Pocket Hooligan: Yamaha Vega R Mini Tracker

155cc Mini Off-Roader from Jowo Kustom…  

The Yamaha Vega R (aka 4ST) is a small-displacement underbone machine popular in Southeast Asian markets like the the Philippines and Indonesia. Powers comes from a basic air-cooled four-stroke single displacing 110-115cc — an engine that’s fuel-efficient, reliable, and serves thousands of commuters a day. 

Overall, the Vega certainly isn’t a machine that sets the heart of your average two-wheeled enthusiast on fire, but it’s perfect for what it’s built to do.

“It does not have the strongest engine nor the best sporty handling but it delivers an impressive balance of everything you need in an underbone; Japanese quality level, good looking, reliable and decently strong engine, easy to ride for beginners and comfortable chassis as well as economy for daily use.” –Inside Racing

There’s something commendable about a humble workhorse like the Vega, and we love when such a machine captures the attention of a talented builder. That’s the case with this ’04 Vega R from our old buddy Yohanes “Anes” Marse of Indonesia’s Jowo Kustom, built from an abandoned engine and frame he had sitting in the garage. 

“I have a passion for riding for riding on dirt, mud, and gravel, so I tried to pour that into a sketch and then made it into a real bike. I wanted a small version of fun.”

This machine has come a very long way from its underbone origins. In fact, Anes built a totally new frame from scratch to hold the horizontal-style engine, outfitting it with 14-inch wheels and mini motocross tires. 

Anes increased the cylinder bore to 58.5mm, resulting in a displacement of ~155cc, and outfitted the engine with a bellmouth carb and Raven Speed exhaust.  Overall, this mini bike has about 50% more displacement than stock…and the punch to go with it.

Of course the plastic bodywork is long gone, replaced with one-off alloy pieces that Anes hand-made himself — one of his specialties, as we’ve seen so often in his past builds. The result is a mini tracker / scrambler that’s cool enough for a custom show while being a punchy little hooligan in the dirt.

“I named it Mbelink 55. It means ‘naughty’ or ‘stubborn’ in English.”

Anes, we’re happy to have you back with another build, and we wish you buckets of fun on this naughty little beast!

155cc Yamaha Mini Tracker / Scrambler: Builder Interview

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

It is a 2004 Yamaha 4ST, famously known as the Yamaha Vega R in Indonesia. A fun and daily 100cc cub.

• Why was this bike built? 

This is my own personal project, built from abandoned pieces of engine and frame inside my garage. Just a passion and desire that came into my mind.

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

Actually I was influenced by KTM livery colors. And I have a passion for riding on dirt, mud, and gravel, so I tried to pour that into a sketch and then made it into a real bike. I wanted a small version of fun.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

I just put the engine into a totally new handmade frame. Combined with 14-inch rims and 90/100-14 and 70/80-14 mini motocross tires.

Made it a bit wilder with a bigger bore, from 49mm to 58.5mm.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

Named it Mbelink 55. It means “naughty” or “stubborn” in English.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

I have no idea how much horsepower, but it’s really a super lightweight and powerful mini bike.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

Just fun and and fun and fun hahahaha!

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

I’m proud of everything during the process.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

Thanks to my crew, my friends, and my wife for supporting this process. Proud of you guys.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @JowoKustom

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