Check out this incredible beauty from Japanese custom biker builder Custom Works Zon.
Called the “Departed”, the bike made its debut at this year’s Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan.
It was commissioned by BMW Motorrad to showcase the prototype of a completely new boxer engine.
Custom Works Zon was founded by Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda in 2003 and is well-known for its exceptional creations.
The custom bike builders are familiar faces at well-known custom events such as “Mama Tried Show” in Milwaukee, “The Hand Built Motorcycle Show” in Austin and the “Brooklyn Invitational”.
Though it is only small the workshop has taken home plenty of prizes.
Yuichi Yoshizawa was thrilled to collaborate with BMW Motorrad.
“It was a great honour and a challenge to be able to build a motorcycle around the prototype of such a spectacular new boxer engine for one of the most tradition-steeped manufacturers,” he said.
The bike’s debut has invited plenty of speculation about the new engine.
The external geometry and visible elements, such as the push rods running above the cylinders in chrome-plated protection ducts recall BMW boxer engines from the late ’60s, but with a larger capacity and modern air/oil cooling.
Motorrad will reveal more details about the engine and its possible uses further down the track.
The bike features classic styling, with modern production techniques and some fine craftsmanship – all produced to the very highest Japanese quality standards.
The very low silhouette is reminiscent of Ernst Henne’s record-breaking machines of the late 1920s and 1930s.
The large 21 front and 26 inch rear wheels are milled aluminium and fitted with relatively narrow tires, while the girder fork is also made of solid aluminium.
The rear swinging arm is made of steel pipe and attached to the tubular space frame by means of concealed suspension.
The large-volume engine is suspended in this frame structure which is reinforced with grid tubes.
The fitted fuel tank, seat unit and front trim are crafted by hand from sheet metal.
This spectacular custom bike earned the prestigious “Best of Show Motorcycle” award, regarded as the highest honour at this year’s Hot Rod Custom Show.
The Mooneyes Show – named after hot rodder Dean Moon – attracts at least 15,000 spectators every year — despite the fact it’s a one-day event.
Car and motorcycle custom builders from all over the world present their latest creations, with nearly 300 cars and 650 motorcycles.
CHECKOUT: Book chronicles Australia’s two-wheel talent
CHECKOUT: Arc of the driver