There are some fanatical Japanese tuning/customization shops, both for motorcycles and cars. One such tuner is known as Sanctuary. Sanctuary does complete rebuilds of older Japanese superbikes, including engine rebuilds, cosmetic restorations and modern performance parts. This Kawasaki Z1 is just one example, and includes more parts/upgrades than we care to mention.
Many of these bikes start with a reinforced or customized frame, and build from there. Wheels, forks, brakes and carburetors can all be transplants or upgrades as well. Follow this link to Sanctuary’s website if you would like to browse around yourself.
Yes, there is a Japaese publication called “Road Rider” and it’s full of these retro bikes. AC Sanctuary is one of those custom bike maker in Japan. Z1 or KZ900 is very popular as well as GPZ900R or Ninja 900R.
Stunning classic looking Z-1. In my opinion, early Z-1s are still some of the most beautiful and enduring designs ever. I am completing a 1975 resto with similar tank and bodywork (reproduced in Japan with original red paint and striping) and mild improvements to suspension, swingarm, exhaust, and the addition of modern tires. The nice thing about Z-1s is the incredible amount of aftermarket products and services that are available for keeping them on the road and for wild customizing like this great example.
I want to build a Jim Goose replica ’77 KZ1000 (from the movie Mad Max). Seeing this report just gets my juices flowing even more!
Great paint. Very sweet machine.
I see lots of customized 70s period bikes here in Japan. The Kawasaki Z1 is a popular platform.
Oh my. That is one neat bike. Makes my 70’s heart beat faster.
The Z1 looks great.
In the 70s a friend had a turbocharged (Mr. Turbo) ’78 Suzuki GS1000 with upgrades by Sandy Kosman. Sandy apparently guaranteed it made at the very least 150bhp at the rear wheel (1100cc forged Wiseco kit, welded crank, cam with maximum rise/minimum duration, fuel pump, water injection for the motor intake to avoid detonation with increased boost pressure, WM3 or 4 front rim, WM6 rear rim, huge for the era stainless front brake rotors, Lockheed calipers, silicone brake fluid, steering damper, etc., etc.) At the time the owner was fond of cruising the freeways looking for riders on open class bikes with every imaginable motor upgrade. He was especially fond of doing this with a friend Chris on the passenger seat.
He’d wait for the other rider to start the race, downshift the required number of times, twist WFO the 1/4 turn full-throttle, wait the second or two for the boost, then lay a strip of burnt rubber from the non-DOT racing slick with the front wheel pointed about 45-degrees in the air, with Chris holding on the for dear life, passing the other bike like it was had stopped.
It was much fun watching this all take place from a safe distance behind the action. He did this once to me on a stock ’80 GS1100E; my tach was redlined as he pulled away like I had dropped an anchor. His reply to guys who complained about turbo lag and lack of low end power he replied, “That’s what the transmission is for”.
Love it, but think it would look even better if the headlight and gauges were lowered to match the like of the tank/tail.
-Seanie
You’re right.
Oil cooler lines are period correct.
Sweet!
Looks great but flip the oil cooler over and run the hoses under the tank…
Ditto what Pete said. Good call Pete.