Yamaha FFE 350: Revolutionary Forkless Custom Motorcycle

Radical Engineering - Motorcycle design has always been a delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Most manufacturers stick to conventional engineering, favoring tried-and-true methods that ensure reliability and ease of production. This is particularly evident in suspension design, where telescopic forks dominate the industry despite their well-documented shortcomings.

The Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350, crafted by Julian Farnam, is a forkless custom motorcycle built upon the iconic 1990s Yamaha RZ350 two-stroke racer. (Picture from: Silodrome)

However, for those willing to challenge the norm, alternative front suspension systems offer intriguing possibilities—something Julian Farnam understood when he set out to create a motorcycle that defied tradition. With a passion for engineering and a desire to push boundaries, Farnam took on the challenge of building a forkless front suspension system of his own. 

The Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350's most radical feature is Julian Farnam's signature Forkless Front End (FFE) design, completely eliminating the standard fork. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

Lacking the massive resources of big-name manufacturers, he relied on skill, ingenuity, and sheer determination to bring his vision to life. The result was the Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350—a remarkable machine that looks less like a home-built custom and more like an advanced prototype from a major factory R&D department. 

The remarkable Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350 resembles an advanced factory prototype rather than a home-built custom. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

At its core, the FFE 350 is based on a Yamaha RZ350, a legendary two-stroke racer from the 1990s. Farnam’s modifications, however, set it apart from anything else on the road. The most radical change was his signature Forkless Front End (FFE) design, which completely eliminated the standard front fork. 

While forkless designs avoid traditional fork issues, they introduce challenges like slop and vibration, which Julian Farnam mitigated using tensioned dual linkages for a precise, connected feel. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

Traditional telescopic forks, despite their widespread use, have inherent issues such as flexing under load and changes in geometry under braking. By removing the forks and implementing a system of linkages, Farnam aimed to create a more stable and responsive front suspension. Of course, forkless designs come with their own engineering challenges. They require intricate linkage systems, which, if not properly designed, can introduce slop and unwanted vibrations.

The Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350 features a custom twin-tube cradle frame without a headstock or backbone, using gusseted brackets for front suspension mounting. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

Farnam addressed this challenge with two sets of tensioned linkages, eliminating play and delivering a direct, connected feel akin to conventional forks—without their drawbacks. The result was a precision-handling bike that offered a truly unique riding experience. Following the completion of the FFE 350, Julian launched his own frame company, A-N-D Vehicles, but despite praise from seasoned racers and impressive performance, the venture ultimately did not succeed.

The Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350 retains an OEM look with a standard RZ tank and a modified Ducati 916 tail, while its unfaired design showcases the innovative front suspension. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

The FFE 350 wasn’t just a concept or a showpiece—it was a fully functional machine that saw track action in Southern California, proving its capabilities in real-world conditions. However, despite its performance advantages, the radical design never gained commercial traction, and the bike eventually found its way into storage. Yet, true to his passion, Farnam remains dedicated to his creation. As of recent years, he has been working to restore the FFE 350 to its former glory, keeping alive the spirit of innovation that first inspired him to build it. | WsCtsyrXzFk |

The Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350 was more than just a showpiece—it tore up local tracks in Southern California with impressive performance. (Picture from: Odd-Bike)

In an industry where convention often takes precedence over experimentation, projects like the Yamaha A-N-D FFE 350 serve as reminders that true progress comes from those willing to challenge the status quo. Farnam’s work stands as both an engineering marvel and a testament to the creativity of independent builders—proving that sometimes, the best ideas come from outside the mainstream.

 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CUSTOMFIGHTERS  | ODD-BIKE | SILODROME | HACKADAY ]

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