This Yamaha SR500 café racer named “Minty,” built by retired Bentley Motors engineer Phil Leeke.
Rather than cutting up a complete bike, Leeke built the motorcycle from scratch using a standalone 1984 frame and a 1979 single-cylinder engine.
This Custom Yamaha SR500 Is a Work of Art
Remarkably, because he lacked a garage, he spent nearly three years fabricating and polishing parts by hand outside in all weather conditions before moving them into his living room for final assembly.
Guided by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, he bought parts only exactly when the build required them and meticulously hand-finished details—like a custom heel guard—with a simple hacksaw and files.
Mechanically, the bike is a thoughtful restomod featuring an upgraded YSS suspension, an SRX swingarm and wheels, and a bored-out engine fitted with a forged Wiseco piston and a Mikuni flat-slide carburetor.
Painted in a striking, Bianchi-inspired pastel colorway, the finished machine beautifully channels the spirit of traditional, enthusiast-built café racers.
