fabrication of a fox

Awards and Recognition:
Best Japanese Motorcycle – 2022 Eastside Classic
Invited Exhibitor – The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show 2023
Best Japanese Motorcycle – 2023 Eastside Classic
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狐 Kitsune (ˈkɪt.sʊ.neɪ) – 1979 Honda CB650Z

Kitsune are foxes of Japanese folklore. They all possess the ability to shapeshift as well as many other paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and evolve as they become wiser.

In 2014, I purchased this CB for $500 and after a few basic repairs, the bike was mostly ridable. But by 2015 I saw the need for change in many aspects of my life. It was time to grow, evolve, shift…and this bike was going to do it with me. Having never welded, fabricated a part, rebuilt an engine, or worked on anything above 100cc, I took the red pill and went all the way down.

After rebuilding the top end, completely fabricating the body parts, tidying up and repairing the frame, adding a new electronics system, and countless other tweaks and adjustments I was looking at Kitsune. She is a throwback to the collective vision of the future from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s – a hope for a radically different tomorrow.

  • Role designer, fabricator

How it started

Post-transformation. More angles down below.

Top end, pre-rebuild.

Rebuild completed, the engine gets a shine.

Body panels tacked and ready for final welding.

A tidy tail is a happy tail.

Rough assembly - I still had no idea how the headlight would come together.

Headlight mock up.

Headlight assembled - yeah, not so bad after all.

Paint and decals from the amazing Austin Paintworks.

Taillights may be hidden but are plenty bright.

Superhero stance - rear

Superhero stance - front

Kitsune's official portrait from The Handbuilt Show 2023