Yamaha’s latest collaboration, with Belgian builder Fred ‘Krugger’ Bertrand, takes it to a whole new level with a stunning layer of MotoGP history cleverly woven into the custom Yamaha SR400. This motorcycle will be added to many of Yamaha’s amazing custom motorcycles built over the last three years of the company’s Yard Built programme.
Having agreed to collaborate with Yamaha on a Yard built project, Fred 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. Bernard was also responsible for preparing racing machines for Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe amongst others.
The SR400’s engine gets a major overhaul with the addition of an Aisin 300 supercharger with custom chamber. The motorcycle also features a one-off stainless steel exhaust system complemented by an S&S 48mm carburettor in place of the fuel injection system. The front forks have been lowered and balance with a set of Fox shocks at the rear. The motorcycle has been equipped well with Motogadget speedo, switches and grips sit behind a tiny custom cowl in the front above a modified top triple clamp and custom handlebars. The brakes and clutch have been given an upgrade and are by Beringer, adding some power over stock to match the supercharged 400.
Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Coordinator Cristian Barelli commented, “This Yard Built really is a unique piece of art, I think it’s impossible to have a custom that lives and breathes our racing history better than this. It’s such a beautiful bike and the longer and closer you look at it the more detail you find to enjoy.”
There is great interpretation 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. There is also a small homage under the back seat to Valentino Rossi.
