When talking about motorcycles, we often hear what is called with “Passion”. An important question for today! What is the most cherished in your life? This is probably one of the stories that can inspire your life. Because when we talk about motorcycles, doesn’t mean we should always talk about the engine and the bike style.
The first thing is Passion, then what’s the second thing that you had in your mind when we talking about motorcycles? probably many of you will answer the second question with “Love”. And this is a 1981 Yamaha XS 400, the owner of this bike is Dirk Senz, from Germany. A bike that was born out from the sense of love.
Dirk Senz, I’m rider with the passion to build and modify. “Original is whack”. It’s my second build up. The first bike is a cafe racer with chrome and polish. For this Yamaha XS 400 2A2, I named her as the “Blacksheep”. A simple idea when building the Blacksheep, she should be black and not shiny, unlike as most of you imagine.
For me as an amateur builder, the XS 400 is a good low budget base. The middle class engine, but fascinating. This bike was built for my wife and she wanted it non shiny. She chosed the colours black and brown. I have made a mix of glaze and matte black parts, with some brown highlights.
The engine was tuned with a 1M0 camshaft, a little bit of more power. Chassis, brakes, electric are new or restored. The frame was cut and a frame loop was welded. So the bike was ready for a single seat. I installed an oldschool fuel gauge at the tank.
Some of the other features that make this bike look so beautiful is mudguards originally for a chopper on the rear tire. A pair of bar end mirrors, leather grips, classic handlebar, a pair of bar end turn signals, early-style tail light, speedometer etc. are accessories.
If you’ve upgraded parts, what make did you choose and where from? Some parts on this Yamaha XS 400 2A2 has been upgraded. The fork, yokes, wheels and brakes are taken from a Yamaha XJ 600 51J. The swingarm comes from a SRX 600. And for the tank is from the Yamaha XS 400 special.
Tell us about the finish, logos, or design? The base colour of the bike is black (only black), technical parts like frame is powdercoated black matte. Brown parts like riser are also powdercoated. Special parts have brown leather inlayes (corresponding with seat), forkcovers, grips and tankemblems (own creation).
How does the bike ride? stable, comfortable, safety etc. As you have read previously, this bike is designed with love for a woman who lived in your home. The riding position is very relaxed. As the german saying goes, “To travel not to race”. It sounds better in german (“Reisen statt rasen”).
If you asked me what I would do next, about the new project? 2015 has started and some inspiration has come into my mind, buy an old trail bike. Don’t know what to do, just wait for the right time to give notice to you what is the latest that has been built. We look forward to it and just be patient.
