Aoshima Yamaha SR400

[Tim Marlow]

I considered a real one of these a few years ago as a project bike to make as a Cafe racer. I was amazed by the prices they went for.
All these bike builds of late I will have to try one (again) some time...

Wouldn’t advise it Ian. The swing arm bearing design was absolutely rubbish. Vastly over complicated, wore very easily, and was expensive to replace……mine even broke the securing pin twice!

[Ian M]

Wouldn’t advise it Ian. The swing arm bearing design was absolutely rubbish.

And that is why I did not buy one... Think I would rather have Elsie back anyway.....

[simontie]

And that is why I did not buy one... Think I would rather have Elsie back anyway.....

Ok who or what is elsie?

[Tim Marlow]

Yamaha 250/350 LC is my guess Absolute suicide machine. Mate of mine had one….you could ride the 250 on a learner license in those days.

[simontie]

Yamaha 250/350 LC is my guess Absolute suicide machine. Mate of mine had one….you could ride the 250 on a learner license in those days.

I had a 250 & 400 rd 2 stroke rapid and new piston and rings every 1000 miles, broke a con rod once flat out on a long straight, it jammed under the exhaust port left a 100ft skid mark on the road as well
simon

[Tim Marlow]

I left a 50 foot one when I switched to reserve on the SR at about 60 mph……...the engine didn’t restart, just locked the wheel…..

[simontie]

the joys of biking

[tigersteve]

sound like a pair of hooligans ............... :tears-of-joy: :tears-of-joy:

[scottie3158]

Simon,
Just had a catch up, some lovely work. The wheels are excellent.

[minitnkr]

Looking good.

[outrunner]

Great job on the wheels.

Andy.

[Ian M]

Yamaha 250/350 LC is my guess Absolute suicide machine. Mate of mine had one….you could ride the 250 on a learner license in those days.

Winner winner. I had a 350. actually two. First a black one which was pretty standard. Still a hoot to ride though. Then at a later date a white one. Nearer to a 400 than the 350 it was ment to be... Nose cowl, belly pan. single seat. and straights. (could not get on with clip-ons). Also got hold of some spoked wheels just because I could... Stainless lines everywhere, Some toe-rag nicked the battery. took me three days befor I found out lol. I got pulled over by Mr Plod. I was not speeding. honest. He just thought he saw light under both wheels while exiting the hump back bridge. Asked me to turn the motor off. The lights went out.... Hmm no battery!.
Sorry Simon. Got all teary eyed for a moment...

The name Yamaha on the tank was replaced with the name Elsie.

[Tim Marlow]

I had no battery on my SR either……well….I had one, but it was knackered and I never bothered to replace it….the bike started fine without it so why spend beer money…..

[simontie]

Battery’s never seem to last back then and those wee twins kicked over effortlessly. The good ol days :tears-of-joy::tears-of-joy::thumb2:

[Tim Marlow]

No electric leg on the big single, just technique……