When Takuya Aikawa of SURESHOT unveiled “Magami” at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, it represented a surgical reconstruction of the Buell S1 White Lightning. Named after a Japanese wolf deity, the Magami addresses the inherent mechanical limitations of the original chassis while elevating the platform to world-class performance standards through advanced metallurgy and custom geometry.
Aerospace Metallurgy: The 7N01 Frame
The structural integrity of the Magami relies on a hybrid frame utilizing 7N01 aluminum alloy. This material is primarily known for its use in the construction of Japanese Shinkansen (bullet trains) due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent stress-corrosion resistance. Aikawa-san fabricated a bespoke subframe and reinforced the engine mounting points to manage the intense torque of the 1203cc V-twin.
The most significant engineering feat is the integration of a single-sided swingarm from a Ducati S4R, which was mounted upside down. This required the development of a custom cantilevered rear linkage system. Unlike the stock Buell “pull-shock” setup, this configuration isolates the damping forces from the crankcase, significantly improving high-speed stability and cornering feedback.
Powertrain and Thermal Dynamics
To match the chassis’ capabilities, the powertrain features a meticulously tuned 1203cc V-Twin. The engine breathes through a one-off titanium exhaust system, utilizing equal-length pie-cut headers. This ensures balanced exhaust gas scavenging across both cylinders, optimizing the power band. Fuel delivery is handled by a Keihin FCR carburetor, providing the mechanical tactile response required for a pure racing machine.
Technical Specifications
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Base Platform: 1990s Buell S1 White Lightning
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Chassis Material: 7N01 Aluminum Alloy (Aerospace Grade)
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Rear Suspension: Inverted Ducati S4R Single-Sided Swingarm
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Exhaust: Custom Full Titanium 2-into-1 System
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Braking: Brembo Radial Master Cylinder and Monobloc Calipers
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Bodywork: Hand-beaten 2.0mm Aluminum Sheet
“Magami” by SURESHOT – Image Gallery
Source: SURESHOT
