Prepare to be blown away by the incredible Harley Shovelhead Bobber, a masterpiece that defies description! Meet Hideki Hoshikawa, an unsung hero of Japan's custom motorcycle world, whose skills are simply unparalleled. Working alone at Asterisk Custom Works, Hideki has transformed a 1978 Harley-Davidson into a raw yet elegant bobber named Bennu. This project marks a significant comeback for Hideki, symbolizing rebirth and echoing the name's Egyptian mythological roots.
The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. Asterisk's bespoke touch stripped away almost all stock parts, rebuilding the frame with a reinforced single downtube backbone to accommodate the custom design. Even the steering neck was reworked to match the new structure, ensuring a seamless integration.
At the rear, a rigid hardtail setup replaces the stock suspension, adding to the bike's classic appeal. Up front, a vintage-style leaf spring fork from W&W Cycles supports a striking 22-inch wheel, paired with a period-correct drum brake. The rear follows suit with a 19-inch hoop and another drum brake, both wheels laced with stainless-steel spokes and retro-style tires, completing the old-school look.
Powering this beauty is an S&S Cycle 74-cubic-inch V-twin engine, a decision made after Hideki inspected the original heavily-modified racing engine. The S&S unit is dressed to impress with custom rocker covers, an S&S Super E carburetor, and a bespoke velocity stack.
But here's where it gets controversial... The exhaust system is a true work of art, handcrafted with a two-into-one header that loops under the seat, ending in a beautifully crafted muffler. It's a masterpiece in itself! The cosmetics are equally impressive, with a custom two-piece tank, one side for fuel, the other for oil, connected by a polished aluminum panel housing the ignition and a Motogadget Motoscope Tiny speedometer.
Hideki's attention to detail extends to the cockpit, featuring minimalist handlebars, an internal throttle, clean switches, and a billet brake lever. The clutch operates via a foot-operated jockey shifter, adding to the vintage charm. Lighting is provided by a grilled headlight up front and a compact LED taillight at the rear.
Finished in a lustrous dark blue with gold pinstriping, accented by brass, chrome, and polished metal, Bennu is a testament to the art of custom motorcycle craftsmanship. Asterisk Custom Works has made a bold statement with this build, leaving us eager for more. And this is the part most people miss... We can only hope Hideki's next masterpiece won't keep us waiting another five years!
What do you think? Is this custom Harley a work of art or just a flashy bike? Let us know in the comments!
