If there’s one phrase that describes Takashi Nihira’s type, it’s restraint. His customized bike builds are tidy and unassuming, however they reward nearer inspection with myriad tasteful particulars. So it’s little marvel that Nihira-san’s Tokyo-based customized store, Wedge Motorbike, has gained a number of awards.
His newest construct epitomizes this ethos. Completed in desaturated tones, it’s compact and completely proportioned, regardless of the heft of its four-cylinder engine. It’s basic vibe additionally belies it’s true nature; below the customized work lies a 2016-model Honda CB1100 EX.
The selection of a contemporary donor bike was a really deliberate one. Wedge’s buyer needed a motorbike with tons of classic type, but additionally deliberate to make use of it as a every day runner—so reliability was excessive on the record. “He needed a customized bike that he might journey for the remainder of his life,” says Takashi.
“Within the used bike market, older air-cooled inline-four engines are very highly regarded, and so, costly. Additionally, as a result of they’ve been in the marketplace for a very long time, the situation of used bikes fluctuate broadly, and there’s a excessive chance that they’ll have issues after beginning out on the highway.”
A more recent Honda CB1100 is much much less more likely to break down—however customizing one shouldn’t be with out its challenges. Takashi needed to discover his method across the Honda’s 1,140 cc inline-four engine, the sturdy body that holds it, and its trendy electronics. Nonetheless, it doesn’t seem like any of that slowed him down a lot.
For additional peace of thoughts, Takashi cut up the engine open and put it again along with new gaskets. The covers had been polished to an excellent sheen, however that’s so far as the mods go—the gasoline injection module and emissions sensor are all nonetheless inventory. That implies that the CB1100 runs nice with out the necessity for any extra tuning, and it’ll go the car inspection that’s required each two years in Japan.
Takashi additionally saved the unique airbox, however slimmed it down sufficient to go well with the bike’s redesign, however not a lot that it will have an effect on efficiency. The four-into-two headers and mufflers come from Moriwaki, however they’ve been modified and coated black. And the bike was rewired too—however solely in order that there’d be fewer wires and parts protruding in all places.
The wheels and brakes are additionally OEM elements, however the brake grasp cylinders are Brembo gadgets. Firestone’s vintage-style Deluxe Champion treads had been spooned onto the 18” wheels on the consumer’s request. The chunky rear tire brought about a clearance subject although, so the swingarm needed to be altered to make room.
Subsequent, Takashi shortened the entrance forks and fitted a pair of Öhlins shocks on the again. That not solely slammed and balanced the Honda’s stance, but additionally introduced the seat peak down for Wedge’s consumer, who’s somewhat on the quick facet. However it took much more than simply these modifications to create the flawless silhouette you see right here.
“I consider that the Wedge’s distinctive type is a straight physique line,” Takashi explains. “With the intention to create such a easy and exquisite line requires greater than only a straight backside line created by the gasoline tank and seat. It contains the peak of the headlight, how shut or far it’s from the physique, the road main from the headlight to the highest of the gasoline tank, the scale and the positioning of the bodywork in relation to the wheels, and lots of different components.”
Takashi began by fabricating a brand new gasoline tank, utilizing items of the outdated one. Beginning with the highest part of the OEM unit, he constructed a brand new unit that’s narrower and sits decrease than earlier than, however nonetheless retains a few of its unique DNA. There’s even area for the inventory gasoline pump.
“I slimmed the rear finish of the gasoline tank to the width of the seat rail which I made,” he provides. “This allowed the in-line four-cylinder engine to be emphasised. When a rider sits on the bike, the engine might be seen protruding from each side of the gasoline tank—I feel this highly effective rider’s view is without doubt one of the greatest options of this car.”
The slim customized seat has a slight dip and taper to it too, in order that it flows out of the tank harmoniously. Handmade fenders and aluminum facet covers spherical out the brand new bodywork. “I took the bike off the workbench and took it exterior to confirm the physique strains many instances, from totally different viewing angles and at totally different distances,” says Takashi.
Sitting up entrance is a basic spherical headlight, held by the identical kind of wraparound headlight stays that the older CB750 4 makes use of; an concept that got here from the bike’s proprietor. Sitting behind it are a Motogadget speedo, and new bars fitted with vintage-style grips and switches.
There’s a whole lot of work that most individuals would by no means decide up on—simply check out the yokes. Takashi liberated them of any pointless stays and mounts, smoothed them off, and relocated the entrance brake line junction to beneath the decrease yoke.
Wedge’s good style extends to the paint job, too. The tank, fenders and headlight stays put on a easy, however efficient, root beer colour, whereas the body’s been redone in silver. It’s as engaging as it’s timeless.
Takashi provides that the CB1100’s extra compact dimensions and decrease weight have had a big influence on the way it handles—in a great way. He provides that the bike has turned out simply as he envisioned it.
Is his consumer joyful although? He’s, and he’s already began racking up miles on his new whip.
Wedge Motorbike | Fb | Instagram | Pictures by Hiromitsu Yasui | With because of Tadashi Kono
