Yamaha SR400 special MotoGP
Yamaha's “Yard Built” program works with custom
builders worldwide for fresh takes on the company's Sport Heritage range of
motorcycles. The latest collaboration, with Belgian builder Fred 'Krugger'
Bertrand, salutes MotoGP history with a Yamaha SR400 special.
Bertrand’s inspiration came from close friend
Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be a MotoGP mechanic for arguably the greatest
rider of all time, Valentino Rossi. He also prepared the racing machines for
such Yamaha greats as Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe.
Fred and Bernard agreed to use the humble Yamaha SR400 as the base, and
recognize the racing spirit of the 1970s in a tribute to the Yamaha TZ
machines.
Given the inspiration of MotoGP racing, the little
SR400's engine gets some serious work, most noticeably with a beautiful Aisin
300 supercharger with custom plenum chamber. A one-off stainless steel exhaust
system is complemented by an S 48 mm carburetor in place of the fuel injection
system. The beautifully polished front fork has been lowered and balanced with
a set of Fox shocks at the rear. The Dunlop K81s are a nod to the first tire to
lap the Isle of Man TT course at over 100 mph.
There are almost too many custom details to mention
as Fred's obsession with perfection spills across the SR400. Motogadget speedo,
switches and grips sit behind a tiny custom cowl at the front above a modified
top triple clamp and custom handlebars. The Beringer brakes and clutch add some
beef to match the supercharged engine. The standard SR400 fuel tank has been
kept, but narrowed and lengthened, and a custom tail unit hides all the
electrical components.
A stunning interpretation of the Yamaha Speedblock
in blue and white completes the color scheme, with the names of all the riders
in Bernard's racing career incorporated in the design. Under the back seat the
eagle-eyed will also spot a small light-hearted homage to the Doctor himself.
