Kimura-san is a well-known name in the custom motorcycle world. Did you know that there are two Kimura’s who build beautiful bikes in entirely their own style? And no, they are not related!
Over the past 10 years we have featured quite a few airheads. One could argue that we, like many other petrolheads, are rather partial to these classics. Not just because of their reliability, or their excellent rideability, or their easy maintenance with plenty of parts available. We like them predominantly because they can be a blank canvas for builders across the globe. And in the right hands, true masterpieces roll out of workshops, garages, studios, and sheds. Caferacer, shed built racer, commissioned racer? Check! Scrambler, adventure, enduro? Tracker, bobber, sidecar? Futuristic? Electric?! We covered them all!
When I was in Japan earlier this year, I expected to see predominantly Hondas, Yamahas, and Kawasakis, and the popular icons of classic Triumphs and Harleys. I was surprised to stumble upon an airhead. In Hiroshima, on the waterfront, sits a small shop. A fleet of stock motorcycles sit outside, awaiting treatment, and a small showroom gives you a glimpse into their future. Among them, an airhead. Fast forward several months, and this airhead takes home first prize.
I am talking about Salty Green, the latest build from Kengo Kimura and his team at Heiwa MC. It started its life in Bavaria in 1981 as an R100RS. 23 years later it got a complete makeover. To accommodate the small Candy Green tank (painted by Hirokazu Kuboi), Kengo redesigned the top tube. He also replaced the subframe with a new support for the one-off seat cowl that visually opens up the frame, drawing the focus to the motor. The cast aluminium powerhouse inhales through the elegant 70’s airfilter house that has been drilled to improve the airflow. It exhales via a custom exhaust system that neatly follows the lines of the tank and seat. The pipes sit tighter to the frame, going over the foot pegs, rather than following the original routing underneath the pegs. They widen gently and endwhere the shocks meet the swinging arm, ensuring a fantastic sound of this classic 1000cc boxer engine.
The front end has been kept clean. No fender, and the indicators tucked back onto the frame. No unnecessary clutter on the handlebars, a small headlight, and a tiny speedo ensure a very sleek style.
This design follows Kimura-san’s philosophy, that a bike is comfortable to ride, even when it is customised! He does not only preach this philosophy, he also practices it. He once delivered a custom motorcycle to a client in Hokkaido, a whopping 1400km away from the shop, one way!
All photos are take by Kazuo Matsumoto
