The Suzuki GSF400 — aka the Bandit 400 — had a 59-hp inline four derived from the GSX-R400, mounted as a stressed member in a trellis frame. Along with the slightly smaller GSF250, these “baby bandits” packed respectable punch in a lightweight, hooligan-happy package.

Enter Yohanes Marse — “Anes” — of Indonesia’s Jowo Custom, established in 2014. A customer wanted to turn his Bandit 400 into a “badass cafe racer.” We love the tri-spoke mags and gold paint scheme. Surely the knobby tires will draw flak from some readers, but they provide some much-needed traction on rough, unpaved roads while giving the bike some serious attitude.

Suzuki GSF400 Cafe Racer: Builder Interview

Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

First, my name is Yohanes Marse, but my friends called me Anes. My workshop began operated since 2014 as a custom culture workshop. I saw the scene of custom culture in Indonesia was spreading and grew so well. Many talented local crafter has influenced me to build motorcycles as an art of soul. I have two partners and some additional partners who always help me with my works, a good team.

What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

The donor bike was 1994 Suzuki GSF400, also known as Suzuki Bandit 400.

Why was this bike built?

This is an order from my customer. I met him in the motorcycle festival. He came to my workshop booth and was interested in my CB400 Superfour Scrambler built. He told me that he had a Suzuki GSF400 and he want to build it as a cafe racer.

What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I always have an intensive conversation to know what the customer wants and their character, so then when the bike built, it was the one and only for them. A bike as special as their character. The design concept was a badass cafe racer. Most of all cafe races are commonly on road tyres or slick tyres. But I wanted it to be badass, so I used dual purpose tyres with big block pattern combined with magnesium and metal colored body kit.

What custom work was done to the bike?

I cut the main frame and subframe, replacing it with a new handmade frame. I tried to expose the engine sector by minimizing the main frame. And then I replaced the original triple tree with a new handmade one, so the drive control looked clean. Then we installed a handmade 4-1-2 configuration stainless steel exhaust system.

How would you classify this bike?

I like to call it a badass cafe racer.

Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

I’m so proud that I can realized what customer want with his bike. The customer’s satisfaction is always the highest appreciation for me.

Credit: BIKEBOUND.COM

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