Custom Motorcycle Builder Shinya Kimura To Ride A 1915 Indian In Motorcycle Cannonball

Shinya Kimura will participate in the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Coast to Coast Run from September 10 to 26, 2010. During these last 5 years Shinya Kimura gained fame for his handcrafted motorcycles always featuring vintage or classic engines mounted in one-of-a-kind frames with intricate bodywork often requiring over 1000 of labor hours. Shinya decided to ride the vintage endurance run after being convinced by other participant, Bronze Artist Jeff Decker. He chose a 1915 stock model Indian because this particular bike has special meaning to him.

It was used by Japanese police forces and Shinya’s grandfather was among the first civilians there to be able to ride one. Like many other participants of the Motorcycle Cannonball, Shinya is working on restoring the motorcycle he will ride, applying  his skills and artistic prowess on making again the 1915 Indian a reliable motorcycle. Engine has been removed from the frame and is undergoing a full rebuild. The Ohv V-twin engine displaces 1000cc and generates 15 hp, with a potential top speed of 55 mph. The wheelbase is 59 inches and the bike weighs 370 pounds. A few minor modifications are being been completed like installing a front brake, adding an auxiliary gas tank, and installing a map holder for the Motorcycle Cannonball daily directions. Work is done in his shop, Chabott Engineering in Azusa, CA. Shinya will ride his 1915 Indian with his long-time friend and great mechanic Yoshimasa Niimi by his side. He has no doubt he will be able to complete the race on time in Santa Monica on September 26.

15 Responses to “Custom Motorcycle Builder Shinya Kimura To Ride A 1915 Indian In Motorcycle Cannonball”


  1. 1 TodT Jun 10th, 2010 at 6:39 am

    I’ve always been a huge Kimura fan. He’s made some really beautiful, complex, works of art

  2. 2 UHL Jun 10th, 2010 at 7:28 am

    I cant wait to see the look of this starting lineup, another great addition.

  3. 3 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Jun 10th, 2010 at 7:30 am

    The Indians of this era were originally designed for durability and speed. It will be an endurance challenge between man and machine. A closer look at the comfort dept (seat width)might be the key feature to this ride. Great event to showcase early machines.

  4. 4 CROCKER MOTORCYCLE Michael Schacht Jun 10th, 2010 at 9:49 am

    Shinya has got the right idea! The 1915 Harley he has chosen to ride is likely the best choice for this ride as it is 1st year of the 3 speed transmission. A definate plus for distance! Expect to see Thor’s, SuperX, Pope’s, Indians, Hendersons, ect. on this cross country ride. Quite a historical event!

  5. 5 CROCKER MOTORCYCLE Michael Schacht Jun 10th, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Woops, reading without my glasses again! Sorry Shinya, I see you will be riding the Indian. Also a great ride! We are all looking forward to the Cannonball pre 1916 ride!

  6. 6 The Producer Jun 10th, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Wow, for sure this race will bring out some fab bikes. Will tool over and take a look at the offical site see what we can do to get it up on our show. Good luck Shinya and the rest of the participants.

    September maybe the rain will have gone away by then.

    Steve the producer Johann

  7. 7 Kirk Perry Jun 10th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Then a production company should follow him around his shop and watch him work, and do it now, for record. 🙂
    Some artist work and perform well under a little constant pressure, That’s why “deadlines” were established in the first place.
    This fellow is working under a tremendous mechanical deadline, imo.
    (Isn’t he the same mechanic that’s always working with his head down, on some project at all of the trade shows?)
    Yea, well that’s sounds like something we’d all like to watch.
    Watchawaiting for?

  8. 8 Kirk Perry Jun 10th, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    His natural mad dog look will sell big time.

    Look at his shop in the background. All those drawers filled with stuff. That’s an old-timey drawer-cabinet back there.

    He works well in a mess. Some mechanics can.

  9. 9 BadMonkeyMW Jun 10th, 2010 at 7:02 pm

    The whole idea of this ride is so awesome. Respect to all the people taking on this challenge.

  10. 10 Kirk Perry Jun 10th, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    And if any of the machines have new cloth wiring and paint, don’t miss out on this one-time opportunity to breathe the chassis fumes while the volatiles of (HD oil, asphalt impregnated cloth conduit, paint, grease, rubber, Gunk®, etc.) are being compressed and heated and released into the air.

    I don’t know how many miles you’ll put on the machines before the first major pit stop, but if every chase truck carries a large raincoat, you can charge folks a (min. $5.00 donation) to stick their head under the raincoat that’s created a sweat lodge over the motor, and breathe deep.
    The first pit stop would be the best fumes before all the fragrances marry.
    If Japan can send a fragrance designer over to particape and he/she can capture the aroma in a Mason jar, then a men’s subtle scented, electric razor pre-shave can be created – to send men off every morning smelling like a “new car”. I’ll buy 6 oz. inb a pump spray.

    Seriously. You can’t just waltz in to this Cannonball Run, you have to make some noise. 🙂

    Speaking of which, you can find yellow foam disposable ear plugs at Home Depot. I cut mine in half so they get hidden in my ears. They work swell riding my Panhead.

    Have you every stood next to a leg breaking single? They are L-O-U-D.

  11. 11 maroco Jun 11th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    Very talent man, loots of knolleghe, hope everithing goes well.

  12. 12 jatinder pal Jun 14th, 2010 at 1:58 am

    He is a fine artist who always works hands on.

    This will turn out to to classic.

  13. 13 NY Nick Jun 14th, 2010 at 9:31 am

    Shinya,

    Good Luck you will do well
    Nick
    NYC Choppers

  14. 14 live2rideaglide Jun 15th, 2010 at 9:57 am

    Hey Guys. This is so cool. Vintage bikes like rolling history come right by my house. I will not miss this . All gearheads should check this out. Good wishes to all riders. Circaglide. Rick

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