Wheels

Polishing and painting the wheels is an individual project itself. The shape of each SRX wheel is filigree, so it was quite demanding. Moreover, the front wheel rim was a bit deformed and making it straight was needed. I decided to polish the rims plus the edges of the spokes and the wheel centre. And even the tiny lettering of the wheels parametres, too.

 The rear wheel  after polishing and prepared for the primer coat: 

A paper scotch tape for covering the polished rims: 

The same wheel with primer and filler coat applied: 

After applying each layer, the polished parts have to be cleared with a thinner, so they will be uncovered

I picked a golden paint which evokes classical era and correspond with the overall paint job combination 

Removing the scotch tape has a particularly pleasant effect worth 14 days of work on each piece

The same colour goes for the polished brake caliper holder

Polishing and painting the front wheel was even more tricky due to the complex

shape of the hub. This is a final version with a clear coat applied: 

   

Polishing

Polishing is a very effective but labourious procedure how to enhance the bike's look. So, after dismantling it to its individual parts, it is a natural way to go. First, the shape of the aluminium pieces must have been sanded. Ideal is to start with a sand paper with about "100" granularity, then switch to "280," "500" water sand paper ...and so on and on, before you reach approx. the "2500" value of granularity.

It is crucial to make all the steps meticulously and not to leave any scratches after the previous step.

Once the sanding is finished and the surface is smooth, the parts may be polished with a felt disc and a polishing paste.

On any motorbike, you may find plenty of aluminium parts: upper triple clamp, wheels, forks, engine covers, various holders, etc. and the final result may vary from the starting point

...all the way to this:

    

Cafe Racer Decaffeinated

Following images portray the sleek, racing- inspired construction of the SRX. Everything fits together with maximum utilization of space. This puzzle will not be easy to assemble one day. 

Contrary to that, the engine is hanged in a solid steel cradle, which made it quite easy to dismantle.

Stripping the bike

One, two and no three. This must go fast. First the tank and plastics went out, and then quickly the ugly paint job, too.

It turned that the bottom of the tank shows much more repairing, with huge layer of cement and traces of welding.

After removing the previous paint with an abrasive paper and chemicals (no sanding) the condition of the tank shows as follows - at least three unexpected new dents in it :)

The next step will be cutting off the damaged "tissue" and welding new metal sheet to the tank. 

The layers of paint of the mudguard are equally colourful - it turned the bike was originally blue metallic.

Rebirth of the Super single?

The purpose of this blog is to store and share the growing number of photos and practice I experience during the restoration of Yamaha SRX 400.

It's quite unique bike, a great blend of cafe racer style and modern technique, which was fully up-to-date in the 80s.

From the image it may not be apparrent, but the 1985 bike was pretty beaten. Some scratches and dents, high mileage and unfortunately a sort of a redneck tuning from the previous owners, too. For example, the grabrails on both sides of the frame were completely cut off, the muffler was bored to deliver a 'better' sound, the passenger's footpegs holder were made of solid iron weighing at least five kilograms, there was a poor white/red paint job over the original one, etc. 

The clock showed over 50, 000 km when the bike was purchased for my sister. As it turned, it was a basket case. For some mysterious reason, the bike refused riding in rain. It consumed a lot of oil, but on the other hand there was no rattling or other noise coming from the engine, which may signalize an excessive wear.

After some minor (and vain) improvements, the bike properly pissed its owner and has been stored in a corner of the garage for nearly ten years. From time to time, a resuscitation with a fresh battery occured, jumping on the kick starter lever, but when the fuel leaked from the tank to the crankshaft (possibly through the valve channels and the cylinder) and mixed with oil, it was over.

Just about a same time, I've finished working on 1991 Yamaha XJ 400 S Diversion (YouTube), - another japanese ''400,'' so it was clear this will be SRX turn.

 

The intention is to renovate all the functional parts and the esthetics of the bike without messing too much with an original SRX design. I consider the SRX one of the most beautiful japanese motorbikes ever made. The "customization" in the title of this blog stands for new colour scheme and other individual changes, that will follow. Thanks for reading and stay tuned.