closely, you'll even find a nice little homage to Valentino "the Doctor" Rossi himself under the back seat! It could not be better, a true work of art.