Departed.

When the engine arrives at Custom Works ZON, Yuichi is surprised. The Japanese customizer was not expecting the strong presence of the opposed-twin engine. Both the outer geometry and the visible elements are reminiscent of the opposed-twin engines that BMW Motorrad built up until the end of the 1960s. Chrome-plated tubes protect the pushrods that run above the cylinders. Since the opposed and protruding cylinders are characteristic of the opposed-twin engine, he considers the design of the frame and body to be a task of special importance. He faces up to the challenge and does some soul-searching. Yuichi imagines to go full throttle with this engine. Then he has an idea: he wants to create a Land Speed Racer.

A time-consuming phase commences for the customizer and his colleague Yoshikazu Ueda – from the beginning of August to the end of November, they lock themselves in their workshop, welding and screwing together a motorcycle that has yet to exist. Even the thought of this project fills them with pride. "We got the new engine before anyone else in the world. We had the honour of developing a new custom bike to be powered by this engine. It will surprise everyone; it's a fantastic feeling", says Yuichi. Just a few days later, in early December, the bike saw the light of day for the first time at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan. And promptly receives the "Best of Show" award. Such a challenging project, such a unique motorcycle needs a distinctive name: "Departed" – a departure with a positive twist. "It feels to me like embarking on a new journey", says Yuichi.

Yuichi Yoshizawa has been infatuated with motorcycles since childhood: "When I was a little boy, I always went to the local motorcycle shop. It was my playground", he reminisces. After graduating from high school, Yuichi tried various jobs. He remained dissatisfied. "Gradually, the idea grew that I wanted to do something I liked. Then I opened my own shop with Ueda – my classmate from high school".  

The pair of them took a long hard look at the bike from every angle before getting to work to give it a unique look. The modification starts in the mind. First, the customizers decide on the size of the wheels. "This is very important to determine the basic nature of the motorcycle", says Yuichi. The frame is next, and finally it's the turn of the exterior, with all the essential parts of the body. A huge advantage of Custom Works ZON: the team creates the design and manufactures almost all the parts itself. "The most important thing is that all parts have to work properly. Our bikes are characterized by a high design and excellent functionality". Of course, this maxim also applies to "Departed" – even if it went differently. Before, after. The amazement is great.