KUWAI HANA

UNDULATION The Chopper

Painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, and creators of modern and contemporary art—there are countless examples, throughout history and across the globe, of so-called “true” artists who have used motorcycles, and specifically Harley-Davidsons, as their canvas for creation. However, “UNDULATION The Chopper,” which you see here, was born from a completely different perspective.

I, Kwaika, the owner of BAD LAND—a custom shop specializing in Harley-Davidsons—created this work by seriously challenging the realm of art. My goal was to introduce the values and techniques of “art” into the existing genres and culture of custom Harleys and custom motorcycles, and to establish a new standard within them. This is UNDULATION The Chopper.

In building this bike, we remained true to the classic techniques and styling of the long-fork chopper tradition that has been passed down since the 1970s. While we’ve poured in the ideas and skills honed over more than 25 years of custom bike building at BAD LAND, there isn’t a trace of gimmickry in it.

To be honest, at first I couldn’t see the point or necessity of applying the innovative “UNDULATION” style to traditional Harley-Davidson choppers—or, for that matter, to custom Harleys in general.The turning point came when I realized that I should overcome my own preconceptions and the barriers in my heart, without being swayed by whether the outcome would be good or bad. I made up my mind and applied “UNDULATION” to a Harley-Davidson gas tank. The sensation I felt when I crossed that line—and when I first laid eyes on the tank adorned with the freely flowing lines of “UNDULATION”—I understood the very essence of what art is.

I still feel a fair amount of resistance to calling myself an artist. However, now that I’ve experienced that sensation of crossing that line, I will no longer be bound by labels. From now on, I will fully embrace the value of art and, with a new perspective, continue to explore the possibilities of custom Harleys.

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