Art Shokai is a private motorcycle collection located in Kirrawee, NSW, Australia. We specialise in Hondas of the late 60’s to late 70’s.

We try to do as much as possible in house - engine builds, frame restoration, painting, parts re-furbishment etc.

WHY THE NAME ‘ART SHOKAI’?

Art Shokai (prounounced Art-oh Showk-eye) was the name of the first automotive shop that Soichiro Honda worked in as an apprentice.

Soichiro was such an inspirational engineer, visionary and business leader. Taking the name of his first workshop in the 1920’s seemed to fit what we’re trying to achieve in the 2020’s.

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WHY HONDA?

Two reasons.

1. When I was a teenager, motocross was fast becoming a world recognised sport. Honda came out with the two stroke CR125M and the CR250M Elsinore which were unlike anything else in the market. They were literally, go and buy one on Friday and win at Motocross on the Saturday. Then there was the duel sport version MT125 and MT250 Elsinore which were street legal.

   Honda also had the excellent XL250 motosport and XL350 motosport that were ground breaking 4 stroke enduro bikes.

2. Honda was the leader in mass production during the 60’s and 70’s, producing models from 50cc to 750cc. However parts can be hard to find for machines that are now 40 - 60 years old.

   Maintaining a parts inventory across more than one brand of motorcycle is a logistical nightmare. Honda has a great commonality of parts across all models which makes life easier.

   Having said all that, we do have a sneaky passion for Yamaha as well.

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR ART SHOKAI?

Our motivation is several-fold. During the 70’s, Japanese motorcycle production (and marketing) revolutionised the industry. This was at the expense of many European (mainly British) manufacturers. The inspiring designs, engineering and advertising pitched Honda’s to a new market of commuters, adventure seekers, race riders. The appreciation of that era has spawned a cult following in the current day.

We work with steel, chrome and carburettors, as opposed to modern machines that are created from plastic, alloys, composites and ECU’s. We restore and ride old classics for the enjoyment, the nostalgia, the history and art of the machine. To achieve this, we strive to introduce old school engineering to a new crop of enthusiasts, mechanics and engineers. Keeping the dream alive!

ARE ALL MOTORCYCLES RESTORED TO ORIGINAL CONDITION? 

Where possible, we try and maintain complete originality on every project. A cosmetic restoration and top end engine rebuild keeps the motorcycle in it’s original factory state.

If we’re unable to achieve a cosmetic restoration, we will do a complete nut and bolt rebuild. The end result is a bike better than when it left the factory.

If either of these options are unavailable, we use the bones of the project and create a custom machine.