Brilliant university student Takeshi Hongo loved biochemistry, motorcycles, and the beautiful but unobtainable reporter Asuka Midorikawa. Takeshi's old life ended when he was kidnapped by Shocker, an evil organization dedicated to world conquest! Shocker stole Takeshi's memories and transformed him into "Hopper", a superhuman Cyborg Kaijin. Hopper served his masters until ordered to kill Asuka and her fiance, Katsuhiko. Leaving his Hopper identity behind him and obtaining the amazing Cyclone Super Cycle from old friend Tachibana, Takeshi Hongo became The Masked Rider! Eventually joined in his fight by Katsuhiko (who became the second Masked Rider), Takeshi began a war against Shocker, and against all enemies of justice. Takeshi Hongo is repressed and self effacing to the point of self sabotage. He lacks the confidence to pursue Asuka, the woman he loves; he refuses to defend himself against accusations of murder, for fear that Asuka will risk death if she pursues the real killers; he fails to explain himself in situation where silence makes his life far more difficult. That said, he does show physical and moral courage, and even moments of selfless heroism. When wearing the helmet of the Masked Rider, Takeshi becomes more confident, almost fearless, at least when facing physical threats. He defends the innocent not just out of guilt over his crimes as "Hopper", but because he is at his core a good man. [silence][gestures for girl to get on his bike] The Masked Rider is always faster, tougher and stronger than any normal man. Much of this strength is in his legs. He can make incredible leaps, take incredible falls, and kick with enough power to seriously hurt even other cyborgs. Even when not in his Masked Rider identity, he has demonstrated enough strength to stop a small truck moving at roughly 40 mph. Takeshi assumes his identity as the Masked Rider by activating his Typhoon Belt. This gives him access to advanced body armor, including a helmet. Takeshi is also the owner of the Cyclone, an advanced racing motorcycle that he often uses in combat. Takeshi is well trained, both from his former life as a student and his time in Shocker. He is a competent thief and investigator, and has considerable skill in Karate. He will often use his risky but powerful Flying Kick as a finishing move in combat. This write up is based on the2005 film Masked Rider the First, which re-launched the Kamen Rider series. The Takeshi Hongo in the new series is not quite the same as the Takeshi Hongo in the old, and displays somewhat different powers, skills, and motivations. The write up is balanced for a convention game, and may need to be adjusted for other campaigns. While not one of Japan's first costumed superheroes, Kamen Rider is one of Japans most iconic, with a TV and movie history going back to 1971. In civilian clothes, a handsome young Japanese man in his early 20s. As Kamen Rider, an odd figure in green, black, red blue and silver armor with a grasshopper theme. Character by Shotaro Ishinomori. Character sheet by Robert Dorf, 2009.

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R, but SPD 5. HSVS, p.23 15d6 w/ Leap

      Takeshi is more impressive and confident in costume

The evil organization that created the Masked Rider. The Masked Rider risks his secret and his life to protect the innocent