Heiwa Motorcycle is the famed Hiroshima workshop started by Kengo Kimura. Since his early twenties, Kimura has been passionate about motocross, and originally funded his passion by working as a mechanic at a motorcycle dealer—while making his own custom parts and bikes on the side. Then in 2005 he opened Heiwa (‘Peace’) Motorcycle, and focused on customizing and servicing British and Japanese-made bikes.
Kimura is also devoted to the American lifestyle and products from the 1950s and 1960s, the kind stocked by the Poppo general store adjacent to his Heiwa workshop. Once a year, Kimura goes to the USA to buy used bikes and parts, and meet with custom builders in the States.
High-end custom motorcycles are often criticized for favoring form over function, but Kengo Kimura rides that line masterfully. As Heiwa Motorcycle, he’s racked up numerous awards—including multiple wins at the prestigious Mooneyes show. But he’s also fond of building real-world beaters like this sassy little Suzuki scrambler. Simply dubbed ‘GrassTracker No0006,’ the bike was commissioned…
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The famous Triumph Trident name is back in the news these days, with the launch of the excellent 660 roadster. The original was a highly lauded too, despite being launched shortly before the iconic Honda CB750. The Trident T150 was quicker than its Japanese counterpart, and handled better too. It would also lap a track…
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This Valentine’s Day, we’re kicking things off with something red: a burly Honda Grom kit from K-Speed. Plus we look at Indian’s new Chief, a Japanese custom show that happened in a mall, a reissued favorite from the gear company Icon 1000, and a pint-sized electric motorcycle from Volcon.
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We’re always curious to see what bikes the world’s top custom builders choose to ride themselves. Because more often than not, they’re very different from the machines that make headlines and win awards. Kengo Kimura and his shop, Heiwa Motorcycle, need little introduction. Kimura-san’s builds regularly leave our jaws on the floor, and he has…
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Kengo Kimura is one of the world’s most versatile bike builders. He can create high-end customs that win ‘Best In Show’ prizes…
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The best thing about the Japanese custom scene is that it defies all conventions. Stroll around the annual Mooneyes show for example,…
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Yesterday it felt like the entire custom world was in Yokohama, Japan, for the famous Mooneyes show. Officially called the ‘Hot Rod…
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If you want a snapshot of Japan’s incredible custom culture, you’ll find it at the annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. This…
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BMW has an illustrious history of working with Japanese customizers. Witness the extraordinary R nineT Custom Project of three years ago, with…
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While most of us are trying to shake off the festive season’s indulgence, I’d wager that Kengo Kimura is already back in…
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This week we’ve got a Gold Wing from Sweden, a Cagiva from Portugal, a KTM from the USA, a Triumph from Japan,…
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It’s hard to describe the Japanese style of custom building. But it’s easy to spot: the bikes usually have a timeless and…
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