Art & Engineering: The Custom Motorcycles of Nakajima Shirō

Rippin Kitten – Art & Engineering define the extraordinary craftsmanship of Nakajima Shirō, a name that carries immense respect in the world of custom motorcycles. Known for transforming retro European machines into functional works of art, Nakajima has built a reputation as one of the most innovative motorcycle builders of his time. Working from his secluded workshop, 46works, nestled in the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Yamanashi Prefecture, he dedicates months to meticulously crafting each machine by hand.

Nakajima’s approach to building motorcycles is anything but conventional. He avoids general repair work, choosing instead to focus solely on grand-scale custom projects. His reclusive nature adds to his mystique. While enthusiasts can email him with inquiries, his shop’s phone number and address remain undisclosed to minimize distractions. Yet, despite his elusive persona, his work speaks for itself. In February of this year, he offered the public a rare glimpse into his world with a solo exhibition titled Zenkai ka ina ka (Full Throttle or Nothing). The Tokyo gallery showcase featured five of his breathtaking creations and drew over 2,000 visitors within just 10 days, further cementing his legendary status.

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Breaking Boundaries in Custom Motorcycle Culture

The fusion of Art & Engineering in Nakajima’s work traces back to his early days in the custom scene. In 2001, he founded Ritmo-Sereno, a Tokyo-based custom shop where he and a small team designed and sold original motorcycle parts, completed semi-custom builds, and provided general mechanical services. However, as the business expanded, Nakajima found himself spending less time on the creative aspects of motorcycle building.

“I had to stop and ask myself what I really wanted to do,” Nakajima recalls. His answer was clear, he wanted to dedicate himself fully to custom motorcycle craftsmanship. In 2014, he took a bold step, leaving the Tokyo shop in his employees’ capable hands and relocating to Yamanashi’s tranquil countryside, where he could focus entirely on his passion.

When Nakajima first started in the industry, customized motorcycles were deeply intertwined with youth counterculture. Harley-Davidson choppers, British café racers, and vintage Italian scooters dominated the custom scene. However, Nakajima had a different vision. He was drawn to classic European motorcycles, particularly BMW and Moto Guzzi models from the 1970s and 1980s. By integrating modern materials and engineering techniques, he created bikes that combined the vintage aesthetic of classic motorcycles with the speed, comfort, and performance of modern machines. This unique approach propelled him to the forefront of the custom motorcycle world.

Art & Engineering Meets Industry Recognition

Today, Nakajima is widely celebrated not only among motorcycle enthusiasts but also within the industry itself. His unique blend of Art & Engineering has caught the attention of major manufacturers, including BMW. To mark the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad, Nakajima was invited to collaborate with the German brand. Along with other top Japanese custom builders, to reimagine the BMW R nineT roadster.

True to his signature style, Nakajima delivered a masterpiece. The Club Racer, a lightweight and highly functional rework of the R nineT. The project had a profound impact on the custom motorcycle community. Further solidifying Nakajima’s status as a game-changer in the field.

Though his methods remain deeply personal and rooted in solitude, his influence continues to spread across the motorcycle world. His ability to merge Art & Engineering into every machine he builds ensures that his legacy will endure. Inspiring generations of riders and custom builders for years to come.

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