1957 RIKUO RT2
Engine Type: Air-cooled 45-degree V-Twin Displacement: 45ci / 747cc Horsepower: 22 hp @ 4,250 rpm Transmission: 4-speed Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 61 in. Suspension: Telescopic fork, rigid rear Top Speed: 60 mph Weight: 546 lb
Clockwise from top left: Williamson’ s Rikuo wears the patina of a well-used, 68-year-old bike. The speedometer’ s needle sweeps around clockwise. Classic spoked wheel and valenced fender. Rikuo severed ties with Harley-Davidson during WWII, so these Harley-branded footboards are not original.
and economic shifts in Japan. The government’ s push for domestic self- sufficiency and military readiness influenced the trajectory of Rikuo’ s production, and the Japanese army started putting pressure on Sankyo to sever its ties with the American company.
Around this same time, Harley- Davidson offered Rikuo the blueprints for its cutting- edge Knucklehead model. Japan’ s focus on militarization and the growing tension between the two nations led Rikuo to decline the offer, focusing instead on the older flathead designs. This decision marked the beginning of the end of the two companies’ relationship.
By 1939, Rikuo had become an independent manufacturer, and when World War II began, it severed ties with Harley- Davidson entirely. During the war, Rikuo shifted its focus to military production, supplying motorcycles to the Japanese army. These bikes, many equipped with sidecars, were used for transporting personnel, equipment, and even light artillery. To withstand the harsh conditions of war, the bikes’ frames and suspensions were reinforced, and larger, more rugged tires were fitted for off- road use.
POST-WAR CHALLENGES After the war, Rikuo resumed civilian motorcycle production, but it faced significant challenges. The country’ s economy was in ruins, and consumer demand shifted toward smaller, more affordable vehicles. Emerging brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Tohatsu capitalized on this trend, producing bikes with overhead valves, electric starters, and better suspension while Rikuo continued making outdated and heavy flathead V- Twin models.
By the 1950s, Rikuo’ s inability to innovate left it struggling to compete. In 1957, Meguro released a 650cc OHV parallel- Twin, and the already dwindling sales at Rikuo plummeted. The company ceased production the following year. Motorcycles were made from parts until 1960, when the factory closed its doors for good. This marked the end of an era for a brand that had once been a symbol of Japanese- American collaboration in the motorcycle industry.
REDISCOVERING RIKUO Today, Rikuo motorcycles are rare and highly collectible. One enthusiast is New Zealander Lindsay Williamson, a founding member of the BEARS motorcycle club and a lifelong aficionado of classic bikes.
Williamson first encountered Rikuo motorcycles during a trip to Japan over a decade ago. At the time, he dismissed them as mere Harley clones. However, as he learned more about their history, his curiosity grew.
“ The Japanese ditched the Americans when Harley offered them the blueprints for the Knucklehead,” Williamson told me.“ With the war coming, they chose to keep making the Rikuo instead. It’ s fascinating how these bikes evolved after that.”
Williamson’ s passion for motorcycles runs deep. In 1975, he founded Christchurch Motorcycles, one of New Zealand’ s first Harley- Davidson dealerships. Over the years, he transitioned to importing and trading used Harley- Davidson, Indian, and Victory motorcycles. His fascination with Rikuo eventually led him to acquire a 750cc model from 1957.
THE 1957 RIKUO: A CLOSER LOOK Williamson’ s 1957 Rikuo is a testament to the brand’ s craftsmanship and durability.“ This bike was in original, unrestored condition when I got it,” he recalled.“ The controls, clutch, and brakes are beautifully preserved.
46 | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2025 | AMERICANRIDER. COM