
Take a peek inside the mind of a custom motorcycle builder.
Growing up surrounded by the smell of steel, oil and machinery, Shinya Kimura says it was inevitable that he would become a motorcycle designer. As the founder of Chabott Engineering, Kimura designs and builds motorcycles that he hopes customers will think look pretty damn cool. And even though he doesn’t draw out his designs and simply forms the shapes as he feels in the moment, seeing his work in this video definitely makes us want to ride one of his custom bikes.
In this short film by Henrik Hansen, we catch a glimpse behind what drives Kimura and see one of his fierce designs in action.
The most striking thing about the two-minute-and-45-second video is Kimura’s description of the serene calm he feels while riding. Given how noisy and violent motorcycles appear to the average bystander, it’s interesting to hear a different point of view from a rider.
Everything from the visuals to the visceral sounds of Kimura’s job make us want to design and ride a bike of our own. And then we remember how dangerous it can be and are content to just watch the video over again. For those who want to see more, be sure to head over to Chabott Engineering’s website which includes pictures of other motorcycles Kimura has designed.
Source & images: Vimeo/Henrik Hansen





Ready for the Fury Road: Our customized Mad Max Yamaha Tricity motorcycle 【Video】
Real-world Pokémon Koraidon motorcycle makes its first run in Japan【Video】
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]