Yamaha Dirt Merchant
Starting with a production Yamaha WR450F four-stroke off-road machine, builder Thomas Langton offers his spin on a modern day dirt bike-cum-yesteryear dirt track custom with the Dirt Merchant. Langton, of Rumble Customs in Ontario, Canada, displays his well-executed primary design goal of using as many stock parts as possible.
Relocating the parts was key-no fastener, tab, or chassis modifications were made to the original motorcycle. The result: a bike that can be converted back to its production form in just eight hours. (Click image to enlarge)
Imaginative styling cues include relocation of the radiator to the side, mimicking the traditional oil tank. The fully adjustable torsion arms, functional headlight, and the taillight all harken back to the day when competitors would ride to the track, compete, and then ride home.
Langton’s girder front end is a springer that exhibits typical antidive characteristics, measuring a stout 27 inches and weighing just 7.5 pounds. This helps the already lightweight production model’s dry weight to be reduced by a full 50 pounds. (Click image to enlarge)
With its impressive fit, finish, and detail (stars are painted on the rim bands, for instance), this no-holds-barred thrashing machine is guaranteed not to disappoint.