1937 Rikuo Type 97

, Japan 🇯🇵. In 1932 Sankyo Seiyaku sent its representative to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the aim of purchasing a production license and a plant for manufacturing the 1200-cc, VL-series motorcycle. The USA was in the grips of a strong economic crisis, so Harley-Davidson Motors Co. that was on the verge of bankruptcy happily accepted the Japanese offer. In 1933 the plant equipment was demounted and shipped to Japan where it was re-assembled again in the city called Kita-Shinagawa, not far from Tokyo.  Local production was also launched, and soon these motorcycles were sold as a Japanese make: they got a brandname Rikuo (“King of the Road”), so that they would be more like local motorcycles. Rikuo motorcycles became so popular that in 1936 the decision was made to change the name of affiliated company Sankyo Seiyaku to Rikuo Nainenki KK (Rikuo Internal Engine Co., Inc.). #rikuo #japanesebike #japanese #japbike #1300cc #vtwin #1930s #1937 #offroad #classics #ww2 #worldwar2 #worldwarii #military #army #japanesemotorcycle #retro #vintage #antique #classic #retrobike #vintagebike #classicbike #history #japanesearmy #rarebikes #japaneseharley #bikestagram #harleystyle #リクオ