While the Yamaha SR250 may not seem like the most likely candidate for customization, the little air-cooled mono-cylinder commuter machine has become a favorite among custom bike builders. While the first-generation bike was only available for a few years in the USA, the Euro models remain plentiful, affordable, hard-to-kill machines.
Enter Gianpaolo (GP) of Milan’s Meccanica Serrao d’Aquino, whose Yamaha WR400 tracker we previously featured. From the time GP was 15, he has kept his hands dirty working on bikes:
“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 Yamaha SR250 you see here is a 1998 model, built for one of GP’s customers, a “lady biker.” The result is a lightweight, stylish runabout sure to turn heads in Italy and beyond. We especially love GP’s red and silver take on the iconic Yamaha Speed Block paint scheme and the functional yet minimal mudguards. Below, we get the full story on the build.
Yamaha SR250 Tracker / Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I’m Gianpaolo Serrao D’Aquino. I’m a mechanic and I moved from the south of Italy to follow my passion for motorcycles.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Yamaha SR250, 1998.
• Why was this bike built?
Personal project to sell to a customer…a lady biker.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I love the “SR” essentiality, the “mono” and the lightness. Electric start and vintage lines all right for the lady.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Rear frame modified, paint scheme, front and rear mudguards, lights, and more components.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
No…at the moment “Little Gray Fart”!!! 🙂
• How would you classify this bike?
It’s a middle way between a street tracker and a scrambler.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The rear mudguard / plate holder.
Follow the Builder
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Needs side covers.