Yamaha SR400 – Image from Heiwa Motorcycles

Michelle Liew

July 8, 2021

The Master of Modern Motorcycles Kengo Kimura takes a spin at the classic Yamaha SR400.

Yamaha SR400 | Heiwa Motorcycles | Kengo Kimura | Source: Pipeburn

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YAMAHA SR400 FROM HEIWA MOTORCYCLES

Looking for amazingly handcrafted motorcycles? Look no further as we celebrate the revival of the cafe racer. Rummaging through countless sites, the shift from a set of boring designs to an impressive one has left a lasting impression for more than a decade. It is obvious that many things have been forgotten in the course of time. What has remained so far, is the appearance of the Yamaha SR400 and the modification by elite artisans from Japan. Leading the way is Heiwa Motorcycles with their impressive latest creation – the Yamaha SR400 version 21.

Yamaha SR400 Crafted by Heiwa Motorcycles

In 2005, Paul Snr. Jnr, and a few others at OCC company showed off their latest “motorbike” for the Gillette razor company. Gillette was praised by millions of people as the best motorcycle mechanic in the world. Across the border in Hiroshima was a young man named Kengo Kimura opening his shop. There, he was like an old Japanese master, he did his work without being ostentatious or wasting time. He went on to be a true master of the modern motorcycle industry.

Front body of Yamaha SR400

IMPROVED YAMAHA SR400

Yamaha continued to produce the SR400 for over 40 years and Kimura decided that the supply was enough and built his famous single-cylinder machine. He stripped the Yamaha off its chassis and prepared for the revamp. 

The rear body of the Yamaha SR400

KIRUMA’S INNOVATIVE BREAKTHROUGH

Kimura removed the rear part of the subframe and the shock mount. Then he added other parts to give the product a finished look. After formatting the chassis, this created a structure to perform the next steps. He covered the bike with a thick layer of black paint. The oil tanks that usually go under the saddle has been given a new look. Kimura came up with an oil reservoir design instead. He attached the battery box to the lube tubes to tear away from the oil in frame design.

Saddle of Yamaha SR400

THE METICULOUSNESS IN DETAIL INVESTMENT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE

Starting off with tin cans, everything is handmade and crafted lovingly. The rear strut at the bottom of the frame is rolled and nailed and then fixed with rubber. Kimura’s minimalism brings a clean finish and unique simpleness to the motorcycle.

Fuel tank of Yamaha SR400

The craftsmen at N2AUTO blended a custom colour of the Heiwa bike. The soft colour and the simple company logo accentuates the perfection of the metalwork. Amplifying the look is the handcrafted leather seats with no distinctive style, classic black finish and vertical seams. H

SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST.

To achieve such a look, he disassembled the front suspension and reduced the fork to 50mm. While at the rear, a shock absorber has been designed to minimize impact force. In the braking system, the drum brakes are at the front. The rear is fitted with 18-inch rims at the front and back then wrapped in Adlert tires with a classic tread pattern. The engine is still original, with a black header and Heiwa’s series muffler.

Brakes of Yamaha SR400

The new tachometer sits in front of the bar with a classic grip, alongside a set of indicator lights and front headlights. Only at Heiwa Motorcycles can you see a masterpiece rolled out with elegance and subtlely effortlessly. The SR400 version 21 will continue to create a lasting impression. 

Source: Martin Hodgson | Pipeburn