Earlier this month I returned from another great trip to Japan, the timing of this trip was great as it coincided with two shows that were on while I was visiting, they just happened to be a long way apart. So as usual the Japan rail pass got a work out from one end of Japan to the other. The first show was the Cool-breakers show in Yokohama and the second was the FTW show down on the south island of Kyushu in Kumamoto, which is an hour south of Fukuoka city.

If you ever venture to Japan, a JR rail pass is a must. A weekly rail pass means you will be traveling quicker and in comfort. Just grab your favorite ekiben and a few beers, board the Shin Kansan or limited express of choice and you will be from one end of Japan to the other in ease. All done cheaper than you could do it any other way. Just remember to get your pass before you leave home as it cant be bought once in Japan. It still amazes me after so many trips how great the train system in Japan is! Just turn up and leave knowing you will arrive on time every time, absolutely brilliant!

While down south in Fukuoka city I dropped into Matsumaru Speed and Customs! Many of you already know about Matsumaru S&C through our links page, but if you are unfamiliar with Speed and Custom we will be introducing Matsuo san and his great shop later next month. We will show you a few pics of his awesome work, (but we won't be giving away his secrets to sucess) Matsumaru speed and custom has been the winner of many shows the last few years. The builds from Matsuo san and his team have placed them at the top of the tree when it comes to custom SR / W650 builds in Japan, just one look at the SR below and you will know why!

A big thank you Matsuo san and staff for kindly showing me around the Speed and Custom store, and for your great hospitality over the weekend! Thank you. (p.s - Matsuo san - sorry for my bad Japanese again lol !!! It will be better my next trip lol !!! )

Tatsuya Matsuo, Matsumaru shop owner, SR/W650/Custom bike builder extraordinaire and all-round great guy. AKA “The King" of SR & W650 customs down south!

I must also say thank you to Shorey Yas, [Director of Street biker’s magazine]. Great translating job Yasa, and again thanks for the warm welcome while I was down south. See you at the Yokohama Hot rod show!

New Daytona parts: We have new range of clip on bars now available from Daytona. One of the new sets can be seen here below.

Now available from VANEM are these super slick clip on bars from Daytona.
Currently we have these available in black and only to suit 35mm forks. These are a new light weight two piece clip on bar that are available in either a straight bar [fairly flat] or they can be supplied with an adjustable bar that is able to be positioned at the degree of angle you desire [between 9-16 degree drop approximately].

The black version we have been trying out looks great and positions perfectly for all uses on the SR. These bars are Ideal for those of you who want to finely tune the positioning! Suitable for all bikes with 35mm forks. Email us for more details at [ vanem@exemail.com.au ]

And don't forget we now also have the polished alloy adjustable clip on bars also from Daytona (they can be found in the handlebar section of out store). Other bars to be online soon [for Trackers, customs etc]

New Nitroheads & Kijima parts:

- 1 - Rear Nitroheads alloy fender suits SR400 and SR500 models - 2 - Matt black custom alloy indicator kits - these will be available with bolts and brackets to suit SR, XS650, TW & W650's. We can configure these into kits to suit your model (also suitable for Triumph, CB Honda's etc or any other bike) Comes standard with 12v 23w bulbs, (due soon). - 3 - Kijima taillight, currently available as a special order item as needed but these are in the works to become a regular item...

Email us for more details [ vanem@exemail.com.au ]

It has been some time since the SR had its 20th birthday back in 1988, but we though we would show you a few items that are not so commonly seen. Yamaha released some great parts on the 20th anniversary model including full alloy side covers; custom fenders etc etc The Zippo lighter kit was also available over the counter in the spares dept!

Sorry these parts are not for sale.....