Mitsuhiro “Kiyo” Kiyonaga is a true innovator in the world of custom motorcycles. Originally from Kumamoto, Japan, Kiyo discovered his love for motorcycles at just nine years old, taking endless laps on a rented mini bike at a theme park. That first twist of the throttle ignited a lifelong passion that brought him to the U.S. in 2001, where he honed his craft at Garage Company under the legendary Yoshi. After over a decade of building custom Harleys for Japan, Kiyo struck out on his own, founding Kiyo’s Garage in 2012 alongside his wife, Kat.
Kiyo’s reputation for precision and creativity in engine building is second to none. He stunned the motorcycle world with his double-engine Honda “Gekko”, a Born Free 8-winning masterpiece that went on to hit 173mph on El Mirage dry lake. Inspired by vintage Vance & Hines drag bikes, Gekko pushed the limits of what was possible—blending speed, engineering, and artistry.
For Kiyo, every build is about growth, challenge, and breaking boundaries. Whether it’s racing a custom machine or crafting a bike that shakes up the scene, his work continues to inspire. Now, as he takes on the Motorcycle TransAm, he’s bringing that same relentless drive to the coast-to-coast endurance challenge.