Launched in 1972, the Kawasaki Z1 was the most powerful Japanese inline four to go on sale. It was also the first affordable bike with DOHC, which gave it class-leading performance.
With a capacity of 903cc and 81 hp on tap, the Z1 wowed both road testers and the general public. It’s since become popular with custom workshops, especially the high-end outfits in Japan such as AC Sanctuary.
This week’s edition of Speed Read lives up to its name. It starts with an endurance racing-prepped Suzuki GSX-R1000, and ends with a replica of an early 1900s land speed bike. Sitting in the middle are a 890 cc KTM dirt bike, and a totally bonkers Kawasaki Z1 restomod.
Read more »
Kawasaki Green was a marketing stunt. But, then the company had so much success with the color, it became iconic.
Read more »
A subtle but brilliant Kawasaki Z1 from AC Sanctuary, a wild supercharged Triumph Bobber from England, and a sneak peek at the new, 80s-style Honda CB-F concept.
Read more »
The Japanese custom rockstars AC Sanctuary set up shop in California. Plus a bratty Honda CB1100, a $49,500 custom kit for the BMW R nineT, and highlights from the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building.
Read more »
The new Kawasaki Z900RS had barely broken cover when custom examples started popping up. First Kawasaki Japan commissioned three builds from local…
Read more »
In the early 1970s, two Japanese superbikes ruled the roost: the Honda CB750 and the Kawasaki Z1. The Z1 was originally going…
Read more »
If you follow the race scene, you’ll probably know the name Graeme Crosby. In the 1980s he won the Daytona 200, the…
Read more »
Many of the most successful motorcycle builders—the ones running a solid, profitable business—hit on a formula. It’s usually a combination of looks,…
Read more »
The American Federation of Motorcyclists is the USA’s oldest motorcycle road racing organization. One of the fastest riders in its race series…
Read more »
Back in 1974, the Kawasaki Z1 was the most exotic thing on two wheels. And nearly four decades later, it’s lost none…
Read more »
The British firm Racefit creates beautiful titanium and carbon end cans, and full titanium exhaust systems for discerning sportsbike riders who still…
Read more »
If I had to lay a bet on the next big trend in custom motorcycles, I’d say we’re returning to the glory…
Read more »