Now an almost annual pilgrimage for over 25 years (first HRCS was 1999!), however, it’s only been the last 15 or so years since motorcycles have become a predominant, if not headlining, aspect of the show. For many years, HRCS didn’t conflict with Cool Breakers, a long-standing motorcycle show held the month prior in the same Pacifico location. But since 2010 or thereabouts, HRCS has become THE Motorcycle Show in Yokohama-Tokyo!

Starting in 2011, HRCS has collaborated with that other huge motorcycle show in the US, aka Born Free (then in its Junior Year), and included BF award-winning/selected bikes as “Official Guests” in Yokohama. This year saw the likes of 1st Place Invited Builder Gary Royal (Beware Choppers) with his ’45 Knuckle, “Hot Head”; Best in Show winner Luke Morris’ ’50 Pan, “El Brute”: Pangea Speed’s Andy Carter and his ’57 Pan, “California Gold”; Anthony Robinson’s ’73 Shovel, “The Naked Truth”; and my old friend Shinya Kimura (now with Chabbot Engineering in SoCal, but originally the man behind Zero Engineering in Japan) with his “Silent Arrow” ’55 WL.

Feature wise, the 32nd HRCS show spotlight was dedicated to “Swingin’ Choppers” … a display of rear-sprung/non-rigid bikes of all sorts, sizes, and colors. Above and beyond that were some amazing new builds, including my personal award pic, Cosmic Chopper City’s badass first-gen Softail chopper, as well as the expected vintage tin from Gak/Hawgholic and Big Taka/Blue Groove. 

The Yokohama Hot Rod & Custom Show has become the place to be every December for motorcycle enthusiasts and builders worldwide … and the place many more WANT to be but have yet to make the journey. Trust me when I say it’s definitely Bucket List material! See you this coming December 7th for the 33rd Annual HRCS at the Pacifico Yokohama! HB

Words: Rob Fortier
Photos: Steeldog Photo