Dicky Bastian’s Yamaha MT-25 Street Tracker…
The Yamaha MT-25 is a 250cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin naked bike — a close sibling of the 320cc MT-03. Both of these lightweight twins offer the modern streetfighter styling of Yamaha’s MT (Master of Torque) series along with inverted KYB forks, six-speed gearboxes, and standard ABS.
The 250cc fuel-injected DOHC engine produces a strong 36 hp in stock trim, and Bikes Republic calls the MT-25 the king of the 250 class:
“Fast on the straights, smooth on the corners, very manageable in traffic jams, and quick to accelerate to its limited top speed of over 160km/h…” –Bikes Republic
Recently, we’ve been seeing more MT-25 customs pop up around the world. This one comes from Dicky Bastian of Indonesia, who works with local custom shops to help build his bikes. The base here is a first-generation (2019) MT-25, and Dicky had a clear vision in mind:
“I wanted a daily rider that features a cool retro look while maintaining the reliable performance of a modern fuel-injected engine… The core concept is a ‘Neo-Retro Tracker’ inspired by 1970s flat track racing motorcycles. The primary influence came from iconic classic Yamaha race bikes, specifically the legendary ‘speed block’ livery design.”
The Yamaha speed block livery is one of the most iconic designs in motorsport, and it’s hard not to imagine of King Kenny Roberts sliding sideways around a dirt track when you see those speed blocks. In this case, a custom fuel tank was built from scratch and graced with the speed block livery, while the rear subframe was cut and modified for a solo tracker seat. Up front, an LED headlight is tucked under the front number plate.
As befits a tracker, the standard mags were ditched in favor of spoked wheels, and the front forks were lowered and stiffened. A high-mount exhaust is a signature element of most tracker and scrambler builds, and this custom-built system is a point of pride…especially considering the donor bike:
“It was quite a challenge to route the exhaust headers to fit around a modern fuel-injected engine and radiator while keeping the look clean and functional.”
Dicky says “Rusa” (“Deer” in Indonesian) came out just how he hoped. As you’ll see in some of the photos and videos, Dicky is putting his new steed to good use on the dirt, sand, and strip!
“This bike feels like a big toy — very light and responsive. The riding position is upright and aggressive, offering total control over the machine. The throbbing sound from the high-mount exhaust is deeply satisfying. It is an all-around versatile bike, comfortable for daily commuting as well as weekend fun.”
We wish Dicky a ton of fun on his new steed. Below you’ll find our full interview with Dicky about the build, including more details and images.
Yamaha MT-25 Street Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I am a custom motorcycle enthusiast living in Kalimantan, Indonesia, and I have a great passion for classic motorcycles from abroad. I have my bikes built at various local custom motorcycle workshops.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Yamaha MT-25 Gen 1 (2019).
• Why was this bike built?
This was a personal project. I wanted a daily rider that features a cool retro look while maintaining the reliable performance of a modern fuel-injected engine.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The core concept is a “Neo-Retro Tracker” inspired by 1970s flat track racing motorcycles. The primary influence came from iconic classic Yamaha race bikes, specifically the legendary “speed block” livery design.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- Bodywork: The subframe was cut and modified to accommodate a solo tracker seat. A custom fuel tank was built with a shape inspired by classic flat track motorcycles, Yamaha “speed block” livery and classic Yamaha badges.
- Suspension & Wheels: The front forks were lowered and stiffened. The standard alloy wheels were replaced with spoked rims front and rear, wrapped in dual-sport tires typical of a flat tracker.
- Exhaust: The exhaust system was completely overhauled. Custom exhaust headers route upward and to the right side, featuring dual high-mount stainless steel silencers similar to a scrambler/tracker layout.
- Cockpit: A wide fat-bar handlebar was equipped. A custom LED headlight tucked neatly behind a small front race number plate.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Rusa. “Deer” translates to *Rusa* in Indonesian; the name was chosen because this motorcycle originally featured handlebars that were somewhat high, resembling deer antlers.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or perform ance number
Horsepower: Retains the stock MT-25 engine (around 35-36 hp), but power delivery feels much more responsive due to weight savings and adjusted gearing.
Weight: Wet weight is estimated to have decreased significantly, down to around 150-155 kg, thanks to the wheel swap, custom exhaust, and streamlined bodywork.
Performance: Extremely nimble in city traffic and capable of handling dirt or gravel roads with confidence.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
This bike feels like a big toy — very light and responsive. The riding position is upright and aggressive, offering total control over the machine. The throbbing sound from the high-mount exhaust is deeply satisfying. It is an all-around versatile bike, comfortable for daily commuting as well as weekend fun.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The part I am most proud of is the integration of the complex high-mount exhaust system. It was quite a challenge to route the exhaust headers to fit around a modern fuel-injected engine and radiator while keeping the look clean and functional.
Follow the Owner
Instagram: Dicky Bastian
love the paint, classic
A great looking bike, this suits the flatracker style really well, looks like fun to ride, great for greenlaning as well as city riding, would like a go myself, regards Nigel.