Zero Engineering: From Zero to hero
In the world of custom bike building, there are certain countries which seem to produce bikes that have a definite style that is unique to each location. One such example is the builds coming out of Japan.
The Japanese style of custom bike building first came to prominence with the machines created by Shinya Kimura under the Zero Engineering banner. After Kimura left Japan for the US, the company expanded and opened a business in the US too, under the name of Zero Engineering/Plot USA Inc. and it was this company that had two bikes entered in the 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building.
One of the two bikes entered, the Zero Engineering Type 6, made such an impression that it was voted 3rd in the Production Manufacturer class.
The very low proprietary Softail style frame of the Zero carries an S&S Cycle Shovelhead type 96ci motor, but customers of Zero have the choice of selecting either that or a Panhead or Shovelhead type S&S motor when they order a Type 6.
Following the old school styling of the engine choices, Zero continues the theme with the use of 16in Spoked wheels shod with 5in Avon tires and a Zero built Springer front end.
As this particular example of the Type 6 was built to be entered in the World Championship, the paintwork was entrusted to Masaya Narita of Coboo Studio in Japan. However, just to prove that this particular Type 6 is no trailer queen show bike, the team at Zero left the license tag on the bike for the duration of the show.
Click here for more pictures and information about this bike from the 2011 World Championship
