An Urban Thumper Named Tomahawk. A 50 Hours Job.

Gasoline1Gasoline3Gasoline2The “Tomahawk” is a good example of a custom 2-wheel machine that youngsters can afford and love to ride to fight urban traffic. This one built in Sidney, Australia by a small shop called Gasoline Customs, and based on a cheap to buy Yamaha SR 400, Japan’s biggest selling motorcycle for over three decades. So, how to turn a classic Thumper (single cylinder engine) into an urban brawler? Shop owner Jason started from the ground up, first choosing a set of wheels straight off a totaled Yamaha X650, then giving them the flat powder coating treatment before hugging on them a set of 18” and 19” Shinko Trials tires. Add black spoke disc rotors and you are on your way to the city motorcycle tough look you are after.

Gasoline4Taking the on-trend concept of “recycle and ‘reuse”, the fabricated metalwork and many components throughout the bike come either from either neglected motorcycles or from swap meets, rejuvenated, modified or repurposed. Hand fabricated tail spoiler and seat base accommodate satin black mini bullet indicators. An Australia sourced blacked out Ikon rear shock was chosen larger than standard to lift the bike in the rear, giving it a more sporty stance. All steel parts, including cylinders base were scuffed for a more industrial look. Other parts used include: a one-off blacked out exhaust, Fatty Fork Gaiters, retro fatty grips, blacked out clip on handlebars, Moto Lanna Billet CNC Type 1 Top Yolk, anodized rear set mono block pegs with custom fabricated rear brake pedals. “Tomawawk” was built in less than 50 hours (not counting parts sourcing time) Gasoline Custom Motorcycles. (photos @ Lara Christie)

5 Responses to “An Urban Thumper Named Tomahawk. A 50 Hours Job.”


  1. 1 Terence Tory Jan 3rd, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Neat.

  2. 2 Dave Blevins Jan 3rd, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Big fun on a small budget, heck yeah.

  3. 3 David King Jan 3rd, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Positively love it!

  4. 4 Rodent Jan 3rd, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Great idea, I would have used the old Yamaha 500 thumper.

  5. 5 Dale Jan 4th, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Nice tight little scoot. Bravo.

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Cyril Huze