PressClub Global · Article.
The Japanese motorcycle customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON presents a spectacular custom bike based around the prototype of a new BMW Motorrad boxer engine.
Thu Dec 06 12:00:00 CET 2018 Press Release
Last weekend, a sensational custom bike – the “Departed” – saw its premiere at this year’s Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan.
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BMW Group
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On Sunday 2 December, Japanese motorcycle customizing specialist
CUSTOM WORKS ZON presented a fascinating custom model commissioned by
BMW Motorrad. The centerpiece of the machine is the prototype of a
completely new boxer engine.
CUSTOM WORKS ZON was founded by Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu
Ueda in the prefecture of Shiga in 2003 and is well-known for its
exceptional creations. The custom builders are regularly invited to
well-known shows in the customizer scene such as “Mama Tried Show” in
Milwaukee, “The Hand Built Motorcycle Show” in Austin and the
“Brooklyn Invitational”. The small workshop has lots of prizes and
awards on its shelves – clear evidence of the builders’ skill,
craftsmanship and distinctive style.
Yuichi Yoshizawa was thrilled to collaborate with BMW Motorrad:
“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.”
There was a lot of speculation at the show about the prototype
engine. 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.
Further details about the engine and its possible future use will be
communicated at a later point in time.
ZON's distinctive style can be clearly recognized: classic
styling, modern production techniques and a wealth of craftsmanship in
the detail – all produced to very highest Japanese quality standards.
The very low silhouette of the bike is reminiscent of Ernst Henne's
record-breaking 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 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 reinforced
with grid tubes. 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 in
collaboration with BMW Motorrad created a huge buzz in the scene,
earning the prestigious “Best of Show Motorcycle” award which is
regarded the highest honor at this year’s Hot Rod Custom Show.
The Mooneyes Show – as it is called in the customizer scene –
was being 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 and there are also numerous dealer stands.
In case of queries please contact:
Antonia Cecchetti, Communications BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89 382-60757, antonia.cecchetti@bmw.de
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49 89 382-57505, tim.diehl-thiele@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30
production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global
sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles
and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in
the financial year 2016 was € 10,655 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 98,678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 129,932 employees.
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