2024 YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW “Best Cafe Racer”

The base vehicle chosen this time is BMW’s K1600. It is the world’s only currently-available 6-cylinder motorcycle.

Some people may not know that this touring bike, wrapped in a large cowling, actually has a 6-cylinder engine. To turn this into a Smart Cafe using this as a base, we had to deal with the large radiator and the large amount of wiring, as well as the unnecessary long swingarm. We chopped up the extremely thick main frame and reconstructed the balance.

We have achieved a balance between the streamlined body and the muscular engine.

Six cylinders, 1,649 cubic centimeters, 113 liters of storage space, and more electronic aids than you can shake a stick at; the BMW K1600 GTL is a high-tech behemoth, built to devour miles in supreme comfort. It’s the first bike we’d pick for a cross-country trip, grinning widely as its six inline pistons spool up like a row of angry hornets. But it’s the last bike we’d want to customize.

Thankfully, Yuichi Yoshizawa doesn’t share our reservations. The frontman of the hit-making Japanese workshop, CW Zon, is known for applying his signature style to the most unlikely of motorcycles. So a custom BMW K1600 GTL with polished bodywork and a radically modified frame is just what we’d expect from him.

Yoshizawa-san’s plan was to put a café racer spin on the monstrous K1600. But once the bike was stripped down to its engine and frame, a plethora of hurdles revealed themselves. CW Zon had to contend with the BMW’s massive radiator, elongated swingarm, and hopelessly complicated wiring loom.

More crucially, the chunky cast aluminum frame had to go. CW Zon set up a jig, then cut out all but the most critical junctions, before fabricating a trellis frame with elegantly gusseted engine mounts. The whole unit is slimmer than before, emphasizing the heft of the BMW’s engine.

CW Zon retained the K1600’s OEM swingarm and shaft drive, but touched them up with contrasting polished and black finishes and added a few tasteful adornments. The swingarm is connected to the 17” wheel from a BMW R nineT, which had to be flipped around because the R nineT’s single-sided swingarm sits on the opposite side to the K1600.

There’s another R nineT wheel up front, and both ends are wrapped in sporty Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires. CW Zon also specced the bike with Öhlins Blackline suspension and Beringer braking parts.

Layered over the top of the new chassis are a handmade fuel tank and tailpiece, complemented by a pair of custom fenders. The polished bodywork is muscular, flowing harmoniously from the modified steering neck to the tapered rear cowl. Leatherwork by Kuureiyonsoku adds a chic touch.

Gorgeous details abound—from the BMW roundel and air scoop atop the tank to the engraving that bears the bike’s nickname, ‘Lioness.’ There are subtler considerations too, like the way in which the front fender doubles up as a fork protector.

Up front, you’ll find a set of custom-made yokes, flanked by Gilles Tooling clip-ons. They’re fitted with grips, micro switches, bar-end turn signals, and mirrors from Motogadget. The speedo is a Motogadget part too—mounted front and center in a handmade bracket that bolts to the top of the upper yoke.

Other changes include an LED headlight, new foot controls, and a custom radiator shroud. The burly asymmetrical exhaust system is CW Zon’s doing too, melding six headers into two belligerent mufflers.

We’d be too nervous even to change the grips on the highly technical BMW K1600 GTL, so we’re in awe of Yuichi’s vision—and his ability to realize that vision. From a hefty tourer to a streamlined 160-horsepower café racer, Lioness has shot to the top of our ‘must ride’ list.

Referenced from BIKEEXIF

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2024