Balancing Function and Flair: KAWASAKI Z900RS Custom by 0024 Works

0024 Works's Z900RS

One standard customization method is to decide on a theme color and tailor the exterior in that color while using contrasting monotone colors such as black or silver for the hard parts. Leaving the hard parts in a color that doesn't stand out too much is also a way to visually express that functionality is hidden within the bike. On the other hand, it is hard to imagine how you would bring the look of the hard parts together in a color that is not monotone, but this Z900RS by 0024 Works blows away such conventional views. This bike itself was previously introduced, and the finish was quite impressive even back then, but now it has been taken a step further. The new changes include the Ohlins inverted forks with familiar gold outer tubes, a custom-made gold-finished OVER Racing swingarm, and the ARCHI engine mount and sprocket covers, both in Marigold color. The brake disc inner rotors were already gold, but with the change to black calipers, new discs were equipped and once again gold inner rotors were chosen.

As you can see, these changes have resulted in an all gold finish for the front and rear suspensions. Mr. Onishi of 0024 Works commented that, "These changes, or rather evolutions, were made at the request of the owner," but this could not have been achieved by simply selecting gold colored parts. Even with the same "gold" color, the depth and feel will vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is necessary to first match the colors as much as possible. It is also important for modern customization that each part to be replaced enhances the functionality of the bike overall. Onishi says, "It's all about balance," and he is constantly testing and refining that balance on his own Z900RS, which customers look to as a motif for their own bikes. If we think of this bike as a package including the same functional parts installed on Onishi's Z900RS with the addition of the gold theme it is plain to see that functionality has also improved. For the coloring, not only are the hard parts all matched in gold, but gold leaf accents have also been added to the sublines on the white base tiger pattern of the exterior, the KAWASAKI logos on the tank, and the Z948RS emblems (made by ARCHI) on the side covers. You could say that it has reached a certain goal in terms of quality.

Handle

Mounting the American Dream Café Racer Cowl Kit in a low position is the way 0024 Works always does it. The handlebars are not the ones that come with the kit, but rather clip-ons by HURRICANE. The front master cylinder is a Brembo RCS, and the clutch lever is by RIDEA.

The gauges have been changed to EL gauges with white panels to increase the overall color coordination and the steering stem now uses a black SCULPTURE Stem Kit.

Bodyworks

The seat is now a tuck & roll type, and this time even the shape was changed. The KAWASAKI logos on the fuel tank, the lettering on the newly added ARCHI side cover logos, and the upper and lower lines of the tiger pattern have been spruced up with a gold leaf finish.

Engine

The engine and frame are stock, with the addition of a gold and purple Titanium Power Radiator Core Guard, black OVER Racing Subframe, and TRICK STAR Motor Armor (engine cover, in white here). The front and rear engine mount kits and sprocket covers have also been changed to the new ARCHI Billet Honeycomb (marigold color).

Chassis

The new BEET Step (including pillion step) is color-matched with the 0024 Works original link plate and the ARCHI Logo Plug (marigold) on the swingarm pivot. The gold unification can be clearly seen in this photo.

The rear shock, which is offset to the right side, is a 0024 Works Ennepetal. The spring color can be special ordered, and naturally, gold was selected.

The front forks were changed to Ohlins FGRT207 with Noblest's ExM package. The front brakes were changed from Brembo GP4-RS calipers to black 484 Café Racer calipers and Brembo Super Sport discs.

The Brembo GP2 caliper for the rear brakes has also been finished in black and is combined with a Sunstar Works Expand disc. The inner rotor is also gold colored. The exhaust system is an American Dream Neo Short High Mount Exhaust (the merge collector is stainless steel, the rest is titanium), and three options have been added: quenching, polishing, and a shot emblem (on the tail pipe), enhancing the gold look.

The swingarm is an OVER Racing Type 9 finished in gold. The front and rear wheels are Marchesini M7RS in 3.50-17/6.00-17 sizes, gold of course. The center of the sides of each spoke have a black finish.

Gallery

Specifications

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