Yuichi Yoshizawa is a rare custom builder that can conquer many styles, while giving each building an instantly recognizable and organic feel. Together with his right hand, Yoshikazu Ueda, he runs Custom construction Zon Workshop in Shiga Prefecture of Japan. Their work is clear, practical, and artistic—enhancing the base of each machine, but also making it something entirely new.
This shovel-head Harley-Davidson just won the ‘Best of Show’ award at the competition’moon eyes‘ Yokohama hot bar custom exhibition. It’s a perfect example of how distinctive and innovative the bikes from CW Zon can be, while maintaining standards high enough to win a gold medal at one of the world’s largest custom shows. .
The real devil is in the details, but paying too much attention to detail can tarnish the overall look and initial impact of a build. That is not the case here.
The bike’s frame is made entirely of 7N01 aluminum, an alloy developed in Japan and known for its light weight and high tensile strength, commonly found in aircraft construction. In fact, much of this bike, the engine parts, and obvious parts like the tires, are handcrafted at Zon’s shop.
One of the most amazing details about this shovel head is the saddle and the rear part, also the car’s oil tank, with stainless steel braids leading down to the engine. Of course, this rear end, as well as Zon’s signature gas tank and beam fork, are all handcrafted from aluminum.
The fuel tank is split in half according to the frame and mounted directly on top. Like most of the car’s details, Silver Smith Fin’s hand-engraving adds personality to this frame and fuel tank. On display are a winged tiger head, a crying eye, thunderstorm clouds, and of course, Zon’s signature shining sun (‘Zon’ means ‘sun’ in Japanese).
The handlebar and upper clamp are both one-piece, integrated into the beam fork. And while the fork’s bold metallic look alludes to solid metal and a timeless feel, a tiny digital Motogadget speedometer is placed adjacent to the aluminum, level with the plate. shaft towards the driver. Other modern touches are well hidden… but they are still there.
The mountain bike shock absorbers are fitted into the beam setup, the head and taillights are all LED, the base console has modern push buttons and a single LED ‘fake’ light. The controls are Kustom Tech and are connected by braided stainless steel wires; The reservoir on the left side shows the presence of a hydraulic clutch. Rough Crafts’ shiny grips and footrests complete the controls.
The 1973 shovel head engine was reworked into a flamethrower 93 ci hot rod, with Weber dual-throat draft carburetors, Morris dual magnets, an S&S Cycle flywheel, larger pistons and a custom CW Zon cam. Two spark plugs per cylinder help ensure efficient and complete combustion, and all used fuel is ejected from the short two to two open exhaust system on the left. Finally, all of this is mated to a six-speed Baker transmission, with a 2” main drive and a chain final drive.
The set of 21″ spokes wheels are covered with aluminum shell, creating a strong visual impression and contrasting with the small fuel tank as well as the sturdy lines of the frame. The 3-inch wide Firestone tires are very thin, almost uncomfortable. But the aesthetic works like a piece of metal that cuts itself through time.
Kustom Tech brakes are on duty at both ends. There is a dual-piston disc caliper at the front, which is attached directly to the beam fork via an integrated mount. The rear brake is a hydraulic hub and is located on the same side as the rear sprocket.
Looking at these pictures over and over again, I feel almost certain that there are things I am missing. There is “Custom Works Zon” engraved on the center of the handlebars, along with engravings on the main interior and frame junctions. Then there’s the leather embroidery of the seats that connect to the leather taillight covers with a small brass trim.
And while the entire construction initially looks unpainted, there are Kamikaze Pinstripe’s subtle black stripes, almost disguised as shadows.
It may not be entirely necessary for this level of work to win the ‘Best Show’ award at Mooneyes, but Yoshizawa-san will never know. He only works on one level, regardless of style.
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