Asymmetry in design is a concept that can be challenging to grasp. Unraveling harmony within discord requires an extraordinary capacity for creative thinking. In the realm of bespoke bicycles, Koichi Fujita of Japan’s AN-BU Customized Motors stands out as a preeminent authority on asymmetry. For over two decades, Koichi-san has leveraged his exceptional fabrication skills to craft bold, punk-infused machines featuring unconventional, aerodynamically inspired styling that defies conventional norms. His unique approach has garnered him a notable following, and he has collaborated with IBM14 in Italy and Customs Dependence in Australia thus far.
Koichi-san has collaborated with Royal Enfield on their latest project. The Indian manufacturer provided AN-BU with the opportunity to craft the first-ever Japanese-built Continental GT 650 for their ‘Customized World’ series. As he gazed at the sleek GT650 in person, Koichi-san approached the proposal with a mix of apprehension and uncertainty. Following Royal Enfield’s green light to take creative liberties, he seized the opportunity to tackle the challenge head-on, focusing on the rapidly evolving 650 twin motorcycle.
Koichi-san reveals, “I’ve dubbed my trusty steed ‘Royal Enfield – KAI’.” As a teenager, I started modifying bicycles, and back then, we didn’t use the term “customized.” Instead, we referred to them as KAIZO, which is Japanese for “modification.” I conceptualized KAI with its unique essence and dubbed it ‘KAI’ in reverence to my roots as a bespoke creator.
A keen observer is required to discern the underlying Royal Enfield GT650 beneath Koichi-san’s meticulous craftsmanship. The GT650’s aerodynamic Endurance-racer-inspired full fairing masterfully conceals Enfield’s iconic parallel-twin engine design. Crafted from high-quality carbon fibre, this exceptional vehicle features an unconventional asymmetrical headlight nestled within a meticulously crafted handbuilt alloy enclosure, embodying the essence of the revered AN-BU design aesthetic.
If initial impressions aren’t enough to distract from the GT650’s appeal, then Koichi-san’s customizations – including his striking body modifications and unconventional wheel choice – surely will. The subframe features an innovative redesign, condensed and slimmed down to seamlessly integrate with the latest tail assembly. Beneath the sleek tank, the motorcycle’s highest rails have been styled to evoke a nostalgic 1980s sports bike aesthetic. The traditional spoked wheel rims have given way to robust solid hoops, now paired with grippy Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires for optimal performance.
“The essence of designing my bespoke bicycles lies in crafting a model that exudes style and sophistication when ridden on the open road.” I sought to define a means of velocity by designing a prototype of a high-performance vehicle.
“I envisioned a bike that originated in the 1970s and 1980s, but reimagined for open-road riding,” Koichi-san explained.
I’ve reworked the carbon fibre to a smooth finish, painting the floor a sleek matte black. As the sunlight descends, the intricate pattern of the carbon fibers is revealed, its texture subtly shifting with the changing angle of view. The gasoline tank and seat cowl were successfully fabricated from the existing hammered floor material, leveraging its unique properties to achieve a seamless finish. Wouldn’t a perfectly polished finish seem incongruous with the rustic character of these surfaces? I design my bicycles to harmonize seamlessly with their urban surroundings and exude a sense of style when ridden on the road.
To grasp his vision for a high-performance road racer, Koichi-san has crafted an entirely fresh bodyshell from precision-cut aluminum sheets, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in every curve and contour. With a penchant for the imposing machines that ruled racing circuits throughout the 1980s, he has traded in his rugged good looks for a more organic aesthetic, paring down every aspect to craft a sleek silhouette for the 650cc twin. A weld-forged frame reinforcement, coupled with pliable rubber suspension components, achieves a seamless blend of vintage track bike aesthetics and modern functionality, while a tailored tuck-and-roll seat adds an authentic touch of customization.
To further amplify the bike’s racing essence, Koichi-san has carefully curated a selection of premium aftermarket components. Inside the cockpit, there’s no indication of the distinctive GT650 trim. A sleek, single Motogadget Chronoclassic Tachometer now occupies the space once held by the dual gauges, nestled within a thoughtfully designed housing. The custom-designed clip-on bars and prime clamp feature robust CNC machining for a precise fit. The ignition has been discreetly repositioned from view.
Unlike conventional racing bicycles, KAI appears stripped of standard illumination equipment. While Koichi-san’s focus was on making the bike roadworthy, he wisely chose discreet yet effective Kellermann lighting. A sleek and unobtrusive design is employed for the front-end indicator function, while the rear section conceals a clever dual-purpose arrangement, comprising Bullet Atto blinker and brake lights discreetly positioned beneath the tail.
While the GT650’s engine remains largely unchanged, thoughtful alterations collectively boost its overall performance. The airbox has been dispensed with to simplify breathing for the parallel twin engine. With mesh-covered velocity stacks serving as a nod to high-performance machinery? The custom-built exhaust system is a proprietary creation designed and fabricated entirely within our in-house facilities. Bespoke headers slither sinuously across the engine’s frame, making fleeting cameos as they dance in and out of the fairing’s contours. The majority of the lengthened system remains discreetly concealed until it coalesces into a sleek, compact megaphone muffler.
Koichi-san focused his attention on enhancements, resulting in the GT650 boasting a completely revamped suspension system. The fork, crafted by renowned manufacturer KAYABA, boasts a substantial 38mm diameter, evoking the sleek, high-performance designs of iconic 1980s racing machines. The triple tree features a precise pitch and offset for exceptional handling during spirited driving, complemented by a revamped rear suspension with increased size and generous adjustability – this harmonious blend optimizes performance to my personal satisfaction.
All-new brakes complete the comprehensive overhaul of the vehicle’s stopping power. With a harmonious blend of Nissin and Brembo components, Koichi-san has crafted a comprehensive braking system delivering outstanding stopping power.
“In reality, I’m currently working on the latest racing machines,” says Koichi-san. Their expertise continually evolves, making their innovative approaches particularly captivating to me. As a professional rider, I must continually absorb fresh ideas and challenges to innovate the design of my motorcycle, while also enhancing the performance of my clients’ bikes as they push their own limits on the track.
While AN-BU has traditionally focused on less fashionable bikes like the GT650, Royal Enfield’s influence may signal a paradigm shift for the Japanese workshop prior to now. With Kai, Koichi-san’s unique riding style has been proven to excel across any era of motorcycle. This suggests that a production line may be established, with numerous identical builds emerging from his workshop in the near future.
