S&S Cycle, one of the leaders in V-twin performance, is taking its Vintage Tour custom motorcycle build series international. After a great response in the United States, the next chapter of the 2025 Vintage Tour is set to unfold in Japan during the world-renowned Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show (HRCS) on December 7, 2025.

For this special installment, S&S Cycle has curated an elite field of Japanese custom builders to compete in a one-day build-off where craftsmanship, engineering, and vintage V-twin spirit will collide in front of thousands of passionate motorcycle fans. The winner will be crowned the S&S Cycle Vintage Tour Japan Champion—chosen by attendees at the show between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with the victor announced the same day.

Meet the Builders

Three standout builders will each represent a different S&S engine series and showcase their unique interpretation of vintage custom motorcycle culture:

Each builder will craft a custom motorcycle using an S&S engine and will document their progress on their respective social media channels, along with S&S Cycle’s official platforms, giving fans and future Mooneyes attendees an inside look at the builds as they come together.

“It has been many years since I attended Mooneyes on behalf of S&S Cycle for the first time,” said Brett Smith, owner and director of S&S Cycle and grandson of company founder George Smith. “Howard and our friends in Japan have done a fantastic job paving the way for us to return and provide a special experience as an extension of our 2025 Vintage Tour.”

Smith, who will personally present the awards at Mooneyes, added, “I very much look forward to celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the Japanese custom builders. Many will remember that the overall winner of the S&S Cycle 50th Anniversary Biker Build-Off was Japan’s own Keiji Kawakita of Hot Dock Custom Cycles. He set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see who rises to the occasion this year.”

Adding a personal and historical touch, the custom awards will be hand-built by Tom Smith, Brett’s brother and also a grandson of George Smith, underscoring S&S Cycle’s continued commitment to legacy, family, and the global V-twin culture.

S&S Cycle also extended its gratitude to Neo-Factory for their support in organizing the event and helping expedite engine deliveries to each of the builders to bring their visions to life in time for the show.

For more information on the Vintage Tour Japan and S&S Cycle’s legendary performance parts, visit www.sscycle.com.