Bold claim: this S&S-powered Harley Shovelhead Bobber is not just breathtaking—it redefines what a custom bike can be. Meet Bennu, a stunning creation by Hideki Hoshikawa, a relatively under-the-radar powerhouse in Japan’s vibrant custom motorcycle scene. Working solo at Asterisk Custom Works, Hideki reimagines a 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead into a raw, artistic bobber that captivates even before you hear it. The project marks his first major build in six years, a symbolic renaissance echoed in the name Bennu, drawn from the mythological bird tied to creation and renewal in ancient storytelling.
From the outset, the transformation feels almost otherworldly. The bike sheds nearly all of its stock components during teardown, and the frame is rebuilt with a reinforced single-downtube backbone to support the new design. The steering neck is redesigned to align with the updated frame, setting the tone for the rest of the build.
A rigid hardtail replaces the stock rear suspension, amplifying the bike’s classic, stripped-down vibe. At the front, a vintage-style leaf-spring fork from W&W Cycles supports a bold 22-inch wheel and a period-authentic Kustom Tech drum brake. The rear mirrors this setup with a 19-inch wheel and another Kustom Tech drum, both laced with stainless-steel spokes and wrapped in retro-look tires to seal the old-school aesthetic.
Powering Bennu is a freshly sourced S&S Cycle 74-cubic-inch (1,200 cc) V-twin. Although an engine swap wasn’t in Hideki’s initial plan, a close inspection of the heavily racing-modified original led him to opt for the S&S mill instead. It wears custom rocker covers, breathes through an S&S Super E carburetor, and inhales through a bespoke velocity stack.
A standout feature is the exhaust: a hand-built two-into-one system that snakes down the left side, routes beneath the seat, and ends at a meticulously crafted muffler. The silencer itself is a small sculpture of metal and craft. Aesthetics are equally deliberate elsewhere, with a two-piece fuel/oil tank arrangement as the centerpiece.
The two tank pieces connect via a polished aluminum panel that houses the ignition and a Motogadget Motoscope Tiny speedometer. Chrome-finished filler caps gleam, and a sleek black leather bobber saddle with wing-embossed detailing sits behind them. A repurposed front fender doubles as Bennu’s rear mudguard, mounted on bespoke stainless-steel struts.
Inside the cockpit, Hideki kept things minimal: compact handlebars, an internal throttle, clean switches, and a billet brake lever. The clutch is operated by foot with a jockey shifter for extra vintage allure. Illumination comes from a Crime Scene Choppers grill-style headlight up front and a compact LED taillight tucked above the license plate.
The finish is a rich dark blue with gold pinstriping, enriched by brass, chrome, and polished metal accents throughout. Bennu stands as a masterclass in motorcycle customization—a bold statement from Asterisk Custom Works, signaling that Hideki’s next project might not wait another six years to arrive.
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