Custom motorcycle builder Death Machines of London has come up with the company’s most radical machine to date, combining the art of traditional metalwork and exquisite leatherwork with composites, 3D printing, holographic lighting and more. Dubbed ‘Kenzo’ after the pioneering Japanese racer Kenzo Tada famous for his 1930 Isle of Man TT, the inspiration of the bike’s design is more related to samurai general’s armour.
Based around a 1977 Honda Gold Wing GL1000, the machine was completely reimagined in CAD. The body was inspired by the overlapping segments in early samurai armour and the mixed media panels were finished with smooth curves yet creating razor-sharp folds, while the insert grill was 3D-printed. The body paintwork is aptly called Titanium Samurai, while the frame is finished in satin black. Other features include detailed ‘Kenzo’ grillwork, an in-house petrol cap and precision-machined aluminium badges. The handlebars again link to samurai as they are wrapped using traditional Tsukamaki sword wrapping technique. The headlight is created with Luminit of California featuring advanced holographic diffusion film. The hand-crafted speedometer features a hand-created dragon encased in custom lenses to give it a floating, illuminated effect. The bike still makes use of the original Honda engine and it’s paired with updated components such as ACOU 60 Ohlins, Brembo brake parts and Avon tyres.
