The Yamaha WR400, introduced in 1998, was the enduro sibling of the groundbreaking YZ400F motocrosser, which helped usher in the era of four-stroke domination in the sport. Compared to the YZ, the WR had a larger gas tank, wider gear ratios, different seat, and an assortment of enduro add-ons, such as lights. The bike has explosive power, like a two-stroke, and the 48 horsepower liquid-cooled motor is surprisingly reliable, owing to the steel valves and high oil capacity.
Enter Gianpaolo (GP) of Meccanica Serrao d’Aquino, located in Milan, Italy. GP wanted to create nothing short of a flat track weapon. The WR400 was the perfect candidate, aptly renamed the “FTW400.” and it’s nice to see a custom out on the track — not just posing for pretty photographs. Below, we get the full story on the build.
Yamaha “FTW400” Tracker: In the Builder’s Words
(Words by Gianpaolo Serrao d’Aquino.)
I’m 37 this august, and I was born in the south of Italy. My father was a lawyer and a Formula 1 fan, and my uncle was a doctor with the passion of the engines.
From the time I was 15, I have kept my hands dirty. My passion for motorcycles grew up and I started my experience in Ducati and Kawasaki dealership in Reggio Calabria. A few years later, I moved to Perugia and worked for a Suzuki dealer. In 2009 I moved to Milano and worked for Collezione Motociclistica Milanese restorations and more. In 2013 I opened my own workshop, Via Gardone 22 Milano.
The bike was a Yamaha WR400 1999. The bike was sold by me to a friend Crhistian Brigliadoro, and together we started with the project. But the bike was in my mind from a couple of years: the essential flat track bike with a craftsman touch.
I modified the rear frame and the airbox. I built the alloy fuel tank and all the parts and exan built the exhaust. I’m especially proud of the passenger footpegs.
I classify the bike as a flat track weapon.
Photography by Marco Renieri
On The Track
It’s good motorbike indeed and very powerful.
it is unique! that beauty! I want to see more projects on this level! I congratulate you!
thanks for sharing!