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The Ken’s Factory Klassy 9 is a Custom Supercharged Harley® that Demands Attention
The Ken’s Factory Klassy 9 is a Custom Supercharged Harley® that Demands Attention
7 Dec 2016
Klassy 9 won the Modified Harley Class of the Long Beach IMS
The name Klassy 9 may conjure visions of tuxedos and caviar. However, that imagery would be ever so slightly deceiving. You see, Klassy 9 is a fire-breathing supercharged Harley® Softail built by the folks at Ken’s Factory. The bike is a stunning custom that won the Modified Harley Class of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California. K&N is a proud sponsor of several classes of the 2016-2017 Ultimate Builder competition, including the Modified Harley category.
A K&N filter lets the Thompson Supercharger breathe deeply while still protecting the engine
Ken’s Factory USA is the new, dedicated North American sales extension of the world-renowned international motorcycle designer Ken Nagai. Award-winning builds are nothing new to the custom motorcycle company. Nelson Kanno, the general manager of Ken’s Factory USA doesn’t mince words when reflecting on the company’s goal. “We strive to build world class custom bikes,” Kanno says. “That’s the bottom line - our clientele demand it and Ken’s Factory strives to create it.” The body of work Ken’s Factory has amassed in the custom motorcycle industry speaks to the company’s vision and passion.
Every artistic detail on the Klassy 9 is worthy of a look
The Klassy 9 started life as 2012 Softail, but the bike’s metamorphosis is about as complete as any custom you’ll find. Kanno says, “About half of the neck and half of the drivetrain cradle of a stock bike was used, mainly to preserve the stock H-D® VIN so the bike can still be registered as a Harley-Davidson® under the eyes of Japanese DMV.” The frame was not the only recipient of major surgery in Klassy 9. The billet girder forks and modified swing arm that comprise the high-end suspension are artistic one-off masterpieces. The polished wheels, with a tall 23” hoop up front, complete the bike’s rolling chassis.
Blades reach out like a moto version of a train's cow catcher
The custom aluminum bodywork is made up of a plethora of details that demands a careful study of the bike. It seems that no matter where you look, there is an intriguing style element. For example, don’t get in the way of the three blades that protrude with a vengeance in front of the engine. The paint job itself is a gold and root beer hued, flaming bling-fest. For all of this detail, Klassy 9 is an amazingly unified custom. The overall aesthetic of the bike, while intricate, detailed, and busy, works in a way that is almost surreal.
So what about that powerplant? Well, it is what protrudes from the right side of the 96CI V-twin that demands attention. There sits a Thompson Supercharger fed by electronic fuel injected throttle bodies. That amazing intake wears the forward facing crown of a K&N free-flowing filter. “With the K&N filtration, it’s always our go-to for all of our builds - especially with forced induction,” says Kanno.
The relationship of K&N and Ken's Factory runs deep and strong. “We just finished a prototype filter with K&N to be used with an upcoming high flow air cleaner kit,” Kanno reveals. K&N is more than proud to partner with such a progressive and passionate company. In the end, all we can say is...keep it Klassy, Ken's Factory!
