This is the “Silver Arrow,” a strikingly customized 1982 Yamaha TR1, a machine born from a desire to elevate a misunderstood platform. The bike was built by Christian Moretti of Plan B Motorcycles in Laveno Mombello, Italy.
Known for its powerful V-twin engine, the Yamaha TR1 was often called the “poor man’s Vincent,” a comparison Christian took seriously. His goal was to build a machine worthy of the legendary name, reinterpreting the 1960s British café racer style through a lens of Italian creativity and mechanical obsession.
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The transformation begins with the heart of the bike: the engine. The most radical change is the reverse-mounted rear cylinder head, a complex modification designed to echo the look of the old Vincent V-twins.
This was not a simple rotation, but a laborious process that required welding, re-machining the valve seats, fabricating a one-off valve, and designing a new camshaft with custom timing. The engine was fully renewed and upgraded internally, with new pistons, rods, and an oil system refresh, all fed by Mikuni VM38 carburetors.
The aesthetic and handling enhancements are equally transformative. The bodywork is entirely hand-formed in aluminum, while the subframe draws direct inspiration from the iconic Norton Featherbed chassis.
Christian completely rethought the bike’s geometry, pairing the frame with 45mm front forks, upgraded brakes, and an 18-inch/17-inch spoked wheel setup to balance stance with agility. The result is a machine that sits low and purposeful, with visible craftsmanship and clean lines where form follows function.
Final details include a handmade stainless steel exhaust system that terminates in a pair of classic cone silencers, offering a nod to vintage race bikes. The finished “Silver Arrow” is a seamless blend of heritage and modern function. It is a conversation between past and present, combining Japanese engineering with British spirit and Italian ingenuity to create a sleek, fully fendered machine built to be ridden and remembered.
Sources: BikeBound, Plan B Motorcycles
