The history of ZERO engineering.

Prologue

The first time I saw a "ZERO" bike was at a meeting held in 1994. It was a 1951 Panhead and it really blew me away. The 1951 Panhead built by Zero engineering looked like a "SAMURAI BIKE" to me. In 1999, I started collecting pictures of the Zero bikes I liked and eventually had a scrapbook. I decided to put together a book made up only of ZERO bikes so that the world could see them. Of course, I'm not richman. First, I sold many things to make a book. There are 1941 Knucke chopper,1990 FXSTS, and some guitar's which I use preferably for 20 years, Gibson's 1959 reissue, 1974 Stratcaster, Martin D-28, and 2 set of Mac and more...I sold every things. I made the book the title of "Zero Chopper Spirit" and I paid everything out of my own pocket. I'm not a professional photographer so I had to purchase some camera equipment (Nikon, Mamiya) and began traveling to meetings throughout Japan taking pictures of ZERO bikes. Next, I met with Mr. Kimura, the president of ZERO Engineering. We spoke many times and soon developed a mutual trust and friendship. -KAZ-

History of ZERO engineering

In the year of 1992, I opened "ZERO engineering" in Okazaki City, Aichi, Japan. In prior to the foundation of this motorcycle custom shop, I managed a small shop in rural area, which specialized in the restoration of Harley Davidson and other vintage motorcycles such as British, German, and/or even Japanese-made. The old motor, especially for its beautiful figure and the special feeling that I get when running, fascinates me in such a way that I have a solid passion for classic kind. In ZERO engineering, I only work on Harley-Davidson's given that the structure combined with the choice of materials create trust in its durability besides good looks. I also like the fact that a great number of the replacement parts for Harley's are available in the market. Furthermore, the brand's mystique works its magic on the sound whose vibrant rhythm goes well with the kind of image that I have for motorcycles. At the same time, I am interested in fabricating engines from Triumph and BSA, the ones built before 1960s. As for the name, Zero engineering, I chose the word "zero". Whereas it can literally mean nothing, I believe the word holds an endless possibility to it. It is, indeed, meant to remind me not to conform to the paradigm and but to always challenge new way of thinking. I cannot think of anyone in particular who had an influence on my work. It is rather my Japanese roots, in which the idea of beauty as well as my identity was formed. As I have always tried to base my work on these elements, so those Harley enthusiasts, who are accustomed to the American style, might find my creation new and different. At Zero engineering, it is our ultimate goal to flavor our sense of style in customizing Harleys. We are certainly not sticking to particular features like a small gas tank or fork springs, and open to new ideas. Thus, whether our bikes are novel enough to draw people's attention does not matter. For future perspective, I do not have any specific plans for what to design, and we will keep on doing the same things as we have done to put our ideas into shape. On the other hand, we strongly believe technical ability is equally important as designing skill, so that we will be actively participating in many races in order to improve our techniques. I hope Zero engineering and our products will continue to inspire people in some manner. Thank you and Sincerely, Shinya Kimura-Zero engineering