Only the frame and tank are genuine! A modified Ape finished with used parts [Portrait of a 4MINI Enthusiast]

In a previous article, we introduced Katsumi Nagasawa, who enjoys customizing only mopeds, or 4MINIs. He has been steadily customizing his bikes in the garage he built behind his house, and now has a collection of 20 bikes. He has always loved motorcycles, but mainly focused on medium to large bikes. He still owns the Honda CBX400F he bought in high school, but something happened seven years ago that made him fall in love with 4MINIs.

The catalyst for this was the Honda Ape we’re introducing today. The reason for this was that it was an Ape that was purchased for his son, who was a high school student at the time. After that, his son got his four-wheel license and started driving cars, so he hardly ever rode the Ape again. So, Nagasawa, the father, decided to take it over and give it a try. It was a bike that was passed down to him by his son, so to speak.

At first, I started riding it without much expectation, but it ran better than I expected and cornering was fun. However, it was undeniable that it lacked power given its displacement. So I decided to start customizing it, which is my specialty. As you can see from the pink number plate, the displacement has been tuned to fit within the range of a Class 2 moped. However, this is not the original specification either, and I have made so many changes to the specifications that I can’t even remember how many times I have done so.

The reason is that if you’re going to tune it, you want to test the limits. Naturally, this shortens the engine’s lifespan, and it has blown up several times. That’s why he didn’t use new parts from the start, but instead purchased and installed used parts many times, assuming they would break. He says he’s now settled down and has installed a Kitaco DOHC 124cc kit. Because it’s a DOHC, it can rev up to higher speeds than the stock, and of course it’s transformed into a more powerful bike.

If you’re going to pair it with a powerful engine, you’ll want to change the transmission as well. So, we combined it with a special Takegawa 6-speed cross transmission and changed the clutch to a dry clutch made by the same company. Since it’s a high-power engine, preventing oil deterioration while providing a direct connection is something you should definitely try if you’re particular about driving. If you’re going to modify it this much, it’s also essential to change the intake and exhaust systems, so we changed the carburetor to an FCR28 and the muffler to an OVER Racing GP-PERFORMANCE.

As the title suggests, the only parts that remain are the frame and fuel tank. With a high-powered power unit, the front and rear suspension naturally lacks the original specifications. Therefore, the front forks were reused from a KSR, while the brakes were changed to Brembo 4-pot calipers. Of course, the swingarm and rear shock were also changed, with the swingarm fitted with an OVER Racing stabilizer and the rear shock being a combination of special parts made by Takegawa. The rear brake is made by Brembo, but is a 2-pot brake.

The wheels have also been changed to GP-SIX wheels made by OVER Racing, made of forged aluminum. The 12-inch wheels, 2.75J in the front and 3.0J in the rear, are lighter than the stock wheels while also increasing rigidity. The tires are Bridgestone Battlax, with 100/90 in the front and 130/80 in the rear. What we want you to pay attention to is how the tires are used, with the sides touching the ground beautifully. This shows that the car is enjoying cornering.

He got his hands on an Ape seven years ago. He started customizing it from there and has now perfected it to what could be called a finished product. Without this bike, Nagasawa wouldn’t be where he is today, which shows how well it served as an entry point into the world of 4MINI. If it had been a different model rather than an Ape, perhaps he wouldn’t have been so enthusiastic about it. This is because Nagasawa values ​​having fun when driving.

It’s true that enjoying style is also important in the world of customization. However, although the Ape has been modified with a bikini, underbody, tail cowl, and side covers, it doesn’t look like a completely different bike. It’s instantly recognizable as an Ape, and you can feel the love for the base model. Choosing the Ape as your gateway into the world of 4MINI might be a good idea.