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.