Toshiyuki ‘Cheetah’ Osawa, a renowned custom motorcycle builder with a background in flat track racing, has been making waves in the industry with his unique creations. His latest masterpiece, the ‘Meteor’, was unveiled at the Born Free 14 show and has been turning heads ever since.
The Meteor is built around a 1946 Harley-Davidson WL engine, which Osawa has heavily modified. While the stock displacement remains the same, Osawa has flipped the rear cylinder as a nod to the iconic Harley XR750 flat tracker. He has also added a H-D KR750 cam, a pair of Lectron carbs with K&N filters, a Norton Commando transmission, and an open primary that exudes a dangerous and thrilling vibe.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Meteor is the handmade chassis. Osawa used the traditional British technique of bronze-brazed joints to create a chromoly frame that is not only structurally sound but also visually stunning. The frame and forks are protected by a clear coat, allowing the intricate craftsmanship to shine through.
Osawa’s attention to detail extends to the bike’s adjustability. With plans to race the vintage Harley WL, he has designed the girder front end with an eccentric wheel axle mount, offering quick height and trail adjustments. The rear wheel is mounted on custom plates that provide six different height options. The WL rolls on 19″ laced wheels wrapped in Hoosier dirt track rubber, and braking power is provided by a vintage Gerling unit at the back.
The monocoque body of the Meteor is hand-shaped out of aluminum and features geometric patterns that exemplify Osawa’s craftsmanship. The bodywork conceals separate custom-made fuel and oil tanks, while a leather seat offers maneuverability for the rider. Additional details such as the sculpted handlebar risers, headlight ‘hood,’ engraved rear wheel mounting plates, and classic Bates foot peg rubbers add to the bike’s aesthetic appeal.
Osawa, who flew from Tokyo to California just days before the Born Free show, was able to start the engine and ride the bike for the first time at El Mirage. While the tuning wasn’t perfect, the experience of riding a bike he built from scratch brought him immense joy. Osawa’s plan is to take the Meteor back to Japan and continue tuning it on his local oval track, ensuring its performance is optimized for speed and durability.
For Osawa, the completion of the Meteor lies in its ability to accumulate scratches, chips, and worn-out tires from intense racing. These battle scars will not only enhance the bike’s appearance but also symbolize its achievement as a custom race machine ready to conquer any track.
The Meteor is a testament to Osawa’s skill, passion, and dedication to the art of motorcycle building. With its combination of vintage aesthetics and high-performance modifications, it’s no wonder that Osawa is once again making waves in the custom motorcycle world.