yamaha DT250 the smoker motorcycle by utopian customs

the ‘smoker’ is a customized motorcycle by illinois-based bike workshop utopian customs. it began with a traditional yamaha ‘DT250, stripped it back to the essentials and created this minimalist motorcycle that pays hommage to classic american bike manufacturer, crocker. it looks worthy of a place in an art museum, just as much as it deserves to be ridden.

all images © utopian customs

inspired by the image and history of a 1939 crocker speedway bike, utopian customs decided on a build which would ‘capture the simplicity and no nonsense look’ of the legendary machine. it sourced a yamaha ‘DT250’ and started its transformation of the neo-retro ‘smoker’. one aesthetic feature of note on the crocker speedway machines were the fuel tanks. set low to keep the centre of gravity down, the same look has been achieved with handmade stainless steel covers slung beneath the frame, covering the bikes metal fuel tank. painted a deep and distressed red, it successfully replicates the essence of the 1930’s with the name ‘smoker’ lazer cut into the steel covers.