On our quest to discover more Japanese custom shops we have come across Yokohama based Yamaguchi Ringyou. The shop is owned and operated by 3 brothers who share the same passion and special interest in the Yamaha SR.
Now is it just me or is the Yamaha SR one of the most popular custom bases for Japanese custom builds? I could be be wrong, but the amount of custom Yamaha SR motorcycles we have encountered from Japan is extensive and the numbers are growing. For today’s feature the brothers have sent us their custom Yamaha SR500 aka Type 1.
To give you a little flashback the Yamaha SR500 was designed by Atsushi Ishiyama. Atsushi worked on the very first Yamaha and contributed a lot to create Yamaha’s reputation in design. The Yamaha SR500 was destined to become a legend as one of most reliable and easy to maintain motorcycles ever built. It was sold until 1999, with a huge demand in Germany and Japan, until new noise and emission regulations signaled the end for this big air-cooled single. Don’t you hate those emission regulations, I am glad that motorcycles are not the invention of our time!
I hope that was enough to explain why the Yamaha SR500 is a popular thumper. The base for the build was an stock Yamaha SR500 which was stripped down to the frame. Later the stock frame was modified to adapt a Cafe Racer style. The stock engine was overhauled and fitted with Wiseco 90mm Piston and a Supertrapp exhaust system.
At the front this custom Yamaha SR500 features vintage looking CEV 150mm headlight. The stock SR500 tank was replaced with a Yamaha YB-90 tank which also adds great lines to this beauty. At the rear the stock suspension was replaced with 280mm suspension, the wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone BT-45. Our personal favorite on this build has to be that Yamaha YB-90 fuel tank.
According to one of the brothers Daisuke Yamaguchi “My favorite thing about this bike is the position of the handlebar, it’s very narrow and drops downwards”.
The Yamaguchi brothers have done a great job on this build, the finished bike has that classic cafe look and feel.
Disclaimer: If any of the facts in this article have been lost in translation we apologize, please feel free to comment and correct us! Moto Rivista editor!
