Yamaha SR400 Is Made To Modify

Surviving original SR500s are popular candidates for customization due to their classic lines and mechanical simplicity, and Yamaha expects the SR400 to attract the same kind of attention. The new SR400 will surely be a good platform for café racer, scrambler, bobber, and street-tracker builds—the possibilities seem limitless with this cool little single.

One simple option for customization is this bolt-on kit from Goings Moto. Chad Goings, owner and chief engineer at Goings Moto, says he found inspiration for his body kit from famous Yamaha racebikes of the past.

"The tail section pays homage to Giacomo Agostini 's 1975 TZ500 OW23 but is elongated to capture the look of a flat-track bike. The front fender is modeled after Kenny Roberts ' 1980 World Champion YZR500. The fender has a built-in fork brace for added front-end stability."

And while many builders will likely attack their projects with cutting torch in hand, Goings was committed to making this a bolt-on kit. “I know there are a lot people that want to have a custom bike, but they don’t have the ability to build one,” Goings says. “All you need for this kit is a 10-millimeter wrench.”

The parts are made from fiberglass and come ready for painting. The tail section sells for $400 (add another $100 for the seat shown above), while the front fender goes for $300. A rear fender-eliminator kit is also available for $80. Pricey stuff, but given that riders are scrambling to buy the $5,990 SR400—Yamaha says retail sales are 36-percent higher than expected, and it’s ramped up production in response. It’s clear what the little SR lacks in horsepower, it makes up for with inspirational power.