THERE IS NO QUESTION that the Japanese custom scene is brimming with inventiveness. Nonetheless, there are some Japanese custom builders whose style is so distinct that they stand out in a scene known for its individuality. One of them is Koichi Fujita.

AN-BU Custom Motors is run by Fujita-san. You've seen his work; his aesthetic is heavily influenced by traditional sportbike aesthetics, and his custom builds have a mechanical and punk rock vibe to them. His signature fairings have just a hint of Bszoku influence, but they don't cross the line into caricature territory.

Is it a look that would work well on a bike like the Royal Enfield Continental GT650? When RE first approached Koichi about customising one for their 'Custom World' initiative, he didn't think so. Then it hit me...

"As AN-BU, I had no idea what kind of custom bike I should build," he explains. "I pondered that for a while before realising that the guys from Custom World had seen AN-previous BU's works and approached me." So I decided to build a custom bike similar to AN-without BU's changing my style."

"They said they'd reveal my custom motorcycle at motorcycle shows in Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya." A show bike, on the other hand, does not appeal to me. "Creating a custom bike that looks cool when ridden by a rider is a very important concept for me."

"That is why, despite the fact that it will be launched and displayed at a motorbike show, I decided to build a bike that I think is fun to ride for this project." "With my passion, I poured everything I had into this bike."

Koichi's background is the key to AN-signature BU's style. He raced cars (and won a championship) at Japan's famed Suzuka circuit when he was 18 years old. He then worked in an automotive tuning shop, where he learned how to construct and tune race cars. His father then showed him how to shape and paint sheet metal.

Koichi has given this build the nickname 'Kai,' which is short for 'Kaizo.' It's a nod to his heritage, a word he used as a kid when customising bikes, and it means'modification.'

"I wanted to express a sense of speed with the Royal Enfield 'Kai,'" he says. "I wanted to create a form that looked like a racing machine to express this." However, what I envisioned was a racer running on the street rather than a track."

"I imagined a racing machine similar to those used on the track in the 1970s and 1980s, but modified to be ridden on open roads."

Koichi created all-new bodywork for the 2021 Continental GT650 to convey this concept. The aluminium fuel tank and tail hump harken back to older endurance racing machines, but with a more lithe and organic appearance. However, just changing the bodywork wasn't enough for Koichi.

When comparing this bike to a stock Enfield, you'll notice that the frame lines are different. That's because Koichi altered the upper portion of the bike's frame to match the tank, as well as the subframe, to achieve the 1970s and 1980s race bike look he desired.

He then constructed a new front fairing out of carbon fibre. Another throwback to 1980s endurance racers, and another AN-BU signature, is the side-mounted headlight. It's surrounded by an aluminium frame.

The custom exhaust system is also noteworthy. It snakes around the Enfield's parallel twin engine, diving in and out of fairing sections modified to accommodate it, before exiting through a single silencer on the right side.

A set of hand-made clip-ons, a Motogadget speedo and a massive endurance-style gas cap are hidden behind the fairing. A custom top yoke is also present, designed to clamp a set of 38 mm Kayaba forks with a slight offset to improve the Enfield's handling. Out back, a pair of longer, fully adjustable YSS shocks do the job.

Koichi also replaced the GT650's spoked wheels with 18" alloys. They're outfitted with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomps, tyres designed specifically for modern classics that combine a retro tread pattern with modern grip. The brakes are a mix of Nissin (front) and Brembo (rear) components.

Custom rear set foot controls, which sit alongside drilled aluminium heel plates, are among the finer details. Kellermann supplied the small LED turn signals and taillights.

The paint job is classic AN-Bu. Koichi painted the fairing black, but in such a way that the carbon weave shows through in bright sunlight. The aluminium bits are purposefully imperfect, which contrasts nicely with the leather seat.

"The bikes I build are intended to blend in with the city and look good on the street," Koichi says. "Of course, I'm interested in the most recent racing machines." Especially their constantly evolving technology and mechanisms."

"A bike that is enjoyable to ride." This is the foundation of all AN-BU custom bikes and will never be lost."