the short front mudguard and the
exhaust system.
“The front forks, calipers, the
clip-on handlebars and the lower
yoke are all from a Yamaha R6
while the top yoke is custom. I
didn’t want an R6 cast wheel,
so I had to be creative with that.
After fitting and measuring, I
discovered that an XV250 hub
fits in the front fork and then the
wheels are laced by Haan Wheels.
I also did the electronics myself.
Because the engine had starting
problems, I installed an Ignitech
programmable ignition while the
motor is completely controlled
by an M-unit. A new Fourbrush
starter motor has been installed
and the power is supplied by a
small Lithium-ion battery that is
hidden in the tail. Because it is my
first bike project, electrics were
quite a challenge. But, hey, it’s less
complex than open heart surgery!”
Michael also wanted to stand
out from the rest with a perfect
finish. “On many Virago café
racers you often see those thick
cables everywhere, that doesn’t
look good to me. So I have neatly
tucked away the cables throughthe frame. It’s just that extra bit of attention makes
the bike stand out. The bike looks very clean—for
example, I opted for a headlight and taillight with
integrated indicators. The bike might seem very
minimal but every necessary part is there. The engine
was completely cleaned and valves were set. The
whole engine was neatly painted, after which the
covers and cooling fins were polished. With a drilling
machine, that job is done in an afternoon.”
Despite all his efforts, the engine turned out to run
badly and Michael started looking for the problem. “I
found out that the carburetor was completely rotten. I
have mounted a different type of Mikuni carburettor
with a modified connection. Then I had to redirect the
fuel lines. Just as in medicine, building a custom bike
doesn’t consist of isolated bite-sized chunks. It’s a
challenge to solve the puzzle every time.”
Michael says that he doesn’t meet the standard
image of a doctor. He has many hobbies with a high
adrenaline content. “Kite surfing, freeride skiing and
motocross... It can’t be crazy enough for me! I often
ride to work on the cafe racer, the bike is intended
for daily transport and occasionally also for long
journeys. The Supertrapp system sounds good, but
it’s not too loud. The TR1 has certainly improved in
terms of looks, but not in terms of comfort, though!
It was a motorcycle with a big thick saddle and a
windshield, a relaxed touring bike. Now, with the
clip-ons and Tarozzi rear sets, the riding position is
very different from before. But, the faster I ride, the
less pressure on my wrists so surely it makes sense to
ride at high speed!”“THE TR1 HAS CERTAINLY IMPROVED IN TERMS OF LOOKS,
BUT NOT IN TERMS OF COMFORT, THOUGH!”
pBIKE FEATURE YAMAHA TR1
42 | 100% Biker | issue 250 | http://www.100-biker.co.uk