Prepare to be blown away by this stunning Harley Shovelhead Bobber, a true masterpiece that defies words! Hideki Hoshikawa, an unsung hero in Japan's custom bike world, has crafted a bike that's more than just a ride - it's a work of art. With his unique skills, Hideki, working solo at Asterisk Custom Works, transformed a 1978 Harley-Davidson into a raw and exquisite creation named Bennu. This project marks a significant comeback, a rebirth akin to the mythical Bennu bird, symbolizing creation and renewal.
The transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. Asterisk's bespoke touch stripped away almost all stock parts, rebuilding the frame with a single downtube backbone to support the custom design. Even the steering neck was reworked to match the new structure, a testament to the attention to detail.
At the rear, a rigid hardtail setup replaces the stock suspension, enhancing the bike's classic appeal. Up front, a vintage-style fork from W&W Cycles sports a striking 22-inch wheel, paired with a period-correct drum brake. The rear follows suit with a 19-inch wheel and another drum brake, both laced with stainless-steel spokes and retro-style tires, giving Bennu an old-school stance.
Powering this beauty is an S&S Cycle 74-cubic-inch V-twin, a decision made after Hideki inspected the original heavily-modified racing engine. The S&S unit is dressed up with custom rocker covers, an S&S Super E carburetor, and a bespoke velocity stack.
But here's where it gets controversial... the exhaust is a true masterpiece, a hand-crafted system with a unique two-into-one header design, looping under the seat and finishing in a beautifully crafted muffler. It's a work of art that speaks volumes about Hideki's craftsmanship.
The cosmetics are equally impressive, with a custom two-piece tank - one side for fuel, the other for oil - connected by a polished aluminum panel housing the ignition and a Motogadget speedometer. The chrome filler caps and sleek bobber saddle, upholstered in embossed black leather, add to the bike's allure. Even the repurposed front fender, now serving as a rear mudguard, is mounted with bespoke stainless struts.
Hideki's attention to detail extends to the cockpit, with minimalist handlebars, an internal throttle, and clean switches. The foot-operated clutch and jockey shifter add a touch of vintage charm. Lighting is provided by a grilled headlight up front and a compact LED taillight, tucked discreetly above the license plate.
Finished in a lustrous dark blue with gold pinstriping, accented by brass, chrome, and polished metal, Bennu is a testament to custom motorcycle artistry. Asterisk Custom Works has made a bold statement with this build, and we can only hope that Hideki's next masterpiece won't keep us waiting another five years!
What do you think? Is this bike a masterpiece or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
