When I started to design the BF4 bike in my head, I knew that I wanted an aluminum tailsection/oiltank. It seemed proper for what I had been visualizing. But with the short amount of time I had left myself to get this done, I decided to ask a friend for help……
Len Higa, of Oni Motorworks.
Not only does he build bikes like this 1961 Honda CB77 Superhawk. But he also races it!!
His fabrication skills are incredible!! If you haven’t seen his skills, just check out his bikes (onimotorworks.blogspot.com). Handmade sheetmetal, made with care and precision.
I’ve come across many fabricators in this industry, and one thing I find that’s lacking is a combination of keen fabrication skills and a mechanical knowledge of the motorcycle. It’s hard to find someone that can weld up there own cafe tank, then take it to the race track and get it on. Too many people are trying to show off their fab skills and as a result loose track of what a motorcycle is supposed to do – function. Len has, in my opinion, the perfect combination. Not only is he in tune with the mechanics of his bikes, but he rides and races them. And oh yeah…….he can turn a flat piece of aluminum into a functioning art piece. I knew he was the guy to do this…..
He was on board to help out right away. He made a foam model, to start with. Once it was cut and shaped, he mocked it up on the build to check the sizing and fitment. After that he went to work on the actual tank…….check out the pix!
The finished product was even better than I had imagined!
Thanks for all your help Len!!
-Brawny
Thumbs way up
Great read, well said, maximum truth.