By 1963, an anti-establishment motorcycle manufacturer by the name of Soichiro Honda had turned the two-wheeled industry in North America around, ultimately putting a major bite on what had been a controlling majority held by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Forty years later (although Honda is now the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world), the Japanese are putting a hurtin' on the V-twin world once again, but this time they're using good-old Milwaukee Iron to do so, and it isn't the industry they're bitin' on.
For at least the last 10 or so years, Japanese chopper builders (an oxymoron of sorts) have been sprouting out of the woodwork like mad. Thanks to a crew by the name of Zero Engineering, among others, their efforts were noticed in the States, but it took some time before they really got recognized. In Japan, though, the underground chopper scene was growing like wildfire. While America basked in its big tire/jellybean glory, the builders overseas were honing their skills on individual craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unique style. Not adhering to any particular fads, rules, or guidelines, most of the upstart builders created their own look, oftentimes resulting in an end product that the average American could neither identify with nor appreciate (it wasn't what was in). For the most part, sensible and practical were what these designers were producing, not gaudy and ridiculous.
Nowadays, the Japanese influence, while maybe not commonplace among American builders, is definitely evident. Whether it's something from Hank Young or even the quiet Japanese transplant himself, Chica, bikes that make sense are making their presence known. Sure, there's a general back-to-basics theme being witnessed abroad, but the Japanese builders have to be credited for a certain style element that's a big part of the new chopper movement in the U.S.
Meanwhile, with Japanese culture as diverse as can be, its general public is finally starting to take notice. Evidence was recently found when Mooneyes, hosts of the annual Hot Rod & Custom Show in Yokohama, the once exclusive automotive event, invited two-wheeled guests for the first time back in 2001 (for the 10th Annual HRCS), with roughly 60 motorcycles showing up. Three years later, custom motorcycle entrants ruled the majority, with over 300 bikes in attendance (the show was used to an average of 250 display vehicles "total" in the past). Obviously, 2004 was the Year of the Chopper in Japan. And we were there to witness it. And that we was much more than just me.
Along with me (and my '65 FLH), Chopper Dave and Cole Foster came along for the ride, and they didn't come alone. Dave was able to get his Panhead rebuilt literally the night before the container was loaded on the freight ship, while Cole hustled to get his Salinas Boyz Bobber (along with his '54 Chevy Bel Air) shipped down to Long Beach for the three-week overseas adventure. All four vehicles traveled in the same quaint container, and fortunately, all arrived on the docks in Yokohama unscathed. While our stay was only four days, we did manage to get some riding time in. Unfortunately, that time was mostly spent in second gear or lower, or worse, idling at a stoplight in the new downtown area. It's safe to say our Yankee bikes had the opportunity to turn some Japanese heads. At the show, despite the aura of being in the middle of seemingly better-produced, better-looking choppers, the three foreigners definitely garnered a lot of attention.
Like it or not, the Japanese have made their mark in the custom motorcycle world, particularly with choppers. It's undeniably something that started on U.S. soil and, like hot rods and customs, will always be something Americans are credited for. But when someone does as good a job or better, you have to take notice. We did while at the 13th Annual Hot Rod & Custom Show at the Yokohama Pacifico, probably the best representation of Japanese chopper culture you'll find in one place at one time.