Shinya Kimura

This bike is called ‘Hoon’ and it was created by Shinya Kimura, one of the champions of ‘Zero Style’ – minimal interpretations of vintage motorcycles, with low-key paintjobs and Harley-Davidson springer front ends. Kimura set up Zero Engineering in Japan in 1992, but now runs Chabott Engineering in Azusa, California. Like Chicara Nagata, Kimura is treating the motorcycle as art, and the approach is paying off. There’s a Jules Verne, steampunk tinge to Hoon that we love.

Chopers

The art of the Samurai bike: The work of Shinya Kimura and Zero Engineering.

                                                                  "The Fighting Vintage"

                                                                       The "Needle"

                                                                   "The Ratfighter"

"In the year of 1992, In prior to the foundation of this motorcycle custom shop, I managed a small shop in rural area, which specialized in the restoration of Harley Davidson and other vintage motorcycles such as British, German, and/or even Japanese-made. The old motor, especially for its beautiful figure and the special feeling that I get when running, fascinates me in such a way that I have a solid passion for classic kind. In ZERO engineering, I only work on Harley-Davidson's given that the structure combined with the choice of materials create trust in its durability besides good looks. I also like the fact that a great number of the replacement parts for Harley's are available in the market.

Furthermore, the brand's mystique works its magic on the sound whose vibrant rhythm goes well with the kind of image that I have for motorcycles. At the same time, I am interested in fabricating engines from Triumph and BSA, the ones built before 1960s.

As for the name, Zero engineering, I chose the word "zero". Whereas it can literally mean nothing, I believe the word holds an endless possibility to it. It is, indeed, meant to remind me not to conform to the paradigm and but to always challenge new way of thinking.
I cannot think of anyone in particular who had an influence on my work.

It is rather my Japanese roots, in which the idea of beauty as well as my identity was formed.
As I have always tried to base my work on these elements, so those Harley enthusiasts, who are accustomed to the American style, might find my creation new and different.

At Zero engineering, it is our ultimate goal to flavor our sense of style in customizing Harleys. We are certainly not sticking to particular features like a small gas tank or fork springs, and open to new ideas. Thus, whether our bikes are novel enough to draw people's attention does not matter. For future perspective, I do not have any specific plans for what to design, and we will keep on doing the same things as we have done to put our ideas into shape.

On the other hand....
we strongly believe technical ability is equally important as designing skill, so that we will be actively participating in many races in order to improve our techniques.
I hope Zero engineering and our products will continue to inspire people in some manner.

Thank you and Sincerely,

Shinya Kimura-Zero engineering"

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