Blown Bagger is a Factory Build

Hard Call

For over twenty-five years, Ken's Factory in Nagoya, Japan has been building bikes like no other. Owner Ken Nagai takes a different approach to his work, one that blends Japanese design philosophy with his own unique ideas. Dubbed 'Hard Call,' this evocative 2018 Ken's Factory build sits at the tipping point between over the top and just right.

Photos courtesy of Ken's Factory.

Art Observation

With a retail outlet in Signal Hill, California, Nagai's dedication to Harley-Davidson Big Twins has helped develop his award-winning brand. In a 2015 profile, Hot Bike wrote that describing Nagai's bikes as “works of art is an understatement.” They continued, stating that it was almost a negative observation because his bikes are completely functional and meant to be ridden.

Principle View

Nagai's methods are out of necessity due to strict Japanese vehicle modification laws. While also well-known for his ground-up builds, his preference is to begin with a registered OEM frame as a blank canvas. Nagai then channels Wabi-sabi—a traditional Japanese view centered on accepting imperfection, mixed with datsuzoku—an aesthetic principle about breaking with conventions.

Forged Motivation

Response to Nagai's work varies, but it always warrants a second look. He fundamentally believes that details create style. Art and philosophy aside, 'Hard Call' is no slouch in the motivation department. Packed into the stock 2008 FLHX Street Glide frame is a 108 cubic-inch Twin Cam, rebuilt with Wiseco forged pistons, S&S cams, and then hooked to a supercharger.

Side System

Extra jam for the stripped-down and decorative Bagger is courtesy of an M62 Eaton Blower with a Greddy Blow Off. Spent gasses are routed through a custom-built exhaust system that is styled after Corvette Stingray side pipes. A ThunderMax tuner keeps everything in check. While the rubber mount frame keeps its original Milwaukee proportions, the neck was raked to 44 degrees.

Proprietary Mirage

The open primary drive is from the German 'Drive Solutions' specialists, NHPower. Out front, is a Ken’s Factory 3D Girder-style frontend, sitting at four inches over stock and fitted with an Öhlins shock. The front rim is a Ken's Factory proprietary El Mirage, measuring in at a modest twenty-three inches. Both wheels are wrapped in Metzeler rubber. Brembo brakes take care of stopping duties.

Catalog Components

Hard Call's bodywork is all hand-fashioned from aluminum sheet. The minimal faring holds a recessed V-Rod headlight, and the gas tank seems to drape around the motor components. Of particular note are the hard bags, which open like gull-wing car doors. Many of the bike's small items, like the tail and turning lights are available through the Ken’s Factory catalog.

Easy Call

Nagai's recent builds are a bit more minimal in appearance, but hold true to his neo-retro design approach. The bike's eye-smacking candy red and gold flames were handled by Nomad Concept in Yamanashi, Japan. The seat was built by the meticulous Backdrop Leathers in Aichi, Japan. Hard Call might be an easy call for some, but one sure fact is that details really do create style.

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