#onimotorworks

[onimotorworks]

RPM Nationals 2021 We had such a great time out there! Always good to see old friends, make new ones and put faces to some Instagram handles. Can’t wait for the next one! Thanks to everyone at @rpm_nationals for putting on a stellar event. Super duper thanks to the guys at the shop @2stroke_tommy @reflectors_johnny @jetpacjess @unclebennn for helping me on their free time. @designcraftfab for pulling super late nights and @puddingpants for the major help. @shizutattoo and Joaquin for everything + sacrificing your Hello Kitty mug so I could pass tech inspection ❤️ #rpmnationals #28fordroadster #sleepersspeedshop #onimotorworks #sugarstrikespl (at Santa Margarita Ranch) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVd2CmvMHH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sleepersspeedshop]

Luftgekühlt 2018. Thanks for pulling me aside for the photo @howieidelson . At first I thought I was in trouble or my car was falling apart. Thanks for capturing this @mattwaar And thanks to the whole Sleepers team for pushing and helping me get this heap going. @coconutpenguin @2stroke_tommy @sleepers_speed_johnny @designcraftfab and Francis. S/triple 🏁 #sleepersspeedshop #onimotorworks #luftgekühlt (at Torrance, California)

[pfflyersstyle]

THE SAME 5 QUESTIONS

with

LEN HIGA

photos by shizu saldamando

❺

Q: Where are you right now?

A: I’m in my place in Long Beach, California winding down from a day goofing off at the garage and riding the motorbike.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Mililani, Hawaii. It’s a suburban town pretty much in the center of the island. I think that’s what kept us hungry.  For being a small town, a lot of talent has come out of there. Thinking back, considering we were on an island, a lot of my friends were doing a lot of really creative things such as ‘zine making, forming bands, BMX and of course skating and surfing. We all kind of fed off each other and I was really lucky to grow up there at that particular time and have that influence my work. It’s crazy but there is this small community of bike builders from Mililani that I still keep in touch with who live in Long Beach now as well. I think we’re all just trying to spread the Aloha!

 Q: What do you do for a living – what are your hobbies – how closely do these two overlap?

A: I am a metal fabricator/machinist/welder making gas tanks, seats, frames, and any other motorcycle and automotive parts...  I also manage the shop on the day to day.  My hobbies are building, riding and racing vintage motorcycles... And I still try to get out and skateboard and race cars when I can.

Growing up my hobbies were anything having to do with cars and motorcycles so that naturally lead to a day job in metal fabrication. I started building my own motorcycles under the moniker of Oni motorworks around 2005. I view most of my hobbies as directly informing and influencing my fabrication work. There is a complete overlap with most of it. The only thing that might fall out of line with all of it might be skateboarding but even then you could argue it still falls into line with the simple act of riding motorcycles in that there is this escape and it’s just plain fun.  Also, I meet great like-minded people in the same circles.

 Q: When did your relationship with PF Flyers begin? 

A: I was first introduced to PF Flyers around 2006 or 2007 by Alyasha. I was drawn to them for the simple, classic style. They instantly became my everyday shoe and because of their comfort, they also became my work shoes. Exactly what I was looking for.    

Q: What is your life motto?

A: Stay humble. Chances are there is someone out there better than you.

links:

Len's Website

Born Free

Len's Shoes

[onimotorworks]

2014 for @drunkentourrets Dyna. I think it’s my favorite seat I’ve made. #onimotorworks #sleepersspeedshop (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPEOXKwhOER/?utm_medium=tumblr

[onimotorworks]

Slow 4 speed equipment. 20+ years ago I had one of the quickest 4 cylinder FWD cars in the world... Current times- building possibly the slowest 4 cylinder in the world. #sleepersspeedshop #sugarstrikespecial #onimotorworks #modelaroadster #1243 (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhh22cB5yz/?igshid=kn1dge3ezn74

[onimotorworks]

2012 photos for @alpinestars 10 Ways To Live exhibit during @agendashow Long Beach. 📸 @geofffromabove #onimotorworks #cb77 #vintagehonda #alpinestars https://www.instagram.com/p/B_FbgufBv6B/?igshid=1tqgglytzqy22

[onimotorworks]

Making origami. #onimotorworks #cb77 #vintagehonda (at Paul Smith) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3U75dLB0RU/?igshid=10y5hbd2k602c

[onimotorworks]

The details are not the details. Grips available again for 7/8” bars. Link in bio. #onimotorworks (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Ct0qbhLQg/?igshid=wycbd7akuwxv

[onimotorworks]

Born Free 11... 11??! For me, @bornfreeshow goes hand in hand with this braddah @chopperdaves . He pretty much put me on. Picked my ‘61 Honda for Best Original at Born Free 2. We were both Invited Builders at Born Free 5. Here we are at Born Free 11 hanging with my son. Stoked I got to scoop up his rad new shirt that @sicknimich @fartco69 designed. 🤙🏽🔪 #choppahdaves #bf11 #onimotorworks #neverforgetwhoputyouon (at Oak Canyon Ranch) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzEk0gVBKPR/?igshid=uedvvip8iv3p

[onimotorworks]

Dragstrip Riot 2019 vs 2007. ‘19 version is in collaboration with @sleepersspeedshop . Originally drawn by @persue1 in 2006 for FiberOps. Alyasha thought the design fit Oni motors perfectly and offered it to me and @hrdlck . Always thankful for that since it has been one of my favorites. If you missed out in 2007, here’s your chance to get the updated reprint. Available in-store and online @sleepersspeedshop . As seen in @giantrobot magazine issue 67. #onimotorworks #sleepersspeedshop #giantrobotmagazine #fiberops #persue1 #fism (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxqGIQuBo4d/?igshid=cfyp8aqj4zc2

[onimotorworks]

1962 #onimotorworks #cb77 #vintagehonda #superhawk #metalforming (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxnrqdsheDs/?igshid=j6wf641zibq3

[onimotorworks]

Run faster, jump higher. New shoes for the kiddo and I! Thank you @pf_flyers @nunderwood13 for the support over the years!! And thanks @stackaly for putting me on! Scroll for older photos from the PF Flyers “Same 5 Questions” series. #onimotorworks #pfflyers #runfasterjumphigher #cb77 (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuooZyLgeDl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1magipoeszkjm

[onimotorworks]

Oil tanks for some Tritons. #onimotorworks #triton #featherbed (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtY5ccYgwsb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hbsw9zs3m6fc

[onimotorworks]

Built to Last 100% Congratulations to @grantsgoldenbrand on their 10 year anniversary and collaboration with the company who coined the saying, @independenttrucks . As @grantsgoldenbrand Has been an Indy team rider for over 30 years, it only made sense for this to happen. I’m super honored to get one of these shirts. Mahalo for everything you do! #grantsgoldenbrand #independenttrucks #builttolast #onimotorworks #sleepersspeedshop (at East Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtSVVCYg_sk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=h7f0325q8d4q

[onimotorworks]

Portrait by @marco67frossard for @sleepersspeedshop x Oni Motorworks. Super fun day with @truthnevertoldla and @didulosso. #sleepersspeedshop #onimotorworks #vintagehonda (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3-Y3eA01J/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kux4tzxbf9bf

[onimotorworks]

S/ triple. #sleepersspeedshop #onimotorworks #cb77 #cb400f #vintagehonda (at Sleepers Speed Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtSos3ABrr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fchlplzlja6z