The other really cool type of motorcycle I wanted to check out while in Tokyo were the retro Japanese bikes. The retro scene has been huge in Japan, for almost 20 years now, so I guess that makes you re-think what they mean by retro. Generally it is a new Japanese bike that is modded to look like a 50s - 60s Brit bike. Sometimes it is designed that way from the factory but generally it's done aftermarket. Every once and awhile a factory retro bike makes it to the US to see if we care about the home market craze but we never do (see the Honda GB 500 and the Kawasaki W650). By far the most popular bike in Japan to be modded has been the Yamaha SR400. The SR is celebrating it's 30th birthday this year and basically is the same bike as was introduced back in 1978. It was brought into the US for a few years as the SR500. You can get whole tank and body work kits to give it the Norton or BSA look. Check it out
Nice ape-hangers and German helmet! I saw dozens of bikes like this.
British style high pipes, relocated rear turn signals and a custom seat.
Just for giggles!
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