We've had a series of articles on Japanese custom shops with their own unique style, shops like Brat Style, Ritmo Sereno and Gravel Crew to name a few, but their focus is usually more Japanese, sometimes European, with BMWs, but very few British bikes in their collections. This shop, Heiwa Motorcycle, has all of the usual models, but they've done a lot of old British classics, too.
Over in the US, when you see a vintage Matchless or AJS or even an old Norton, there's a premium for authenticity and originality, the closer to factory the better. Sure, every bike ever made has been chopped or butchered to some extent, but very well done customs in some segments are much harder to find. Heiwa Motorcycle has done quite a few old Brits and it proves the factory look isn't the only option and these old bikes offer a nice variation from the same machines done by everyone else in every possible way.
There's nothing extreme or over the top, no particular modification that breaks new ground, just a series of bikes that show a good eye for detail and a little different direction than the usual treatment of these British oldies. What catches my eye are the clean lines and mechanical simplicity, nothing hidden, just an engine and all of the basics.
It's not a look for everyone and if you're a stickler for originality, you'll turn up your nose at these, but it's nice to know not everyone thinks an old bike has be a pristine original. Cool.
Link: Heiwa Motorcycle