The Departed - A Custom Japanese Hot Rod

BMW Motorrad Commissions a Custom Bike Based Around its New Boxer Engine

Asensational custom bike, the ‘Departed', saw its premiere at this year's Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan. Commissioned by BMW Motorrad, Japanese motorcycle customizing specialist Custom Works Zon presented a fascinating custom machine, the centerpiece of which is the prototype of a completely new boxer engine.

Founded by Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda in the prefecture of Shiga in 2003, Custom Works Zon is well-known for its exceptional creations. The custom builders are regularly invited to well-known shows in the customizer scene such as the “Mama Tried Show” in Milwaukee, “The Hand Built Motorcycle Show” in Austin and the “Brooklyn Invitational”. A small workshop it may be, yet its shelves are lined with trophies and awards, clear evidence of the builders'

skill, craftsmanship and distinctive style.

Thrilled to collaborate with BMW Motorrad, Yuichi Yoshizawa said: “It was a great honor 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.”

The prototype engine itself saw a lot of speculation at the show. The external geometry and visible elements such as the push rods running above the cylinders in chrome-plated protection ducts recall BMW Motorrad boxer engines that were built until the late 1960s, but with an evidently larger capacity and a modern air/oil cooling.

Surrounding the engine, Zon's distinctive style can be clearly recognized, a classic styling featuring modern production techniques and a wealth of craftsmanship in the detail, all produced to the highest Japanese quality standards. The very low silhouette of the bike is reminiscent of Ernst Henne's recordbreaking machines of the late 1920s and 1930s. The large 21 front and 26 rear inch wheels are milled of aluminum and fitted with relatively narrow tires, while the girder fork was also made of solid aluminum. The rear swing arm is made of steel piping and attached to the tubular space frame by means of concealed suspension. The large-volume engine is housed within the frame made by Zon. Meanwhile the fitted fuel tank, seat unit and front trim are crafted by hand from sheet metal.

This spectacular custom bike by Custom Works Zon created a huge buzz in the scene, earning the prestigious “Best of Show Motorcycle” award, regarded as the highest honor at this year's Hot Rod Custom Show, the Mooneyes Show. Held for the 27th time in Yokohama, Japan, it attracts at least 15,000 spectators every year despite the fact it lasts only one day. Car and motorcycle custom builders from all over the world present their creations, with a total of nearly 300 cars and 650 motorcycles present.