Buell Firebolt-Powered Street Tracker from Hot-Dock Custom Cycles…
Keiji Kawakita of Hot-Dock Custom Cycles has nearly six decades of riding experience under his belt. In 1984, at the age of 30, he founded his Tokyo-based workshop. Since then, he’s earned worldwide renown for building some of the baddest V-twin customs on the planet. We’re especially partial to Keiji-san’s street tracker builds, which often feature highly modified Buell or Harley Evo engines, top-shelf suspension and braking components, handmade bodywork, and extensive chassis modification / fabrication. They look downright evil, and perform just like the two-wheeled weapons they are.
This Hot-Dock street tracker comes our way from Rentaro “Ren” Fujiwara (@ride.hwy), a Tokyo “bike freak” with an incredible collection of bikes.
“This bike is my 28th bike, I am what you call a bike freak. I live within 10 minutes walking distance from HOT-DOCK, the workshop that built this bike.”
Keiji-san built this machine for the 2023 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. As you may know, the annual HRCS — created and organized by Mooneyes — is one of the most prestigious shows on the planet, and the Japanese masters of two-wheeled customization bring their best to the event each year. So, as you might imagine, Keiji pulled out all the stops on this build. It’s named “Patriot” after the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile, designed to intercept inbound ballistic missiles and other aerial threats.
The bike began around a Buell M2 frame — that’s still what the neck claims it is, at least — but there’s little left of the original chassis to recognize. Keiji fabricated a chromoly frame and swingarm, to which he mounted a very trick horizontal / transverse rear shock setup.
The frame and swingarm were given a parkerized finish, which only heightens the militant look of the bike. Up front is a set of Ducati inverted forks with Brembo brakes, and the bike is rolling on a pair of custom 19-inch aluminum wheels with DOT-legal Shinko SR series dirt track tires.
The engine is an XB9R Firebolt unit outfitted with an XB12R crank and converted from fuel injection to carburetion with an S&S Super E. The aluminum tank and rear fender were custom-made in the Hot-Dock workshop, as was the short-track style exhaust. The result? One hell of a V-twin weapon.
“Roughly 100 horsepower and weighs 180 kg. It has a super short wheelbase and is a monster.” -Ren
What’s more, Ren doesn’t keep this monster hiding in his collection; he rides his Hot-Dock fire-breather at every opportunity. Good on you, Ren, for keeping this on the road where it belongs. Thanks for sharing “Patriot” with us!
Hot-Dock “Patriot” — Owner Interview
Below is our full interview with owner Ren Fujiwara (@ride.hwy).
– Tell us about yourself, your relationship with bikes, your garage and workshop.
This bike is my 28th bike, I am what you call a bike freak. I live within 10 minutes walking distance from HOT-DOCK, the workshop that built this bike.
– What is the make, model and year of your donor bike?
Based on a Buell M2 frame, the engine is based on an XB9R, and carbureted with an S&S E. The crankshaft has been changed to XB12R.
– Why was this bike built?
It is a custom bike built for the 2023 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. I bought it because I wanted to have a bike that would be a great addition to my collection.
– What was the design concept and what influenced the bike?
Mr. Kawakita, the founder of HOT-DOCK, is often inspired by weapons when he customizes his bikes. This Buell is named “Patriot,” and I believe it was inspired by the actual Patriot missile.
– What customizations have been made to this bike?
The custom design frame and swingarm are made of chromoly steel and have a parkerized finish. The front end uses a Ducati inverted fork. The aluminum tank, rear fender, and other exterior features are custom. The custom low-style muffler, which is rare for this type of bike, and the 19-inch aluminum wheels front and rear.
– Does the bike have a nickname?
“PATRIOT.”
– What are the horsepower, weight, and performance figures?
Roughly 100 horsepower and weighs 180 kg. It has a super short wheelbase and is a monster.
– What is it like to ride this bike?
It’s an exciting, fun bike that you have to ride light, rough, and screwed up to get on it.
– Is there anything you did while building this bike that you are particularly proud of?
I just bought a finished bike, so nothing special.
– Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Absolutely! Thanks to the builders, Kawakita and Otsubo, for their help.
Follow the Owner / Builder
Owner: @ride.hwy
Website: www.hot-dock.co.jp
Facebook: @Hot-Dock-156289354531582
Instagram: @keijikawakita
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