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Japanese FF

---

Sources
Name:             unknown
Built:            Early '90s
By:               unknown
Numbers:          1

Specification
Chassis:          
Front Suspension:                   
Rear Suspension:  
Drive train:      CB125 (VFR750 intended)
Brakes:           
Tyres:            
Tank:             
Bodywork:         GRP

Dimensions
Wheelbase:        
Width:            
Length:           
Seat Height:      
Weight:           

Claimed Performance
Cruising Speed:   
Top Speed:        
Fuel Consumption: 

Ian Kew writes:

Finally a Japanese FF. These pics are scanned from photocopies from the original magazine which I have boxed up somewhere. I hope that they are OK. The magazine is called Autobike and was published around '92 or '93. I will get the whole article copied and translate it and send to you ASAP.

If I remember correctly the bike was built by a student to show off his skills, it is fitted with a CB125T motor to prove it could be ridden but he intended to fit a VF750 motor, his inspiration was the imagery of cyberpunk and Akira. I think it is too long and too wide (look at his foot position) but would love to be able to buy one - it looks great! As far as I can remember he had no idea that English FF.'s existed.

I have spent some time in Japan and you are absolutely right about building cool FF's and riding them in Tokyo to get noticed. The motorcycle scene there is unbelievable. Foreigners would be noticed doing almost anything - I was photographed by a 'style' magazine hand rolling a cigarette! But don't doubt that the Japanese manufacturers know what is going on - they are always after a competitive edge. If they think they can make it and sell it for a profit they will.

There are a huge number of Honda CN250's (Helix) on the road in Japan (it has been on sale for 10 years) and there is quite an aftermarket for bolt on goodies for scooters and stepthroughs as well as some radical bikes on sale. I haven't noticed any specific parts for the Helix but would expect that there are - I can make some enquires if you like. Somewhere I have a photo of a Japanese police Helix, and I think they are also used by traffic wardens in Tokyo. I did also see in a recent Japanese bike magazine a concept drawing of a new 500cc super scooter, but I thought it was a Suzuki rather than Yamaha, but it was definitely scooter rather than FF in style. I think they said the engine was going to be a V-twin.

However the Japanese public are keen to buy novel things, the first Grinall Scorpion (BMW powered 3-wheeler) I saw was at the Tokyo motorcycle show a couple of years ago and it had a lot of interest. What we need to do is design a perfect 'kit' FF and market it there! If you want to get an idea of the motorcycle scene in Japan there are a lot of bike magazines for sale at the Japanese book shop in the Yohan Plaza on the Edgeware Road in Collingdale, North London - but they are pricey.

Copyright © 1997; Ian Kew