Takashi Nihira has received awards and brought commissions from main OEMs. However the man behind Tokyo’s Wedge Bike additionally is aware of the right way to tone it down, when the transient requires it. And whether or not he’s constructing an all-out showpiece, or a humble commuter like this tidy Yamaha SR400, his work all the time shines.
With factory-level finishes and a stance adjustment, this SR400 feels extra like a restomod than a full-on customized job. However the magic lies in its subtlety. There’s nobody massive centerpiece right here—as a substitute, Nihira-san has handled the Yamaha to a flurry of well-judged tweaks.
Its low-slung and compact nature is a direct reply to the shopper’s wants. “The proprietor of the bike is a lady, and it’s her first bike,” explains Takashi. “So she wished a motorcycle that’s simple to journey and manageable.”
“Subsequently, I made it customized—however not an excessive amount of—whereas making an attempt to maintain among the inventory look.”
Takashi kicked issues off with a typical difficulty 2008-model Yamaha SR400. It was in pretty respectable nick too, so the engine simply wanted some primary upkeep to maintain it ticking over. A lick of wrinkle black paint on the circumstances added the primary tasteful contact.
The SR’s single-cylinder mill is fed by the unique carb, however the exhaust system is new. Takashi fabricated a tightly-routed stainless-steel header, terminating in a Supertrapp muffler.
Getting the Yamaha’s stance excellent was a high precedence. The proprietor is quite petite, so Takashi wished to ensure the bike would swimsuit her body, and that her toes would have the ability to attain the bottom simply.
To get there, he shaved 2” off the entrance forks, and put in a set of shorter aftermarket rear shocks. Then he stripped the SR’s unique 18” wheels, repainted the hubs and rims, and re-laced them with model new spokes. They’re wrapped in vintage-looking Shinko rubber.
The bodywork is a selective mix of inventory and customized. Takashi saved the SR’s iconic teardrop gasoline tank, however tweaked the way it sits by modifying the entrance and rear mounting tabs. “The rationale for the modification was to make it degree,” he says, “and to create a straight line from the gasoline tank to the seat.”
Additional again, Takashi reduce and looped the subframe, then made a customized seat pan for one. As soon as the seat’s foam was formed, he despatched it off for upholstery and fabricated a rear fender to complete off the tail finish. The aspect covers are inventory, and the entrance fender’s been binned.
The construct’s completed off with a laundry listing of vintage-looking components. A 4” Bates-style headlight sits up entrance, with a basic spherical taillight out again, and bullet flip indicators at each ends. A set of low-slung chromed handlebars is adorned with Vans grips, and the unique Yamaha levers and switches.
Takashi additionally fitted a small aftermarket speedo, however saved the OEM ignition—and the helpful helmet lock that sits alongside the left shock mount.
Wedge is understood for its paint work as a lot as it’s for its customized bikes—however once more, Takashi saved issues easy and tasteful right here. The SR is shot in a timeless crimson end, complemented by white pin striping. Golden Wedge logos on the tank add simply the tiniest quantity of aptitude.
The top result’s a good-looking little runabout, completely suited to its rider with zero frou-frou. What’s to not love?
Wedge Bike | Fb | Instagram | With because of Tadashi Kono
