Building and designing stylish, super-power motorcycles are what Death Machines of London do best. Named after the “Motorcycles are death machines” advice from their youth which fell on deaf ears, the group’s love and admiration for the vehicle’s engineering and aesthetic flourished into the mesmerizing brand it is today, over thirty-something years later.
With a product range, nothing short of revolutionary, the samurai-inspired Kenzo motorcycle is Death Machines of London’s most tremendous and radical creation to date. Integrating the intimidatingly aggressive style of smooth curves and razor sharp folds with exquisite handiwork and high-performance technology – the Kenzo is a product of 3D printing, CNC machining, precision etching, holographic lighting, leather-handwork and in their words… Lots of frustration.
Based on the 2018 Honda Gold Wing, which aimed to appeal to a younger audience seeking comfort and engagement, Death Machines’ final product – the Kenzo was a result of an excruciating trial and error process.
Imagined first using the CAD software, the Kenzo’s unique design incorporates elements which seem ripped from real samurai armor. The motorcycle features scale-like panels that mask the tank, leather stitched seating meant to resemble under-armor clothing, and grips cloaked using the traditional Tsukamaki sword wrapping technique.
Customized in the signature Death Machines’ style, which utilizes an 18th century Japanese jewel box, the holographic speedometer is delicately hand-crafted and features an illuminated dragon ghost using diffusion film technology to represent the ‘spirit of the machine’.
With 18-inch rims clad in Avon rubber, plus meticulous ‘Kenzo’ grillwork, an in-house petrol cap, and precision-machine aluminum badges – the Kenzo’s bodywork is finished with titanium samurai paintwork and matte black detailing.
Paying homage to both the world’s most revered Japanese samurai in 1570, Honda Tadakatsu, and to the first-ever Japanese rider, Kenzo Tada, to race in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy – Death Machines of London explain that the Kenzo is named after the latter, as there is only one existing design and model.
Powered by the original Gold Wing engine, Death Machines’ latest masterpiece retails for £56,000.00 (USD$72,500).