BMW Japan initiates Ignite Straight Six project.

In the past year, four known Japanese customizers have put the BMW R nineT spectacularly in show with their outstanding creations. Now, the project ‚Ignite Straight Six‘ follows, is being created one more time by Japanese customizers. This conceals two radically modified BMW K 1600 GTL with six cylinder engine of a displacement of 1649 cc. Two leading Japanese customizers, Kenji Nagai of Ken’s Factory and Keiji Kawakita of Hot-Dock Custom-Cycles, where in charge of interpreting the K 1600 GTL’s six-cylinder engine in a completely different way.

OneShift Editorial Team

30 Apr 2015

The only retained relations to the original bike are engine and frame, and, in the case of Keiji Kawakita’s creation ‘Juggernaut’, the BMW Motorrad Duo lever front suspension. Kenji Nagai’s creation named ‘Ken’s Factory Special’ relies on handmade aluminum girder-type front forks raked out in chopper style using a modified headstock. The K 1600 GTL’s original full fairing was replaced by a small aluminum front cowl housing the headlight and the stock rear sub frame and seat were replaced by a low positioned aluminum seat.

The illusion of a dramatically low seat height and narrow motorcycle is enhanced by the use of a 23-inch front wheel and a 20-inch rear wheel. More nicely manufactured details made from aluminum-like covers for the fuel tank and radiator or handlebars are completing Kenji Nagai’s artificial craftsmanship.

A skeleton of aluminum tubing broadens the naked K 1600 GTL’s chassis and instruments as each side of the fuel tank fit neatly with the military look. The dual fog lights and the front trail-like beak pay homage to the BMW Motorrad GS range.

It’s a monumental feat and the desired custom finish was, according to Keiji Kawakita, inspired by history: “I found an old photograph of the cockpit of a convertible that looked like something from the near future, and I got the idea of making a bike that had that kind of atmospheric feel. Looking at the front forks and Duo lever suspension, I thought I could do this with the K 1600 GTL. But the actual work was long and hard, a tough job to handle. Even when I finished, I still wasn’t really sure whether the work was complete. But that’s the thing about customizing, isn’t it?”

In a spectacular way, project ‚Ignite Straight Six’ continues the engagement and the ideas of the customizing scene in the land of the rising sun.

Credits: Oneshift News Team