The Triumph of Traditional Design: KAWASAKI Z900RS Custom by ARI SPL.

ARI SPL.'s Z900RS

ZestCuore is a social networking group that was started by Z900RS/CAFE owners. They hold owners' meetings from time to time, and the main content of their May 2023 meeting was a customization contest. Among the many bikes that participated, this custom received the most votes and came out on top. What was the deciding factor that won these votes? Probably the exterior paint job that makes you think there's "something more" to this bike and the converted parts that work together to give the impression of a cyberpunk-like machine. "The Z900RS has a neo-retro feel, and we chose parts that don't stand out too much, such as the Nano turn signals, machined steps and brackets, and the small under cowl, to create a more simple and modern look overall," says the owner. He added that the concept of the bike was to use a monotone color scheme with silver accents to create a serene look.

The colors for the parts used were also carefully selected, and those that were not available were recolored with anodized aluminum or Cerakote paint. For the exterior, which is what stands out the most, the owner made a rough sketch of the classic style design based on traditional Japanese patterns, had a professional designer create the data, and asked a painter to do the work. The KAWASAKI logo and K mark are integrated into the Japanese patterns, creating a diverse appearance and the aforementioned "something more" feeling. This Z900RS is definitely a true expression of the concept that the owner had set out to create. Because the Z900RS has a wide variety of bolt-on parts available for it, the way parts are selected, installed, and put together is what makes a difference in customization. The owner was able to differentiate this custom from the others by looking at demo bikes for reference and getting advice from shops that deal in many different models and parts. As parts for the Z900RS will continue to be released in the future, he plans to continue customizing this bike while carefully scrutinizing these parts as well. We are looking forward to seeing what this Z900RS will look like in the future.

Handle

The handlebars are the OVER Sport Riding Handlebar Kit Type 2, the front master is a Brembo RCS Corsa Corta, and the clutch holder is KOHKEN Avanza to match.

Electrical

The simple modern configuration with a bit of flavor added to the neo-retro style can be seen in the various parts used. The headlights have been changed from the stock LEDs to a Marchal headlight (characterized by the cat symbol), which were once widely used, mainly on air-cooled Zs. The entire case was intentionally used, and then the bulb was changed to an LED.

Bodyworks

The exterior is painted in 3D inspired by AELLA's Z900RS demo bike. It is based on the pattern of the classic Candy Brown & Orange paint job, but in black & silver, and the KAWASAKI logo is also painted. The stripe on the top of the tank is a pattern made up of K-marks lined up in a row, and multiple KAWASAKI logos and several patterns are laid out on the sides.

The single seat style two-level seat with diamond stitching on the rider's side and the Z900RS logo added to the side is a Morikawa Gundan model from Kawasaki SHOP REAL.

Engine

The engine is stock, with a Sprint Filter and Midnight Direct Drive System (modified with internal cleaner) for the intake system, and a Striker Street Concept Titanium EX exhaust pipe + K-Factory MotoGP round silencer for the exhaust system. A Nitro Racing Round Wide Radiator was also installed to strengthen the cooling system.

Chassis

The steps are made by BEET, with a black body and silver heel plate, and a Translogic Quickshifter is added. The sprocket cover is by OVER, the undercowl is BLESS R'S, and the bolts are titanium, produced by Moto Rockman.

The stock φ41mm inverted front fork outer tube was re-anodized in silver, and Hyper Pro springs were installed on the inner tube. The Brembo logos on the GP4-RX calipers were changed to black to match the O-Z wheels, and were combined with Sunstar Works Expand Discs.

The rear brakes are Brembo GP2-SS + Sunstar Works Expand Discs, also with the Brembo logo color changed to black.

The swingarm is a G-Striker, combined with color-ordered G-Sense Ohlins shocks. The link plates are made by BEET. The wheels are O-Z Racing GASS RS-A Titanium Anodized with 3.50-17/6.00-17 size.

Gallery

Specifications

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