Prepare to be mesmerized by a custom motorcycle so stunning, words alone can’t capture its essence. Meet the S&S-powered Harley Shovelhead Bobber, a creation that redefines artistry on two wheels. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many custom bikes chase modern trends, this one boldly embraces old-school charm, sparking debates about what truly makes a masterpiece. Crafted by Hideki Hoshikawa, a quietly legendary figure in Japan’s custom motorcycle scene, this 1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, nicknamed Bennu, is a testament to his unparalleled skill. Working solo at Asterisk Custom Works, Hideki poured six years of passion into this project, his first major build in half a decade. The name Bennu, inspired by the Egyptian mythological bird symbolizing rebirth, couldn’t be more fitting—this bike is a phoenix risen from the ashes of its stock origins.
From the outset, Hideki’s transformation was nothing short of revolutionary. And this is the part most people miss—nearly every factory component was stripped away, leaving only a blank canvas for his vision. The frame was rebuilt with a single reinforced downtube backbone, and the steering neck was meticulously reworked to align with the new design. At the rear, the stock suspension was replaced with a rigid hardtail setup, amplifying the bike’s timeless appeal. Up front, a vintage leaf spring fork from W&W Cycles cradles a commanding 22-inch wheel, paired with a Kustom Tech drum brake for period-correct authenticity. The rear echoes this aesthetic with a 19-inch wheel and another drum brake, both laced with stainless-steel spokes and wrapped in retro-inspired tires.
The heart of Bennu is a freshly sourced S&S Cycle 74-cubic-inch (1,200 cc) V-twin engine, a decision that wasn’t in Hideki’s original plan. After inspecting the heavily race-modified original engine, he opted for the S&S unit, which now breathes through a Super E carburetor and a custom velocity stack. The exhaust system is a showstopper—a hand-crafted two-into-one header that loops under the seat and culminates in a muffler so exquisite, it’s a work of art in itself. Here’s the bold question—is this exhaust system functional brilliance or pure artistic indulgence? You decide.
Cosmetically, Bennu is a symphony of details. The centerpiece is 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 speedo. Chrome filler caps gleam under the light, while a sleek bobber saddle upholstered in black leather, embossed with wing motifs, adds a touch of luxury. A repurposed front fender now serves as the rear mudguard, mounted with bespoke stainless struts. The cockpit is a study in minimalism, featuring clean handlebars, an internal throttle, and a billet brake lever. A foot-operated clutch with a jockey shifter adds vintage flair, while lighting is handled by a grilled headlight from Crime Scene Choppers and a compact LED taillight.
Finished in lustrous dark blue with gold pinstriping and accented with brass, chrome, and polished metal, Bennu is a masterclass in custom motorcycle art. Asterisk Custom Works has made a bold statement with this build, leaving us eagerly anticipating Hideki’s next creation. But here’s the final thought—in a world chasing innovation, does Bennu’s embrace of the past make it a relic or a revolutionary? Let us know in the comments below. If you enjoyed this deep dive, follow us for more captivating stories from the world of custom motorcycles.
