![[Royal Enfield] Custom motorcycle “SAMURAI” to be unveiled for the first time in the world at the Yokohama Hot Ro](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4006-1760967518733.jpg)
- Custom bike “SAMURAI” to make world debut at Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024
- The vehicle was built by Japan-based custom bike builder “SURESHOT”
- This is the third vehicle from Japan, a collaboration with Royal Enfield’s official customization program “CUSTOM WORLD”.
The base vehicle is the “SHOTGUN 650”
This custom bike was created by Takuya Aikawa, president of SURESHOT, a custom factory based in Yachimata City, Chiba Prefecture. The SAMURAI will be exhibited at the joint booth of SURESHOT and Royal Enfield.
The base vehicle, the SHOTGUN 650, will be unveiled in Los Angeles in December 2023, before making its Japanese debut at the Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya Motorcycle Shows in spring 2024. Domestic sales began on August 31st. The SAMURAI’s concept is a compact performance chopper. While some of the frame is repurposed from the SHOTGUN 650, the main frame was handcrafted by Aikawa. The distinctive rear loop frame is a new creation, with subtle changes made to the pipe diameter, width, and bending angle.
The front fork and triple tree are standard SHOTGUN 650 parts, while the swingarm is an original machined aluminum design. The rear shock is a link-type monoshock designed by Aikawa himself, with the rear shock unit located under the seat.
The front and rear wheels are original, machined aluminum. They are 21 inches in the front and 16 inches in the rear, with drag racing slick tires mounted on the rear. The front features an inboard disc design with a disc brake built into the hub in the center of the wheel. The exterior is a combination of one-off machined aluminum parts and sheet metal parts, creating a compact body.
The engine is based on a standard 648cc air-oil-cooled, four-stroke, in-line twin-cylinder SOHC engine, with an S&S big bore kit used to increase displacement to 865cc. A DYNOJET Power Commander has been installed, and the fuel injection and ignition system have been tuned. SURESHOT’s Aikawa has also installed a chassis dynamometer and is focusing on tuning the injection and ignition systems. In addition to tuning the latest models from any manufacturer, the company also supports the construction of racing bikes. Leveraging the know-how gained there, they tuned the intake and ignition systems of their own custom bikes, improving power, durability, and comfort.
The SAMURAI competed in the Open Tournament class of the fifth round of the JD-STAR Drag Racing Championship, held at the JARI Shirosato Test Center in Ibaraki Prefecture on November 4, 2024. The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show (HCS) is a competition-style custom show that evaluates unique style and its level of completion. SURESHOT, striving for performance, decided to participate in a race before the show to demonstrate their commitment to both style and performance. Despite not being able to fully fine-tune the settings on the newly assembled chassis and engine, they recorded a best time of 12.804 seconds. This year marks Royal Enfield’s third participation in HCS. This marks the second time they have made the world premiere of a motorcycle created in collaboration with a Japanese custom bike builder. We will continue to promote the world of Royal Enfield custom motorcycles to more motorcycle enthusiasts. In addition to the SURESHOT SAMURAI, three other custom motorcycles will be exhibited at HCS 2024.
AMS GARAGE (AMS Garage/Indonesia)
The base vehicle is the “SUPER METEOR 650.” This custom bike, named “PHOENIX,” was created by AMS GARAGE in Indonesia. PHOENIX is a symbol of rebirth that appears in Greek mythology. The handmade aluminum fuel tank and rear cowl are beautifully connected, and the lines resemble a phoenix, hence the name. The gutter fork and hardtail frame with air suspension are original, and every detail is handmade.
CON ONE THOUSAND (ICON ONE THOUSAND/USA)
ICON ONE THOUSAND (ICON ONE THOUSAND/USA)
ICON MOTORSPORTS is an American helmet and motorcycle gear brand.
They have released a number of items with cutting-edge street-themed designs, while also ensuring a high level of safety, making them popular. To further expand the world of their products, they have produced a number of custom bikes under the ICON ONE THOUSAND brand name. This vehicle, named “Always Something,” is their latest creation, fusing the SHOTGUN 650 with the unique aesthetic of ICON MOTORSPORTS. This “Always Something” also served as a strong inspiration for the limited production version of the SHOTGUN 650, with only 100 units sold worldwide.
ICON ONE THOUSAND (ICON ONE THOUSAND/USA)
CHERRY’S COMPANY (Japan)
The base vehicle is a SUPER METEOR 650. This custom sidecar, named “CHALLENGER,” was unveiled to the world for the first time at last year’s HCS. The vehicle was manufactured by CHERRY’S COMPANY. Standard parts are used for the engine and part of the frame, while the front and rear suspension systems, wheels, exterior parts, sidecar frame, and sidecar body are all handmade. It will travel overseas in the spring of 2024 and will be exhibited at custom bike events in the UK, France, Germany, and other countries, as well as participating in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will race in “The Hillclimb.”
CHERRY’S COMPANY (Japan)
Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show Overview
- Name: 32nd YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2024
(32nd Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024)
https://yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com - Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
- Venue: Pacifico Yokohama
1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
https://www.pacifico.co.jp - Admission tickets: 4,400 yen in advance / 5,500 yen on the day (free for elementary school students and younger)
https://yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com/ticket-2024/
SAMURAI, produced by SURESHOT, and Always Something, produced by ICON ONE THOUSAND, will be on display for a limited time from Friday, December 13th to Friday, December 27th at Cafe ORTIGA in Asakusa, Tokyo.
SAMURAI, Always Something Exhibition Details
- Exhibition period: December 13th (Fri) – 27th (Fri)
- Exhibition location: ORTIGA, 2-16-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo (5 minutes’ walk from Kaminarimon)
- Monday, Thursday, Sunday 9:00-18:00, Friday, Saturday 9:00-20:00, Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
- Instagram:@ortiga_asakusa
