This is an interesting feature bike built by Hiroyuki Hirata from Japan. I see it as another unrideable board track styled bike, and he sees it as a skeleton with wheels. Interesting.
Let me know your thoughts on board track styled bikes. I love them from a purely artistic side. They are the coolest custom motorcycle configuration on the planet. They represent history, style, speed, and performance, but they are not exactly rideable. This summer I flew out to Milwaukee for the Biker Pros custom bike show at the 110th Harley-Davidson celebration, just outside the Harley-Davidson Museum. The show was packed with board track styled customs, but the majority of the spectators were stock H-D riders.
I was curious. It was like two worlds under a tent. I wondered if these riders could, or wanted to relate to this custom configuration? What do you think? I love the board track configuration from a purely simplistic artistic standpoint. Bobbers you can ride, and brothers rode choppers for years, but you won’t see a group of board track race styled customs meeting at the bar. Hell, some don’t have headlights.
If you’re like me, you dig the cool factor. I asked Hiroyuki a few question. We sent the questions to Japan, where he answered each question carefully in Japanese, and then we had to translate his answers. I hope we got ‘em right?
Tell us about your shop with some history and your goals for next year?
It was established in 1990 as a body shop. Around 1998, I started customizing Harley-Davidson motorcycles and in 2000, I also established BB as a separate company. At this time, we are specializing in customizing motorcycles as well as old American cars. We want to continue working like this. My goal for next year is to present a motorcycle in a show in America again.
How is the chopper world in Japan from the lifestyle and business sides?
It seems that Japanese youth prefer “chopper style” and “bobber” New shops are being opened by young people/generation but old shops are getting closed.
How did this bike come about?
It came from customer’s order/request
It seems to be a mix of board track, billet, metallic, and swoop. What was the design driver?
I saw a design that is common for T-shirts, etc., the design/painting of a skeleton holding a wheel. I liked it so I made a motorcycle – the idea is that the skeleton has a wheel attached to its hands and legs.
What’s happening in Japan from the design and style side?
The main trend is HOT ROD or bobber style. But the trend comes back/changes, so I think it will change again. I’m thinking Digger design and Chopper design, which is classic, will come back in style again.
What’s the future for this bike?
Will be with a customer who will take good care of it!
What’s on your plate from a builder’s standpoint?
I make my motorcycles based on what I see in everyday life. I get my ideas and inspirations from things that have nothing to do with motorcycles sometimes.
There you have it. He made a good point. Everything changes constantly, so get ready. So don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all gonna change anyway. Have a good time, enjoy the creative spirit and build whatever you want, whenever you want.
BIKERNET EXTREME AKIRA TECH CHART
Owner: Akira Tsukagawa
Address: Tokyo, Japan
Website: http://customfactorybb.com/
E Mail: cfbb@go8.enjoy.ne.jp
The Skeleton Board Track Custom
Make: Harley Davidson
Year: 1947
Model: FL
Type: Knucklehead
Year: 1947
Fabrication: Custom Factory BB
Finish: Custom Factory BB
Time: 6 months
Hardware: Custom Factory BB
Assembly: Custom Factory BB
Assembler: Hiroyuki Hirata
Value: $100,000
Clutch: OEM Rebuild
ENGINE:
Type: Knucklehead
Displacement: 1200cc
Year: 1947
Horsepower: Untested
Heads: OEM
Valves: OEM Rebuild
Pistons: OEM Rebuild
Cylinders: OEM Rebuild
Camshaft: OEM
Lifters: OEM Rebuild
Pushrods: OEM Rebuild
Carburetor/Injection: Linkert
Air Cleaner: Custom Factory BB
Transmission: OEM
Ignition: DynaS
Exhaust: Custom Factory BB
Mufflers: Custom Factory BB
Finish: Custom Factory BB
Fasteners/Hardware: OEM Rebuild
Frame:
Type: Custom Factory BB Original
Year: 2009
Builder: Hiroyuki Hirata
Shocks: Springer Front, Rigid Rear
Modifications: Almost everything
Forks:
Type: W&W VL Springer Fork
Year: 2009
Builder: Hiroyuki Hirata
Finish: Custom Purple/ Black paint
Wheels
Front:
Rim: Arlen Ness
Size: 23-inch x3.5-inch
Hub: 360 Degree Brake
Builder: Arlen Ness
Finish: Polished Aluminum
Fender: None
Tire: Avon
Brake: 360-Degree Brake
Rear:
Rim: Arlen Ness
Size: 23 x 3.5-inch
Brake: 360-Degree Brake
Builder: Arlen Ness (Custom Assemble Requested)
Finish: Polished Aluminum
Fender: None
Tire: Avon
Hub: 360-Degree Brake
What Connects you to the bike:
Handlebars: Custom Factory BB
Risers: None
Headlights: Drag Specialties
Taillights: Custom Factory BB Original
Turn Signals F/R: None
Speedometer: None
Tachometer: None
Gauges: None
Electrics: Custom Factory BB Original
Seat: Cherry Kobo
Footrest F/R: Custom Factory BB Original
Oil Tank: Custom Factory BB Original
Fuel Tank(s): Custom Factory BB Original
Paint, Chrome:
Colors: Pearl Purple
Special Paint: Wild Man Isshi (Pin Striper)
The Painter: Custom Factory BB
Address: 8-9 Kanonhonmachi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima, Japan 733-0037
Chrome: Kurokawa Chrome
Powder Coating: Custom Factory BB
Color: Black Powder Coating
Work by: Hiroyuki Hirata
