Motorcycle specifications YamahaSR 400 Yard Built par Krugger 2016 A nod to GP TZs

over the past three years, Yamaha's Yard Built program has grown from strength to strength, with the brand systematically choosing to collaborate with the world's leading tuners to integrate new models into the Sport Heritage motorcycle range. The latest collaboration with Belgian tuner Fred "Krugger" Bertrand takes the program into a whole new dimension: an entire section of MotoGP history appears through this Yamaha SR 400.

Having agreed to collaborate with Yamaha on a Yard Built project, Fred chose to draw inspiration from his good friend and fellow Belgian Bernard Ansiau, who happens to be one of Valentino Rossi's race mechanics.

While this alone makes Bernard one of the most envied mechanics of the moment, his CV is full of legends. He has prepared the machines of such Yamaha greats as Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Norick Abe, to name but a few.

Fred and Bernard agreed to use the modest SR 400 as a base to revive the racing spirit of the 70s and pay tribute to Yamaha's TZ machines - but also to celebrate Bernard's career.

"This Yard Built is an extraordinary piece of work," comments Cristian Barelli, Marketing Coordinator at Yamaha Motor Europe."I don't think any other preparation would better embody our history and commitment to competition. It's a magnificent bike: the more you study it, the more delightful details you find. We don't usually associate the SR400 with MotoGP racing, but this preparation is most authentic, a true special edition among the Yard Built!"

As you'd expect from a preparation inspired by the best in MotoGP, the SR400 's small engine has undergone significant modifications, the most notable of which is a magnificent Aisin 300 supercharger with a bespoke distributor chamber. The unique stainless steel exhaust system is complemented by a 48 mm S&S carburetor in place of the fuel injection system. The superbly polished forks have been lowered and balanced by a set of Fox shock absorbers mounted at the rear. The SR 400 is fitted with Dunlop K81 tires, in homage to the first tire to exceed 160 km/h at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

There are plenty of custom details thanks to Fred's perfectionism on this bike. Motogadget grips, knobs and speedometer are housed behind a small custom fairing at the front, above a modified triple top clamp and custom handlebars. Beringer brakes and clutch have been upgraded, adding a power level that suits this supercharged 400 perfectly.

The SR 400 's standard fuel tank has been retained, but reworked to be narrower and longer. A bespoke rear section conceals all electrical components. A dazzling interpretation of Yamaha's blue-and-white Speedblock motif completes the graphics. In addition, the names of all the riders who have been part of Bernard's career are inscribed in the design. Under the rear seat, the sharpest eyes will also discern a discreet but strong tribute to the Doctor himself! All the work done on this machine reveals a true work of art.

To find out more about Krugger, visit www.krugger.net.

Credits and images: Yamaha