#265 SR400Custom Report

The order was left entirely up to us. We aimed for a 70s chopper style, setting a 35cm extended long fork with a 2° rake and a 2cm narrow triple tree on a frame that has been converted into an 18cm long bolt-on hardtail kit. The front wheel is a modified original with narrowed width and uses a normal brake. The gas tank and tail lamp, which are welded to the frame, the seat with a mocket cutback, the sissy bar, and other parts are all made with 70’s-like exterior parts.

The dimensions around the vehicle body are designed with a focus on easy-to-ride and fatigue-resistant driving performance, just like the “No. 252 SR400” we made before. This includes changes in the setting of the trail number, which greatly affects the handling of the motorcycle, and the balance of the center of gravity. The strong handling tendency common to choppers is almost non-existent, resulting in neutral handling that can be safely operated and driven with one hand without feeling the weight. Also, by lowering the position of the engine (crank), which is the heaviest part of the vehicle, as much as possible, the vehicle is less likely to wobble and is stable during pushing and pulling or while driving, making the vehicle feel light and easy to turn. The step position that distributes body weight and the position where all joints are moderately bent make it less likely to cause body pain and fatigue during long touring. We have eliminated the negative aspects of long fork/rigid frame custom vehicles and finished it as a fun-to-ride vehicle.

The molding by bond work and the paint with a psychedelic fade pattern on a purple marblizer were requested from “P.H.K” in Kyoto.

【Vehicle Dimensions】

“Bending of the Hardtail”

By bending the red circled part more than the regular product, the vehicle height is lowered, changing to a chopper style silhouette with a lower seat height, which is considered the golden ratio.

“Engine Placement, Balance of Center of Gravity”

Due to the above bending process, the position of the crankshaft of the engine, which is the heaviest part of the bike, is made lower than the straight line of the front and rear wheel axles, creating an image of being suspended. By lowering the center of gravity, it feels much lighter when lifting or pushing and pulling the bike, reducing wobbling, greatly improving stability, and making handling lighter and easier to manage.

“2° Rake Triple Tree” (Custom 2cm Narrow)

The red line indicates the trail value that determines the weight of the bike’s handling. When the rear is lowered or the fork is long, the value becomes longer and the handling becomes heavier. This extended trail width is narrowed by the 2° Rake Triple Tree, correcting the weight of the handle to a neutral lightness equal to or greater than normal. Even at high speeds, it remains stable and the handle can be turned with one hand.

【Welding Method for Gasoline Tank/Main Frame】

※Please click on the image

Despite this look, considering regular vehicle inspections, we do not touch the mainframe (neck, engine cradle part), the rear is the usual bolt-on hardtail (you can return the swing arm, rear shock specification), and by using normal brakes, there is no need for major restoration maintenance.

【The sample car based on the STD Hardtail Complete is here】

【Over 80 hardtail production examples are here】

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