A low-slung and compact 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH with hot rod underpinnings, masterfully built by Fatech.
Countless parallels can be drawn between hot rods and custom motorcycles, but no one celebrates them quite like Minoru Watanabe. Watanabe-san runs Fatech in Tokyo, Japan, where he builds nostalgic custom Harleys with hot rod underpinnings. This vintage FLH is his latest build, and it’s oozing Americana.
Minoru started with a 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH, but very little of the donor bike remains. That’s to be expected; the man is a dab hand at building custom frames with unique lines, so that was always the plan here.
The FLH motor is now cradled in a handmade twin down tube frame, with a sloped backbone that ends abruptly at the seat stays. Fatech’s last two builds were rigid machines, but he was intent on adding suspension to this one, so he designed and fabricated an asymmetrical swingarm that uses a single shock.
The design is both unconventional and alluring. Viewed from the right-hand side, the rear wheel feels almost removed from the rest of the bike, held in place by a single tube. The left-hand side is visually busier, featuring an additional swingarm brace and a beefy Öhlins shock that’s placed perfectly parallel to the frame.
Chromed Ceriani forks do duty up front. The FLH rolls on 19F/16R rims, using Borrani rims, a 250 mm Fontana front drum brake, and a traditional Harley rear sprocket brake. The tires are the classic pairing of an Avon Speedmaster (front) and a Firestone Champion Deluxe (rear).
Minoru went to town on the motor too. The bottom end was rebuilt with Carrillo and Truett & Osborn goodies, new WPC-coated pistons were installed, and a Dynatek Dyna S ignition was added. Other changes include cross-flow heads, Jim’s lifters, and a twin-carb conversion with S&S Super B carbs.
The original transmission was rebuilt with Andrews internals, with a 3” primary getting the power where it needs to go. The whole powertrain is exquisite, complemented by external brass plumbing and a pair of thick, swooping exhausts.
What little bodywork the FLH wears was all handmade by Minoru. Twin fuel tanks sit up top, joined by a custom-made center strip with a tidy mesh ‘window’ adding a fresh twist to a classic style. The gunfighter-style tailpiece sports upholstery by Atelier Cherry and an integrated oil tank.
A set of 7/8” handlebars adorns the cockpit, fitted with a bunch of refurbished 1960s controls and Tomaselli grips. A Smiths speedometer and a vintage 4.5” headlight complete the setup, with original Aermacchi Harley-Davidson footpegs fitted lower down. (If you’re looking for the switches, they’re mounted on a small panel mounted below the seat.)
In true hot rod style, Fatech’s FLH was finished in crisp burgundy paint by Shakin’ Speed Graphix, with a generous helping of chrome, gold logos, and just the right amount of pin striping.
Compact and low-slung, the bike is nicknamed ‘Sol Invictus’ after the Roman sun god. It’s another knock-out build from one of the Japanese custom scene’s shining stars—and it’s more proof that choppers and hot rods are cut from the same cloth.
Fatech | Instagram | Images by, and with our enduring thanks to, Kazuo Matsumoto
