The SR400 I chose just for its looks changed my life.

When I first started going to driving school, I fell in love at first sight with a 2003 SR400 at a bike shop I wandered into. Choosing a bike based solely on its looks without knowing anything about it ended up changing the life of its owner, Natsuki. Here is a look at her unique tracker-style bike that taught her the joy of meeting new friends and traveling.

(Top image: Photo by Hikaru)

2003 YAMAHA SR400

The one, the bike of destiny

Just as I had enrolled in driving school, I stopped by a bike shop to "just take a look at some bikes" and that is where I met this 2003 SR400.

At the time, I knew nothing about motorcycles or the SR400 model. Even so, the moment I saw it, I was captivated and decided to buy it on the spot.

"Looking back now, I want to give my five-years-younger self a standing ovation (laughs)."

That sentiment shows just how special this SR400 has become to Natsuki.

Instagram "Natsuki"
https://www.instagram.com/sr_s2n

My beloved SR400 and owner Natsuki

With high handlebars and block tires, it expresses a tracker style that suits both the city and nature

I customized it aiming for a bike that is "comfortable for city riding and can also go camping"

Personally, this is my favorite angle to look at it from

The ideal: A tracker that enjoys both city riding and camping

For the customization, I aimed for a tracker style that handles city riding comfortably and can be taken straight out for camping.

Admiring the styles created by Motor Rock and FONK MOTORCYCLE, I combined high handlebars and block tires to finish it into a bike that is uniquely my own.

My favorites are the hand-bent muffler and seat made by Motor Rock. In fact, two summers ago, I had a mishap where this muffler snapped at the base, but I didn't hesitate to buy another one of the same kind. That is how much I care about these parts.

Furthermore, many parts such as the seat, fenders, and handlebars were gifted to me by my riding friends.

"Thanks to everyone around me, this SR, which was once completely stock, has become a bike that suits my tastes. I am truly grateful."

Memories with friends are also built into this one motorcycle.

My favorite is the hand-bent muffler by Motor Rock (a muffler I care about so much that I chose the same one even after it broke)

For the seat, I chose the Motor Rock Bates-type TT seat

The natural riding position created by the high handlebars is also one of the charms of this SR

The block tires create a rugged, tracker-like atmosphere

To have a long relationship with my beloved bike

For daily maintenance, I make sure to wash off any dirt and polish it carefully whenever I return from a long tour.

On the other hand, I still lack mechanical knowledge, and not being able to notice when something is wrong immediately is a challenge for the future.

"I want to study more so that I can notice changes in my bike myself."

Because it is simple, the individuality of the customization stands out in the front view

The stripped-down rear end tells the story of this SR400's worldview

Parts gifted by friends are also important pieces that make up this SR

The area around the seat is highlighted by a short-type sissy bar

The new life the SR400 gave me

Before I met the SR400, my only hobby was sleeping.

But now, I am so obsessed with motorcycles that I want to ride even at the expense of my sleep. Drinking a beer while looking at my bike after going camping is a special time.

"Thanks to the bike, I have met many people and have been blessed with wonderful connections. It is now an essential, precious partner in my life."

寝る時間も惜しんで走りたくなる…そんな相棒と全国を旅するなつきさん
Photo by Natsuki

My travel companion is... a bear keychain that acts as a good luck charm! A cute, feminine choice

Aiming to conquer all 47 prefectures

Currently, I am also taking on the goal of "riding through all 47 prefectures on my bike," with only 6 prefectures left. This summer, I plan to tour the Kyushu and Chugoku regions with my SR400 and enjoy encountering new scenery.

The bike I chose just for its looks has become a partner that colors my life before I knew it. I will continue to accumulate scenery and memories from all over Japan with my SR400.

Instagram "Minna no Tankito"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

47都道府県制覇まであと6県！SR400との旅は、まだまだ続く。
Photo by Hikaru