ICBM - The Weapon That Ended the Age of Speed
From Speed to Endurance: How ICBM Technology Redefines Motorcycle Performance
Introduction - A Name Born for Impact
At Inoue Boring Co., Ltd., our flagship product bears a striking name: ICBM™.
It stands for Inoue Boring Cylinder Bore finishing Method - a title originally chosen for its bold sound rather than deep meaning.
When we first named it, the response was modest. Surprisingly, many people were unfamiliar with the term ICBM itself.
But as world events unfolded and the word began to appear frequently in the news, recognition of our ICBM™ aluminum-plated sleeves also spread.
Before long, it became one of our core technologies - and the very symbol of iB.
The 20th Century: The Age of Speed
Over time, I began to realize that the name ICBM holds a meaning far beyond what we intended.
The 20th century was the age of speed - and of competition.
Nothing embodied that better than war. Two world wars occurred in that century alone.
Even the Olympics, once a shining festival of peaceful rivalry, now seem to have lost some of their luster.
In that era, speed meant power.
The faster a fighter plane flew, the safer it was - and the closer one came to dominance.
It sounds absurd today, but back then, the world truly believed in the supremacy of speed.
Then came the missile - and with it, a shift in meaning.
Once missiles became faster and more precise, even the fastest aircraft could no longer escape.
And when the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - the ICBM - appeared, it marked the ultimate end of speed's value as power.
From that moment on, "faster" no longer meant "better".
Even in civil aviation, supersonic passenger jets came and went, abandoned as humanity lost interest in sheer velocity.
So in a sense, the ICBM killed the age of speed.
From Speed to Endurance - The ICBM™ Philosophy
And now, at iB, our own ICBM™ - the ultimate weapon of cylinder bore finishing - carries a similar destiny.
What we seek is not the fleeting brilliance of speed,
but the eternal value of endurance.
We believe that in an age where internal combustion engines are said to be fading,
the truest value lies in durability - in creating engines that last, that endure,
that keep mechanical heritage alive for future generations.
Just like its ballistic namesake, our ICBM™ may also mark the end of one era - the era of "speed" - and the beginning of another:
the era of everlasting performance and timeless engineering.
ICBM™ for Motorcycle Lovers - Timeless Performance
If our method can help motorcycles transcend the outdated value of speed
and discover a new world built on endurance and beauty,
then we at iB would be truly fulfilled.
Because motorcycles are more than machines.
They inspire the spirit, sharpen the senses, and awaken creativity.
They are rideable works of art - capable of rejuvenating the human mind.
FAQ - ICBM™ Motorcycle Technology
1) What is ICBM™ in motorcycle engines?
ICBM™ stands for Inoue Boring Cylinder Bore finishing Method. It’s an aluminum-plated cylinder bore finishing approach designed to prioritize endurance and stability over short-term speed.
2) How is ICBM™ different from cast-iron sleeves?
ICBM™ uses a precision aluminum-plated cylinder bore surface that provides superior heat dissipation and wear resistance compared to conventional cast-iron sleeves.
This advanced surface structure helps maintain stable clearance under load, enabling smoother engine performance and long-term endurance - especially in high-stress riding conditions.
3) Does ICBM™ increase horsepower?
ICBM™ is designed with a focus on durability and performance stability, not on maximizing peak horsepower.
Horsepower gains depend on the overall engine build, including pistons, tuning, and other components.
Note: Inoue Boring does not advertise ICBM™ as a horsepower-boosting product, but its technology can technically support performance upgrades when requested by customers.
4) Is ICBM™ suitable for vintage motorcycles?
Yes - ICBM™ is especially suitable for vintage motorcycles.
Its excellent thermal control and wear stability make it the perfect solution for preserving the mechanical heritage of classic and high-performance engines while ensuring a reliable and enjoyable ride for years to come.
5) What maintenance changes are needed after ICBM™?
Follow your builder's and OEM maintenance schedules.
ICBM™ aims to reduce irregular wear, but oil quality, cooling, and clearances should be maintained as usual.
6) Is there a special break-in procedure?
ICBM™ itself does not require a special break-in for the cylinder surface because the plateau honing process is already perfectly completed during manufacturing.
However, for the other engine components, we recommend riding gently for the first hour to allow everything to seat properly.
7) Which models are compatible with ICBM™? How do I get pricing and lead times?
ICBM™ is compatible with many popular motorcycle models, and our site already lists ready-to-ship finished cylinders with short lead times.
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For special applications or custom builds, compatibility depends on the cylinder structure.
Please provide your model, year, intended use, and preferred delivery time, and we’ll prepare a custom quote.
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Written by:
Sotaro Inoue
The head engineer / Inoue Boring CEO