Yamaha has unveiled its latest Yard Built project bike. The latest collaboration, with Belgian builder Fred ‘Krugger’ Bertrand, adds a layer of retro MotoGP to a custom SR400.
Fred says he chose to take inspiration from close friend and fellow Belgian Bernard Ansiau, who just happens to be a MotoGP mechanic for arguably the greatest rider of all time, Valentino Rossi.
Whilst this role alone is enough to place Bernard as one of the most enviable mechanics alive, his CV is also littered with famous names, having previously prepared the racing machines for Yamaha greats such as Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe amongst others.
Fred and Bernard agreed to take the SR400 as the base, and then bring alive the racing spirit of the 1970s in a tribute to the Yamaha TZ machines and also to mark Bernard’s career.
“This Yard Built really is a unique piece of art,” commented Yamaha’s marketing coordinator for Europe, Cristian Barelli. “You wouldn’t normally associate the SR400 with MotoGP racing but this build is as genuine and authentic as it’s possible to get, a real Yard Built special!”
As to be expected from a build inspired by MotoGP racing, the little SR400’s engine gets some serious work, most noticeably with a Aisin 300 supercharger with custom plenum chamber. A one-off stainless steel exhaust system is complemented by an S&S 48 mm carburettor in place of the fuel injection system. The polished front forks have been lowered and balanced with a set of Fox shocks at the rear. Keeping the SR400 rubber side down are a set of Dunlop K81s, inspired by the first tyre to lap the Isle of Man TT course at over 100 mph.
Additional details include a Motogadget speedo, switches and grips – all of which sit behind a tiny custom cowl at the front above a modified top triple clamp and custom handlebars. The brakes and clutch have also been given an upgrade and are by Beringer, adding some power over stock to match the supercharged 400
The standard SR400 fuel tank has been kept, but reworked to be narrower and longer and a custom tail unit hides all the electrical components. A reinterpretation of the Yamaha Speedblock in blue and white completes the colour scheme, with the names of all the riders in Bernard’s racing career written into the design.
Source: Yamaha
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