The build - snapshots

These are some shapshots taken over the last few weeks - they give context to the build:

(Top left) the new winker and the big factory fitted unit. All new parts are machined aluminium, polished stainless or chrome.
(Top right) the wiring harness and connectors within the headlight - the new headlight doesn't have room for much of this... its my first big hurdle!
(Bottom left) the reorganised garage dedicated to all things two wheeled.
(Bottom right) boxes and boxes of parts.

The build commences...

It's serious business...



The starting point: stock 2005 model Yamaha SR400



The first major stage:

• Short stainless mudgaurd at rear (Daytona)
  
• Small indicators and tail light (Posh and Daytona)
  
• Aluminium fuel tank (Daytona)
  
• Ducktail seat (Nitroheads)
  

and the headlight has been removed...

The Grand Plan

These are the modifications that are going to be made to the stock Yamaha SR400:

1. Remove stock handlebars from on top of yoke and replace with clip-ons mounted to forks, retaining the levers but replacing the mirrors.
2. Replace hand grips (current bike has been retro fitted with heated grips).
3. Replace headlight, speedo and tacho with a 'vintage' headlight that has a recessed speedo. All gauge/indicator lighting is also replaced. This requires new headlight brackets.
   
4. Replace front mud guard with a shorter stainless version.
5. Replace turn indicators with smaller machined aluminium units.
6. Replace all cables and wiring with shorter versions
7. Replace exhaust with a stainless race type exhaust
8. Remove side covers, airbox and existing air filter and replace with a smaller K&N filter
9. Re-jet the carburetor
   
10. Introduce a metal battery mounting bracket
11. Replace rear mud guard and brake light with shorter stainless steel unit
12. Replace seat with 'ducktail' single
    
13. Replace petrol tank with a raw aluminium tank
14. Remove existing foot pegs (including pillion), brake lever and gear lever and replace with rear set units (moving feet up and back about 200mm).

Inspiration

Rockers!

It's all lifestyle...

This has always been my favourite BSA - the american version was called the Barracuda


61-64 Ferrari 250 GTO styled by Giotto Bizzarrini - nice car, but it's the paint scheme that I like!

This image is from the January 2005 edition of American Rodder - all metal!

Bare metal Rat Rod built by Savage Speed Shop.


Coker Tyres hot rod.


A bobbed rare american-made Crocker motorcycle as featured in Easyriders.

Cool custom SR400 with a Manx-style tank - and it's build on the less common silver frame.

It all started at Deus.....

Test ride January 2007... yes it has been a long time in the making!



My bike at Deus (November 2007)



Time to take it home (December 2007)

Official Yamaha images:

SR400 Custom - BSA Style

After contemplating the design for a year, the final goal is a raw metallic cafe racer. All I needed was a silver framed SR to start the project...

This drawing (above) most accurately represents what I'm trying to do. I've updated my earlier drawing to include all the parts purchased for the project.

... and these are some of the earlier design variations that have explored more 'hot rod' themes.