PressClub South Africa · 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 customising specialist
CUSTOM WORKS ZON presented a fascinating custom model commissioned by
BMW Motorrad. The centrepiece 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 customiser scene such as “Mama Tried Show” in
Milwaukee, “The Hand Built Motorshow” 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 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.”
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 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 recognised: 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 aluminium and fitted with
relatively narrow tyres, while the girder fork was also made of solid
material. 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 the
highest honour at this year’s Hot Rod Custom Show.
The Mooneyes Show – as it is called in the customiser 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.
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. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company 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 2017 was approximately €10.655 billion on revenues amounting to €97.8 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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