The Honda CL400 gives the impression of being a simple single-cylinder scrambler.
This time, we will introduce a CL400 that has been customized by a jewelry artist and a famous custom shop to be more classical and elegant!
HONDA CL400 (2001)
What kind of motorcycle is CL400?
Honda released the CL400 in 1998. It was the first single-cylinder 400cc bike of this style since the GB400TT, which appeared in 1985.
The reason behind its release was probably due to the continued popularity of the Yamaha SR400.
・400cc single-cylinder SOHC engine
・Teardrop-shaped tank with no frills
・A meter area with only a speedometer
It was a very simple single-cylinder, but it had a sharp design with two exhaust pipes on the left and right. However, unlike the SR, it never gained widespread popularity, and production ended a few years after its release. (Personally, this indescribably gentle style stimulated my desire to buy one, and there was a time when I was constantly searching Yahoo! Auctions for it.)
CL400 appeared in 1998.
CL400 catalog from the time of its release
And it is still fresh in our memory that in 2023, about 20 years after production ended, the CL250/CL500 was released as a successor model. Last year, domestic sales of the CL250 exceeded 4,300 units. It was ranked second after the Rebel in the light motorcycle ranking excluding scooters.
On the other hand, the cumulative sales volume of the CL400... I couldn't find out lol, but it is clear that the gap between it and the CL250/500 will widen significantly.
CL250 in 2023.
This is a two-cylinder 500cc CL500
More classical and elegant CL
The person we'd like to introduce to you today is Tachikawa, who has elegantly customized that unpopular model, the CL400.
Aside from the CL400, he also owns a BMW R100R with an up-muffler, and has recently added a CL175 to his fleet. He is a jewelry maker who loves the Scrambler/CL.
Scrambler Customized BMW R100R
The newly acquired HONDA CL175
"Life Concept Factory LCF"
A jewelry shop with an atelier in Ookayama, Tokyo. This is his shop.
As the name "LCF (Life Concept Factory)" suggests, he works closely with his customers on his daily production activities with the desire to "create jewelry that will become an indispensable treasure for the wearer."
The CL400 introduced here is also decorated with jewels, and it is no exaggeration to say that the bike itself is one of his works.
Instagram "Life Concept Factory LCF (Tachikawa-san)"
The stylish exterior of the jewelry shop "L.C.F.", which also has an atelier
A piece of jewelry that Tachikawa created with great care
Is this already Tachikawa's work? Tachikawa and his beloved CL400
What prompted you to purchase it?
"I used to ride a Honda XR250 Motard. I really liked the XR, but my wife (who runs a shop with me) complained that it didn't fit the atmosphere of the shop, so I switched to a CL400 with a more classical feel," Tachikawa said with a wry smile.
It seems that this custom bike was born from his wife's advice, so it was more like a golden saying than a complaint!
The classical design matches the atmosphere of the store very well.
What is the point of customization?
"I've always loved the scrambler style of the CL series of old bikes from the 60s and 70s... I wanted to create a custom motorcycle based on that motif. I told the builder I loved the image of, and left the rest up to him. The result was this CL400! I love it!"
The custom bike was built by ANIMAL BOAT, a custom builder I admire. They are a famous shop that customizes old Honda bikes.
The CL175 that Tachikawa recently added to their bike collection is also a custom bike from ANIMAL BOAT. We'll introduce that one in another article!
Fully customized CL400 by ANIMAL BOAT
Front shot with retro flavor.
A tank used for racing was imported from the US and installed. It seems that the old tank with holes has been transformed into something beautiful.
The meter-integrated headlights create a vintage motorcycle feel.
A one-off seat. The HONDA logo is stylish!
The casually placed traffic safety daruma by painter "HIGHJUMPER" is cute.
The rear view retains the original slimness
The beautifully balanced exterior looks beautiful from any angle. A true professional technique!
Accessories on the exhaust system!
The most distinctive feature of Tachikawa's CL400 is the accessories studded on the exhaust system (guard)!
"I used turquoise and crystal for the conchos (decorations) embedded in the exhaust guard. These stones are used to protect against evil energy and ensure a safe journey. It's all because of my love for motorcycles."
The gemstones embedded in the exhaust guard are turquoise and quartz.
These jewels will keep you safe on your journey.
A one-of-a-kind CL400 made with love
Tachikawa is a jewelry artist.
All of his pieces are one-of-a-kind.
This CL400, made with love, is also a completely unique item.
It's been running a little badly lately, which worries me, but please keep this classic Scrambler safe and protected by the jewels for many years to come!
Instagram: "Minna no Monocylindrical"
