Some people have a clear vision when they embark on a build. Others prefer to just go with the flow and see what happens. When Matt Hipsley of Salty Speed Co. fame decided to do the latter, the result was this effortlessly cool SR400.
The 1988 model was picked up as a fresh stock import from Japan and used as a daily ride for a while. But when Matt found himself with some time between client builds, he started to tinker. He stuck with some of the typical features that Salty Speed Co. use for their builds. Namely fat tyres, rear hoop and the brat style seat. But the stand out feature of this bike is obviously the custom aluminum ‘Scrambler’ tank. Matts says that he hated it at first, he even tried to sell it, but then as the bike developed during the build, it became apparent that it was a good choice. That was kind of what we thought. At first glance the tank seemed a little odd, but then with every subsequent look, it seemed to become more and more right. Weird how that happens sometimes.
The engine has been treated with hi-temp paint and stainless fasteners. She now breathes through a K&N air filter and a Supertrapp muffler, and aluminium mudguards grace front and rear ends. A Daytona mini speedo sits on the low rise handlebars which have come from Posh Factory in Japan, as have the lights and grips.
As well as the rear hoop, the frame features a welded in electric box, shaved tabs and custom frame gussets. The wheels are DID aluminium rims, laced with stainless spokes on stock hubs. The Dunlop K70 tires add to the very loose ‘scrambler’ theme, however Matt is keen to point out that he doesn’t consider the bike to be a scrambler at all. In fact, he isn’t actually sure what to call it…a Brat Tracker??
Matt rode the bike around for a couple of months before deciding to sell it to fund another personal project, this time a Honda CB360 which will debut at Throttle Roll in May. Matt says this SR is the result of building ‘without any clear vision’. Maybe its time to throw away the sketch pad, screw up the plans, and just get the tool box out instead.
