Minimalist Custom 1966 Harley Ironhead Comes Straight from Japan

Carefully Crafted

If there's one thing we've learned about Japanese folks over the years, it's that they love some American stuff. That includes Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which have quickly become a hot item in the Land of the Rising Sun. Thus, there are many highly skilled custom Harley builders in Japan these days, crafting incredible bikes like this minimalist, vintage-style Ironhead recently featured over at Bike EXIF. 

Custom Bike Stalwart

The builder behind this incredible machine isn't exactly new to the custom bike world, however. Hideya Togashi has been a mainstay in Japan's custom bike scene since 2006 when he scored his very first Mooneyes Best in Show award. And that was just the first of many to come. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Non-Original Original

After taking a close look at his latest build, based on a 1966 XLCH Sportster, it's easy to see why. The only original part remaining on this classic Harley is the rebuilt engine, which actually remains in completely original condition. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Supporting Cast

Which isn't to say that this higher-compression mill isn't a decent performer in its own right, as it is capable of propelling the bike to 115 mph. But it most certainly isn't the star attraction on this very unique Harley creation. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Hand-Built Perfection

The beauty and simplicity of the build are truly what catches the eye. And it all started with a hand-built Hardtail frame using a single downtube design. The whole thing was nickel plated, but it still looks like it could have come straight from a Harley assembly line. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Practice Makes Perfect

The original forks, triples, and steering head were retained, yet sleeved and cleaned up. The headlight surround was hand-formed from a sheet of aluminum, and reportedly took quite some time to perfect. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Zero Distractions

The rear wheel is a factory-stock size of 18 inches, but the front was enlarged to 21 inches. The simple ride still carries drum brakes, which actually look quite nice sitting alone, devoid of distractions like shocks.  

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Past Inspiration

The tank is also finished in aluminum, which remains raw and polished save for the logo on each side. The paint there and on the custom oil tank was designed using a 1933 Harley design as inspiration. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Less is More

Look close enough, and you'll notice a wide range of vintage Harley styles at work here. But overall, this Sportster hearkens back to another era - one where less was more, whether that be design or speed!

>>Join the conversation about this classic custom Ironhead right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.