From two-stroke enduro to smokin’ cafe racer…
The Suzuki TS400 Apache was the largest of the Suzuki TS series of two-stroke dual sports — a 277-lb, 34-hp enduro “built to take on the country.” Cycle magazine called the early J model “100% reliable,” and riders quickly found them solid performers on both street and trail.
Enter Jordi Pincock of Metal Works Utah, an experienced fabricator and designer who wanted to use his skills to build something unique. Says Jordi…
“I wanted to…build a cafe racer my own way, not patterned off of someone’s build, and on an uncommon bike.”
Certainly we have never seen a cafe racer built from a 2-stroke Suzuki dual sport, and we love it! What’s more, the bike is for sale. Jordi is looking to get $6500. You can reach him via email or phone.
Below, we interview Jordi for the full story on this middleweight, 2-stroke cafe racer.
Suzuki TS400 Custom Cafe Racer: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Jordi Pincock. I am metal fabricator/welder/designer from Utah. I have 10+ years’ experience in fabricating/welding/designing. I grew up always loving to building things and from that formed my passion in metal fabricating. I also grew up riding motorcycles with my family and working on them in the garage with my dad. My main hobby is riding motorcycles. I ride trials and compete once a month throughout the state of Utah. I also love to ride single track on dirt bikes and love to ride on the street. If it involves motorcycles I am into it. I have a beautiful wife and two kids and another on the way. I love spending time with the family and enjoying the beginnings of teaching my own kids how to ride motorcycles.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
1973 Suzuki TS400 custom cafe racer
• Why was this bike built?
The bike was built for fun. I am a metal fabricator by trade and a motorcycle lover. Motorcycles are my main hobby, and my skills as a metal fabricator/welder/designer allows me to further my hobby by not just riding motorcycles but in building them also.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
Design concept was to build a custom cafe racer but to build it from a bike that is not very well known or used for bike builds. I like to build things that are unique. Most people when thinking about wanting to build a cafe racer are not going to come up with 1973 Suzuki TS400. I wanted to throw my twist and skills into building a cafe racer my own way, not patterned off of someone’s build and on an uncommon bike. The bike has a mix of some modern touches but also still has some old school vibes.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
This bike was a complete custom one off build from a 1973 Suzuki TS400. These bike has been modified and completely rebuilt, new/restored everything. Frame and all original parts have all been sandblasted and powdercoated.
Engine has been completely rebuilt all new bearings/seals, new wiseco piston and rings. Lectron carb.
All new wiring harness, all the wiring/battery/electronic ignition is all tucked under the seat hump for a clean look. New rear suspension and custom sub frame.
Lowered and rebuilt front forks, powdercoated wheels, endurance trail tech speedometer.
Custom handmade and tuned stainless 2 stroke exhaust system. Custom upholstered seat. All new custom made cables from motion pro.
All engine hardware replaced with stainless button heads. This bike is showroom quality/head turner. There is tons of hours and money spent on this build. I have pictures from start to finish on the build to document everything done it.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Really happy with the paint quality on all the bike parts, it really makes the bike stand out and show its quality of craftsmanship. The exhaust is something else I am super proud of and how it turned out — it’s one of the key parts to the look of the bike in my opinion, and one of the most enjoyable parts to build on the bike.
• Have you got a video of the bike in action?
Follow the Builder
- Web: www.metalworksutah.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalworksfab/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalworksutah/
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