Earlier this month, the Pacifico Yokohama conference corridor hosted the thirty second operating of the mega-popular Yokohama Sizzling Rod Customized Present. A whopping 24,000 guests sashayed their means by means of the scores of customized bikes and vehicles throughout the one-day present, displaying a kind of organized hubbub typical of Japanese occasions.
Amongst them had been our associates Marc Holstein and Christine Gabler; a formidable German images duo with a deep love for Japan and her tradition. With an invitation to the a lot quieter setup day, Marc and Christine captured the present’s most intriguing machines in vivid element, earlier than returning the following day to doc the colourful whirlwind that’s the Mooneyes show.
We’ve already profiled a few hits from the present; Sureshot’s zany Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 and 46Works’ fashionable Ducati Monster 900. And we had been happy to listen to that FNG Works’ twin-engine Yamaha RXZ made it to Yokohama too, bagging a handful of accolades within the course of. As for the remainder, right here’s the lowdown on the 2024 Mooneyes present, in Marc’s phrases, with a choice of Marc and Christine’s most interesting pictures.
Marc Holstein The 2024 Mooneyes occasion is a wrap, and as all the time, it was an unimaginable expertise. It was a pleasure reconnecting with previous associates and assembly new customized builders. The Yokohama Customized Present stays closely centered on showcasing the world’s most interesting choppers. Nonetheless, from time to time, you may spot a café racer amidst the ocean of Panheads, Shovelheads, and Knuckleheads.
As with each Mooneyes present, the expertise was really distinctive. The organizers have an unimaginable expertise for curating an occasion that brings collectively a number of the most inspiring and fascinating builders, creating an environment that’s solely distinctive and unmatched.
One of many features I notably love about wandering by means of the alleys is discovering the Japanese artists and artisans showcasing their work at their cubicles. This time, I discovered myself drawn to the Cube sales space, which featured beautiful customized belts. I couldn’t resist having one made in my dimension—it’s a bit of artwork in itself!
Past the bikes, the vehicles on show had been equally spectacular. The craftsmanship and artistry, particularly within the paint jobs on the customized bikes, had been astonishing. Japanese builders have mastered perfection on this space, and in my view, there’s nothing else prefer it on this planet.
It was additionally an absolute pleasure to see Shinya Kimura, a real legend within the customized scene, collaborating within the ride-in. Royal Enfield’s engagement with the present can be price mentioning—they’re constantly connecting with and supporting the customized motorbike tradition, which provides to the occasion’s enchantment.
Editors notice BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, and Indian Bike are all co-sponsors of the present too, validating the affect that it has on the motorbike scene at massive.
Selecting a favourite amongst so many excellent builds is all the time a problem, however for me, Beware Choppers’ Knucklehead and Pangea Velocity’s Panhead stood out. Christine’s favourite construct was Cheetah’s bike, which had a customized body with a brilliant uncommon Koslow Chicago engine.
The vibe, as all the time, was incredible. Japan in December is an unforgettable expertise that’s price touring for. The climate was gentle and nice, making the journey much more pleasurable. In reality, I went browsing in Chiba the day earlier than the present; the proper approach to spherical out a tremendous go to.
Photos by, and with honest gratitude to, Marc Holstein and Christine Gabler
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