Retro: No need for a diploma to build a world champion motorcycle!

Appearing at the big table of manufacturers forgotten by everyone, Moriwaki has a special history. Between family heartbreaks and the title of world champion driver, here is the story of an… atypical Japanese man.

The tale begins with a man: Mamoru Moriwaki. An unpretentious driver at the end of the 1960s, he was spotted by the now legendary Hideo Yoshimura, a renowned trainer. So he can get his hands on it, but not only in terms of driving. Indeed, Mamoru is passionate about mechanics, but has no diploma.

Never mind! He decides to learn the science of mechanics alongside “Pops” Yoshimura.. For the theory? He borrows books from a college to improve his knowledge. The relationship between the two men is going wonderfully. Moreover, Mamoru even married the daughter of Hideo, his boss. the business, now family-owned, is making its merry way, without much pretension. But in the early 1970s, success beckoned to Yoshimura.

With his head full of dreams, Hideo decides to set sail to try his luck in the United States. It's hard to imagine Moriwaki's sadness at this decision, he who had all his ties to Japan. So, he decided not to follow his father-in-law and stayed on the lands of his ancestors. But a year later, Yoshimura was already back, penniless. The American dream had turned into a nightmare. Mamoru decided to help him financially; this wise decision was essential in the history of Yoshimura
Engineering – an institution today.

One thing led to another, Moriwaki became respected in the small world of elite mechanics and preparers. So, in 1973, he decided to start his own company and part ways with “Pops”. He specialized in the construction of frames, and worked on very good Kawasaki engines. It was at the Suzuka 8 Hours, a legendary endurance event, that he stood out. In 1978, Graeme Crosby and Akitaka Tomie qualified in front of all the factory teams. Two years later, same feat this time in front of the official Kawasaki of Eddie Lawson (!) and the Australian Gregg Hansford.

With a revolutionary aluminum frame – very rare for large displacements -, he made Wayne Gardner's debut at the 1981 8 Hours for a new pole position at stake. The exploits of the “crocodile” on Japanese motorcycles allowed him to win a Honda handlebar a few years later, as well as a 500cc world championship. Later, the brand became more discreet internationally. Now in contract with Honda for engines, the firm made a brief appearance in MotoGP, from 2003 to 2005. It was our national Olivier Jacque who had the best season on the
MD5 in 2004, with five points on the clock.

But the story was not over, far from it. In 2009, the 250cc bid farewell to the world of Grands Prix. The historic category was going to be replaced by Moto2, identical 600cc Hondas for everyone, in order to highlight the driving.
Moriwaki saw this as a great opportunity.. Indeed, the family business maintained good relations with the winged firm, and therefore had the advantage over Suter, Kalex, FTR and other BQRs. A chassis was therefore built.

For its first year, Moto2 had a record number of manufacturers present. Seventeen different chassis are on the grid in Qatar for the inaugural round. Gresini decided to get supplies from Moriwaki: a winning move.
Toni Elías quickly takes the lead. The former MotoGP winner rides throughout the season, on a perfectly tuned bike unlike his competitors (Julián Simón, second in the championship, had to change his chassis in the middle of the season).

In total, seven victories, two pole positions and a well-deserved title for the Spaniard but also for Moriwaki. Starting from nothing, without any training or diploma, Mamoru Moriwaki is a true example for anyone wishing to achieve their dream.
Perseverance, persistence and wisdom are keys to be treasured and used at the appropriate time.

Did you know this unusual story?
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