From Classic to Modern: KAWASAKI Z900RS Custom by Ikawa SPL

Ikawa SPL's Z900RS

"Many people lump the Z900RS together as a classic-style bike, but I wanted to customize it as a modern bike that can be enjoyed both on winding roads and on race tracks, with the same performance level as a supersport bike," said Mr. Ikawa, the owner of this Z900RS. The exterior is beautifully finished with a dark base color that matches the Candy Tone Blue stock paintjob. It is hard to tell from a quick glance, but it is clear that the emphasis was placed on a "modern look" with the extensive use of carbon parts. The major parts were installed by SANCTUARY Yokohama Yamato, while the detailed parts selection and fitting were done by Mr. Ikawa himself. The seat and front fender paintjob, which he researched and special-ordered himself, showcase the focus on creating a "one and only" unique custom.

"The exhaust is a combination of STRIKER Black Line exhaust pipes and a silencer by HARADA SHOUONKI. I asked a shop that I often work with to do the all black finish on the silencer. I get a lot of people asking 'Where did you buy this!?', so I like to brag about the beautiful finish," says Ikawa. The fact that he isn't satisfied with just aftermarket parts and goes the extra step to add a few touches himself has brought together the overall look of the bike, and it is this sense of style and attention to detail that we hope you will take note of when looking at this bike.

Handle

The LED headlight and meter panel/meters are stock, while the turn signals have been replaced with small LEDs. The front brake master cylinder has been replaced with a Brembo RCS and the clutch holder with one from KOKEN.

The handlebar is a HURRICANE, and a YOSHIMURA PRO-GRESS2 meter and Kaedear smartphone holder are equipped on the top bridge.

Bodyworks

The tank is stock Candy Tone Blue. Mounted under the matte carbon injection cover is an ARCHI Carbon ABS Cover. The front end of the frame also features an ARCHI Carbon High Flow Stem Head Cover.

The seat is a one-off made by a local automotive upholstery company, tailored to Mr. Ikawa's physique and personal preferences. The pillion grab bars are made by WHEELIE KIDS.

Engine

The engine is stock, but is equipped with a NITRO RACING Down Tube Kit and OVER RACING Sub Frame, both finished in black. The frame sliders are also by OVER RACING, and left and right engine covers are installed. The radiator shroud is a STRIKER "SAD" and the radiator core guard is a stock accessory for the Z900RS SE. The undercowl is made by STRIKER, but the bracket is raised to avoid interference with the exhaust and swingarm.

Intake & Exhaust

The silencer from HARADA SHOUONKI has been given an all black finish by a shop the owner is friends with, and it is a part he always likes to point out. The exhaust pipes are from the STRIKER Street Concept Titan Black Line exhaust system.

Chassis

The front and rear carbon fenders are by A-TECH, and the front one is painted in Candy Tone Blue. The front forks are fitted with an OHLINS FKS Cartridge Kit (FKS511). The front brakes are composed of Brembo M4 Calipers and SUNSTAR Premium Racing Discs.

The rear shocks are replaced with an OHLINS KA739. The pillion steps are also replaced with STRIKER's Sports Touring Concept Original Pillion Step Bar.

The swingarm is an OVER RACING Type 11, and the front and rear wheels are forged aluminum GASS RS-A from OZ RACING. The wheels are the same size as stock, 3.50-17 front/5.50-17 rear. The rear brakes are a combination of a Brembo P2-CR84 Caliper and SUNSTAR Premium Racing Disc.

Gallery

Specifications

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends