Interview: Kengo Kimura - Heiwa Motorcycles

I've been at this whole custom bike blog game for a while now, and if there's one thing that has always gnawed away in the back of my mind, it is the following conundrum; Japan produces some of the world's coolest custom bikes and yet, due to the language barriers, the scene is neigh on impenetrable to westerners. To me, it's always felt like a massive gold deposit that's been inconveniently placed under an ocean or right next to an active volcano. Everyone knows it's there, but getting access to it just seems like mission impossible. Then, a few weeks back, it hit me. I have a Tokyo-based mate who I've known for over a decade. He's Japanese born and bred, yet he speaks perfect English - what if we were to get him to help us out? So here's the first of what I am hoping is many interviews with these Nihon-jin masters. Please bow deeply as we welcome Kengo Kimura San from Heiwa Motorcycles to our humble blog. Otsukare-sama desu!

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1942 Harley Davidson WLA

This Harley WLA is owned by Mr Nishida of the Posh Factory in Tokyo, Japan. The Posh Factory make high performance parts for a range of motorcycles but specialize in Harley Davidsons. This WLA was built to race in the AVCC (American Vintage motorcycle Competition Clubman road-race) in Japan and has had some great wins over the years. Nisheda says he loves circuit racing more than anything else, and enjoys meeting people and learning more about vehicle parts through racing which helps them make better motorcycle products.
The HD 42WLA was originally built around World War II to US army specs, and apparently were very popular amongst young soldiers who would come home hoping to get a Harley-Davidson like he saw or rode in the war. Not many original WLA's exist today, most of them being turned into choppers and extensively modified over the years. To check out loads more pics visit the Posh Factory Gallery or to see their huge range of products hit the link to their catalogue. Amazingly their website and catalogue are both in english.

Custom House Stinky SR

The name might sound a bit funny but Customs House Stinky (CHS) have been building some serious looking motorcycles in Japan since 1983. Their website is littered with beautiful bikes including many Cafe Racers, mainly using the much loved Yamaha SR400. The only thing that stinks about these bikes is the smell of burning rubber as they disappear into the distance. CHS also have an impressive range of handmade tanks and seats that are quite pricey but you are definitely paying for quality. If you want to see more pics of this stripped down, red framed SR Cafe Racer check out this gallery or visit their main gallery to see the whole range.

M&M's SR

This isn't a bike built by the chocolate maker, it's from a custom shop in Japan that goes by the name M&M Motorcycles. Based not far from Yokohama in a city called Kanagawa. Like most Japanese shops they specialize in SR's, W650's and TR's. We really dig this yellow SR tracker. Judging by their website they seem to build mostly street trackers. They also have a blog and a shop that are worth checking out. The shop has some interesting things, ranging from ashtrays through to motorcycle parts and clothing.

Matsumaru SR500

This beautiful SR500 from the the guys at Matsumaru Speed & Customs in Japan won best domestic bike a few years ago at Moon Eyes Hot Rod show. So simple and understated. We love everything about this bike. Do yourself a favour and check out the Matsumaru Gallery. There's so many bikes on their site for inspiration or just to drool over. If you like the SR500 check out this short video at the Moon Eyes Show shot by DBBP.

Ajito BSA

Discovered the Motorcycle Factory Ajito (their website needs some work) on a Spanish blog called Retro Custom Racer. Ajito is a custom shop in Japan that have made loads of cool sr400's bobbers but it was this BSA C-11 named Racy King that really stood out. Everything on this bike looks hand made. The seat, brake light and Japanese dragon tank won't be to everyone's taste but you have to give credit where credit is due. Ajito has created something truly unique and we look forward to seeing more bikes from these guys in the future.