SYM Wolf 125 Cafe Racer by Liberal Custom Garage

Wolf 125cc cafe racer inspired by the Yamaha TZR250 3MA…

The Yamaha TZR250 was a two-stroke sportbike based on the company’s legendary TZ race bikes. It was the first production 250cc machine to lap the Isle of Man at over 100 mph and considering it was legal as a learners license bike in several countries, it caused quite a stir. In 1989, the TZR250 3MA reverse cylinder version came along. It was the TZR to have, the hottest of the line. Says Bike-urious:

“The 3MA got a reverse cylinder design – the carb was in the front, and the exhaust was out of the rear of the cylinders. This in combination with revised timing bumped power up to about 65 horsepower.”

Unfortunately, the 3MA suffered from maintenance issues. Says one veteran member of the Kiwi Biker forums:

“3MA is the sexiest — only reliable (ish) if you are prepared to spend much time, money, effort and skill into rebuilding it…then throw a dice each time you want to go for a ride…”

Enter Jason Huang of Taiwan’s Liberal Custom Garage (L.C.G.), who spent years repairing motorcycles and Porsches before opening his shop in 2017 to build custom bikes. When a customer had a dream of a 125cc cafe racer inspired by the Yamaha TZR 3MA, Jason persuaded him to let him build the bike. The base is an SYM Wolf 125 — a fuel-injected, learner-friendly motorcycle from Taiwanese giant Sanyang Motor Co., who built Honda 125 motorcycles for many years under contract.

Jason wanted the bike not only to look fantastic, but to be comfortable, handle well, and “be regarded as a lifelong treasure” to the owner. He set up the suspension based on the owner’s weight and riding style and incorporated a number of design elements that recall the two-stroke TZR 3MA, most notably the exhaust.

This is Liberal Custom Garage’s first feature on an international blog, and we’re thrilled to do the honors. Below, we get the full story on the build.

SYM Wolf Cafe Racer: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

I am now 24, having experiences of maintenance and repair of motorcycles and Porsche for 4 years and one year, respectively. I established my independent workshop, Liberal Custom Garage (L.C.G.) in 2017 to build custom bikes. I believe that a fantastic look is just one of many requirements to be a proper custom bike — outstanding handling, performance, and comfort are quite necessary as well. And I hope every custom bike should be regarded as a lifelong treasure to their owner. “Easy handling, comfort, and worthy of everlasting treasure” — that’s the creed I have insisted on since the day I started L.C.G.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

Manufacturer: SYM (Sanyang)
Model: SYM Wolf 125
Year: 2007

• Why was this bike built?

It’s simply a customer project, the owner was a dreamer who always dream but never really do. After drinks one day, he told me about himself a lot, his stories and life. I knew that he never acts to get something even if he wants it, so I tried to push him hard. He wants a fashion custom bike, then I’ll definitely make one for him, making his dream come true.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I built the tail using a TZR 3MA double-exhaust like design because 80s and 90s racing bikes are the owner’s favorite, and especially the Yamaha TZR 3MA. Besides, as of the whole design idea, I added the sense of asymmetry, which is personally my beloved element, and a bright modern color. These elements make the bike much more than just a normal bike, but an eye-catching and magnificent one.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Fuel tank: Yamaha RZ50
Top bridge: Yamaha FZR150
Handmade: Fender, headlight stand, 2T double-exhaust system, tail cowl, embedded taillight.

• How would you classify this bike?

Cafe racer.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

The fabulous performance of handling and suspension, set by the owner’s weight and his individual riding habit are the parts I’m proud of the best. And perfect mix of 2T exhaust pipe and 4T engine, with specially made front exhaust bring us a low sonorous sound.