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Chica's Vintage Values
Topics: Chica, Custom Cycle, Bikes, motorcycles, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, Osaka, huntington beach, Yasuyoshi Chikazawa, 2008, Bakersfield Thunder Run
Posted by matt Mon Jun 9, 2008 16:10:30 PDT
Viewed 387 times
0 responses 1 comment Location: 1142 South P St., Bakersfield, CA 93307

Chica’s vintage values
Designer chooses to keep it simple and original - meet him this weekend! June 14 & 15 at the Bakersfield!



By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia editor

Custom bike designer and builder, Chica, has become one of the cycling world’s most popular builders on the scene, especially among Bakersfield enthusiasts.

Born Yasuyoshi Chikazawa, in Osaka, Japan, the 47-year-old, Orange County resident is a return visitor to this year’s Thunder Run. Looking like Japanese James Dean himself with a slick pompadour and laid-back attitude, Chica cycles are a reflection of a timeless era. No need for too much flash, just keep it simple and let the original vision shine through.



Starting out as a Harley Davidson exporter to Japan, Chica soon started building his own bikes, subsequently opening his own shop in Huntington Beach, Calif.

A very busy guy, Bakotopia managed to track down Chica for an uber-brief glimpse into the mind of this mysterious motorcycle man.



Chica

Q. When did you start custom bike building?
A. Twenty-two years ago. I started doing work on my own Harley Davidson.

Q. Which classic builder has helped to inspire your creations?
A. Arlen Ness.

Q. You have become one of the most well-known names in custom cycling - what’s your method?
A. I handle all work alone - engine, body work, repair, rebuilding and customizing, not just design.

Q. How often do you visit Japan? Is custom cycling as popular there as it is in the U.S.?
A. I visit home at least once a year. Cycling in Japan is very popular right now.

Q. What is the cycling scene like in Japan at the moment?
A. The scene in Japan is not like the American chopper scene. Japan is really into original, old style motorcycles.

Q. Bakersfield always looks forward to Chica’s appearance at the Bakersfield Thunder Run. Do you have a message for your fans?
A. I’ve attend the Bakersfield Thunder Run since it began because the city and people are always nice. I’d like to say thank you to all of my fans, staff, and to the people of Bakersfield.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:


MEET CHICA AT THE 2008 BAKERSFIELD THUNDER RUN!
(CLICK FLIER TO READ ALL ABOUT IT!)


Story printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 30, 6-12-08

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Comment From: matt

Thanks! ;-)