Topic: From Japan-Tokkofuku-Japanese outlaw bikers-from 70's/SOHC 4 era stuff

[Ichiban 4]

Hi Folks..coming to you from Japan currently.

I thought some of you may appreciate seeing what the Japanese bikers of the 70's..when our SOHC 4 bikes were current/popular..were doing.  I think we in the US tend to think mainly in terms of what we saw/experienced during that period as being what other SOHC 4 bikers were interested in [think the Hell's Angels get way too much credit for defining that period in US BTW] Or the Bobbers & Rockers in EU..for that matter LOL.

Anyway..please check out the linked article from Japan Times. https://features.japantimes.co.jp/tokkofuku/
Think it will give us all a wider appreciation for what the effects of "SOHC 4-ism" has had on society.

Mattane/later..Al/Ichi

[Kevin]

Good stuff!
I was just at the Kawaguchiko Auto Jamboree and had a great time.
It's cool that each region has it's own group uniform. And although they are a sort of gang it is more about camaraderie and they are all very friendly and willing to lend a hand even to a  gaijin like me ;-)
The variety of vintage Japanese cars and bikes was amazing. Over 4,400 participants at the event and the proceeds went to charity.

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[Ichiban 4]

Good stuff!
I was just at the Kawaguchiko Auto Jamboree and had a great time.
It's cool that each region has it's own group uniform. And although they are a sort of gang it is more about camaraderie and they are all very friendly and willing to lend a hand even to a  gaijin like me ;-)
The variety of vintage Japanese cars and bikes was amazing. Over 4,400 participants at the event and the proceeds went to charity.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

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Thanks for sharing that Kevin. Where are you in Japan? I'm presently in Kansai/Osaka area.  Kanto..as you probably know..is more Honda territory.  I have to go there (Motege' area..and Nagoya area..to see much historical Honda stuff BTW).

But anyway..interesting stuff..and also stuff that I think a lot of the SOHC 4 folks haven't seen before.  Gives a whole different perspective on Japanese bikes and bike culture..from my experience.

Your pics great BTW.  One thing about Japanese bikes here (especially the older ones) is that they seem to very 'clean'..which I can relate to..

Later..mattane..Genkki de

Al/Ichi

[Kevin]

Konbanwa Ichi-san,
I live in Tokyo.
I don't really like riding much in Tokyo and getting out of the city can take an hour.
The 400F with the leather jacket thrown over it is mine.

I have seen a lot of really ratty vintage Japanese bikes here and also a bunch that were over the top.
But everyone I have met has been cool.
I was riding through heavy traffic on the highway, splitting lanes, not living the ride when I heard a group of bosozoku riders coming up behind me. They were so loud that the cars widened the gap just to stay clear of them. It was like the parting of the sea!
I let a few of them pass me and then jumped into the middle of their group and cruised with them. They ride a little crazy but didn't seem to mind that I was riding with them. They could tell I was gaijin.
At the rest stop they were all cool to me and tried to speak English.
Good memories!

Matanae!


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[Ichiban 4]

Thanks again for the info Kevin..
I kinda knew about the ratty and over-the -top bikes here..especially the over-the-top ones LOL.  But still feel that the bikers here are more aware of keeping their bikes in decent riding condition.  Maybe it's the Kansai environment..don't know (also close to Kyoto..as you know..which is super traditional and tends to get "anal" about stuff LOL).
I don't ride here..only in the States where my bike is ('77 550 K)..so most of my observations about bike culture here are not first-hand experiential.  Would love to ride here tho BTW.
I'm back in the States this Fall..so guess I'll be mainly an "observer" of Japanese bike culture till then.  The regular bikers who ride actual motorcycles here (seems like most 2-wheeled vehicles here are scooters..or bicycles LOL)..that I've talked with here all seem very cool with me..even though my "Nihongo" sucks LOL
It's really nice to be able to chat with one who's actually been/lived here.  I feel close to my Western SOHC4 brothers and sisters..but still nice to chat with someone who's experienced this for themselves..
Cheers..Al/Ichi