READER’S RIDES: MODIFIED YAMAHA BLASTER RESTORATION

A unique build take on the Yamaha Blaster that has the comment section buzzing

On Feb 28, 2023

Something about a fresh rebuild with all new components makes it hard to look away.

Richard had a vision of what he wanted and not only went after it but nailed this beautiful Blaster resto/mod. It happened to be out of necessity since Yamaha quit making this quad in 2006. Richard wanted a brand new Blaster so this was the only way. Plus he could do it with all the components that he saw fit.

The rear swingarm was the most custom thing about the build which ended up being 3″ longer than stock. Richard told denniskirk.com that the swingarm is one piece and has a torsion chain adjuster for the chain tension adjustment.

*Less of a Frankenstein build and more of a thoughtful idea that turned out as pretty as we’ve seen in a Blaster resto/mod.*

PARTS LIST:

Frame: 88-02 frame, deleted all unused brackets etc. and added new rear fender supports and misc. mounting tabs.

New Toomey B1 full exhaust

Rebuilt engine (all OEM, no china parts)

HPM full stainless engine bolts

New 28mm PWK carburetor

New Vforce4 reed cage

New fuel/vent/case & gas cap breather hoses

Custom airbox (fabricated by me)

K&N filter

New Maier plastics

Rebuilt 06 front spindles/calipers

New front spindle bearings/seals

Custom rear brake pedal and perch (fabricated by me from multiple 88-02 pedals and perch)

Double width foot pegs

New HEL performance brake lines

Custom non-adjustable +3 rear swingarm (fabricatrd by me)

New rear brake caliper

New swingarm bearings/seals/bushings

New rear axle bearings/seals

LTZ400 rear shock

HPM stainless rear shock pin

New OEM rear disc dust boots

New rear disc hub & bolts

New D.I.D X-Ring gold chain

New sprockets 13/40

New rear sprocket hub & studs

TMDesignworks chain slider & rollers

UHMW case saver

Custom torsion chain tensioner (fabricated by me)

Adjustable rear axle +4 width

New rear wheels +1 extra offset

New American Star +3 +1 long travel front a-arms & tierods/ends

YFZ450 front shocks

New Billit front brake line clamps

95% stainless steel bolts throughout (if they could be replaced, they were. Too many to list)

New front wheels

All new tires

New fuel tank grommets/slugs

All new stainless body bolts

New seat cover

New wiring harness

New voltage regulator

New cdi box

New coil

New control switches

New thumb throttle

New throttle cable

New clutch lever/perch

New clutch cable

New grips

Restored headlight/tail light

Stock handlebars

Rebuilt steering stem/bushings

Key switch delete

Oil injection delete (was already deleted before the build)

Tors delete (was already deleted before the build)