The Rikuo Motorcycle

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Troyce Walls making waves with his Rikuo motorcycle, which were based on the design of 1930s-era Harley-Davidsons.
Troyce Walls making waves with his Rikuo motorcycle, which were based on the design of 1930s-era Harley-Davidsons.
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The Rikuo’s 747cc side-valve V-twin is a dead ringer for the flathead engine Harley-Davidson launched in 1929, first as a 738cc and followed shortly by a 1,213cc version.
The Rikuo’s 747cc side-valve V-twin is a dead ringer for the flathead engine Harley-Davidson launched in 1929, first as a 738cc and followed shortly by a 1,213cc version.
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The Rikuo speedometer and fuel gauge.
The Rikuo speedometer and fuel gauge.
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Troyce Walls’ Rikuo may be bruised and battered, but it runs just fine.
Troyce Walls’ Rikuo may be bruised and battered, but it runs just fine.
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Lovely details abound on the Rikuo, such as the fringe and the chrome guard on the original solo saddle.
Lovely details abound on the Rikuo, such as the fringe and the chrome guard on the original solo saddle.
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Most people don’t realize the Rikuo isn't a Harley until they see the script on the tank.
Most people don’t realize the Rikuo isn't a Harley until they see the script on the tank.
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Even the floor boards got the Rikuo logo.
Even the floor boards got the Rikuo logo.
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The company stamped the Rikuo logo into just about every molded piece on the bike, including the hand grips.
The company stamped the Rikuo logo into just about every molded piece on the bike, including the hand grips.
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The Rikuo’s hand shifter was a bit of an anachronism in 1957 when this bike was built. A foot shift came the next year, in 1958, but production ended a short time later.
The Rikuo’s hand shifter was a bit of an anachronism in 1957 when this bike was built. A foot shift came the next year, in 1958, but production ended a short time later.
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Idiosyncratic as it may have been, the Rikuo was also a military and law enforcement workhorse.
Idiosyncratic as it may have been, the Rikuo was also a military and law enforcement workhorse.

Rikuo V-twin
Years produced:
 1953-1957
Total production: N/A
Claimed power: 22hp @ 4,250rpm
Top speed: 70mph
Engine type: 747cc side-valve, air-cooled V-twin
Weight: 230kg (506lb)
Price then: N/A
Price now: $12,000-$15,000
MPG: 35-40 (est.)

“Nothing tickles me more than annoying Harley-Davidson riders who bought a new bike six months ago and don’t know how to change their own oil,” Troyce Walls says, owner of a Japanese Harley-Davidson — the Rikuo motorcycle. But then, Troyce always has liked making waves.

You may remember Troyce from our May/June 2006 issue, where we highlighted his gorgeous 1973 Kawasaki Z1 — along with his habit of annoying classic British motorcycle enthusiasts by comparing the handling of his Z1 to that of a Norton Commando. Like we said, Troyce likes making waves.

Troyce’s favorite way to confuse the Bar and Shield crowd is his Rikuo. “The Rikuo is fun at shows,” says Troyce, grinning as he speaks. “People don’t realize that it’s ‘Made In Japan.’ They think it’s a Harley VL flathead until they see the nameplate.” 

  • Published on Jul 27, 2009
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