Hooligan V-Twin: Honda NV400 Scrambler / Tracker

A V-Twin Honda Hooligan from GDZH Custom Cycle…  

The Honda NV400 was a small-displacement V-twin cruiser sometimes known as the Steed or Shadow 400. The liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin produced 33-35 horsepower, and the bike weighed less than 400 lbs dry — not bad for a cruiser. The NV400 became a popular donor for bobber and chopper builds, especially in countries where Harley-Davidsons are prohibitively expensive. 

This ’97 NV400 scrambler / tracker comes from Dana Prasetya of East Java’s GDZH Custom Cycle. Dana, who’s loved motorcycles since he was a boy, opened his workshop more than 20 years ago — 2004 — after graduating with a graphic design degree. This bike was built for a client, Jaka (@wizka_zakaria), and inspiration came from Harley-Davidson Sportster trackers. Dana realized the middleweight Honda V-twin could make a perfect donor for a similar build, especially as it’s much lighter than a Hog. 

Beyond the main frame and swingarm, everything here has been hand-built: subframe, seat, bodywork, skid plate, fenders, headlight surround, spoke wheels, exhaust, heat shields…the list goes on and on! The bike has to weigh close to 100 pounds less than a Sportster, and the little V-twin packs a pretty good bunch.

“I’ve never tested it on a dyno, but I think this one is more responsive than the previous Honda NV400 build (bobber style), and the engine performance feels better. “

The bike looks amazing, and you can hear in the video that it sounds properly mean.

“It feels like riding a motorcycle with a smaller cc, light handling, and easy maneuverability, but with quite a lot of power.”

Dana says he proud of breaking the stigma that V-twin engines are only suitable for chopper-style builds, and the overall composition of the build — especially the bodywork — brings him a lot of pride. We couldn’t agree more!

Below is our full interview with Dana about the build, along with more shots from photographer Axell Dafino (@axelljavier_).

Honda NV400 Tracker / Scrambler: Builder Interview

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

My name is Dana Prasetya, and I’ve admired and enjoyed motorcycles since I was a child. I’ve always been excited to see beauty and technology combine to create a truly impressive motorcycle.

After graduating with a degree in graphic design, I decided to open a custom motorcycle shop in 2004, called GDZH Custom Cycle, located in Jombang, East Java, Indonesia.

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

Honda NV400, 1997.

• Why was this bike built? 

This is a customer project.

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

This bike has a concept that combines the style of a scrambler and a flat tracker. The initial idea came from seeing a Harley-Davidson Sportster that had been modified into a tracker. There came the enlightenment that the V-twin engine could also be modified into a tracker, which usually uses an in-line engine. I really like the style of Roland Sands and Winston Yeh (Rough Craft).

• What custom work was done to the bike?

I’ve changed a lot on this bike, but the only things that are still original are the engine frame or lower main frame and the swingarm, as it houses the axle drivetrain. Other than that, everything else has been rebuilt by hand.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

To be honest, I haven’t named this motorbike yet. What do you think would be a suitable name for this motorbike? 🙂

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

I’ve never tested it on a dyno, but I think this one is more responsive than the previous Honda NV400 build (bobber style), and the engine performance feels better. By the way, this is my second Honda NV modification.

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

It feels like riding a motorcycle with a smaller cc, light handling, and easy maneuverability, but with quite a lot of power.

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

Composition! I think this time we were able to create a motorcycle that matched our plans and imagination (me and Jaka, the motorcycle owner).

Breaking the stigma that V-twin engines are only suitable for chopper-style modifications. And the bodywork feels right to me.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

First, thank you to everyone close to me who helped make this project possible. And also thank you to Hery Benk from Kauman Motor who was very helpful with the engine issues.

Follow the Builder

YouTube: @gdzhcustomcycle
Instagram: @gdzhcustom_mc
Owner: @wizka_zakaria
Photographer: @axelljavier_