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Enough For the Urban Riding: KZ900 Custom

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 9 min read

SANCTUARY's KZ900

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Perhaps you have noticed that the engine cylinder head in this photo is round. This is actually not a Z1000MkII, but a custom machine based on its predecessor, the Kawasaki KZ900. In fact, this is not a Z1000MkII, but a custom machine based on its predecessor, KZ900. The owner had installed the Z1000MkII exterior on his own KZ900, and then had it built once as a custom machine with 18-inch front and rear wheels, but this time he asked Sanctuary to remake it into a modern 17-inch machine.

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The exterior has been untouched, but other than that, the work proceeded in much the same way as if the customization had started anew. First, the frame was overhaled so it was precisely measured with laser and distortion corrected, and various modifications were made such as repainting and reinforcement. Secondly, they replaced wheels with 17-inch ones to get modern performance provided by modern high-grip radial tires. To keep stability of the bike, a SCULPTURE's bracket and swingarm are installed with optimized dimensions. The shock absorbers are Ohlins, which has an established reputation for high performance. In terms of wheels, which are greatly related to riding performance, they installed forged aluminum wheels made by OZ Racing, which are popular equipment in MotoGP. Of course, high mobility can only be achieved when the rider is in control of the machine, so the brakes are selected from reputable items such as Brembo and Sunstar. Lastly, The intake and exhaust systems are also Mikuni TMR carburetor and Nitro Racing full exhaust for a powerful and friendly power output. Various parts that had already been added are also left as they are this time, but to go into detail, even the brake hoses and plug cord routing are not completely the same as before. That is to say, a truly full remake.

Engine

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The KZ900 engine was completely overhauled and tuned, including a desplacement increase. The intake and exhaust were also changed to obtain characteristics powerful enough for the street level.

Bodyworks

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Sanctuary hardly used to install LEDs for lights on older bikes before, but this time, they selected LED headlight bulb made by Sphere Light because they are made by such reliable manufacturers nowadays.

Handle

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RCM concept handlebar, produced by Daytona. The meters were OEM rebuilt with an emphasis on reliability.

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The clutch and brake masters are Brembo RSCs because their operability is extremely important for riding. Therefore, those parts that have an established reputation in the racing scene were used to improve their operability. They are now the standard choice.

Chassis

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The front forks are made by Ohlins. Sunctuary offers an ExM package that includes front fenders, fender brackets, and other parts that must be replaced when the front forks are replaced.

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No matter how powerful the brakes are or how well they track the road, the ability to freely control accelarating speed is the key to their benefits. Therefore, Sanctuary has high use of Brembo calipers and Sunstar rotors.

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The step is made by Nitro Racing, which is highly popular for its simplified shape. The master is tilted forward to hide the fluid cups in the side cowl, a method used by Sunctuary since the early 1990s.

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The front sprocket area has been rebuilt to accommodate a hydraulic clutch and wider wheels. The sprocket cover also has an additional bracket to check the speed. It is separatable, and its color can be changed only at the rear part.

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The swingarm is made by SCULPTURE, with length and rigidity optimized for the 17-inch air-cooled Z. Unlike products on the market, the chain adjuster is exclusive to RCM, and a stabilizer and hook for the maintenance stand have been added to this special model.

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The rear brake is now an important braking device, but it is difficult to use with the narrow control range of the stock brake. In this custom, the rotor diameter was reduced and a Brembo caliper was installed to increase the travel and make it easier to control the brake after pedalling.

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The Sculpture swingarm was designed specifically for the 17-inch air-cooled Z. Not only the length, but also the rigidity and bending were carefully considered. This is a special model with RCM's exclusive chain puller, sway bar, and racing stand hooks.

Intake & Exhaust

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The exhaust is made of full titanium by Nitro Racing.

Gallery

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Specifications

Part Details
Engine PISTAL Racing Piston Kit Φ71mm
Carb / Intake MIKUNI TMR Carburetor Φ36mm
Exhaust NITRO RACING Full Titanium Exhaust System
Frame SCULPTURE Bracket
SCULPTURE RCM Concept Swingarm
Brake Brembo Radial P4
SUNSTAR Front Brake Disc Rotors
Brembo Radial Pump
Brembo P2
SUNSTAR Rear Brake Disc Rotors
Wheels OZ RACING GASS RS-A Forged Aluminum Wheel 3.50-17/5.50-17
Suspension OHLINS Front Forks
OHLINS Rear Shocks
Steps NITRO RACING Rearsets Kit
Handle / Steering [DAYTONA RCM Concept Handlebar]
Oil Cooler ACTIVE Oil Cooler
Seat DAYTONA RCM Concept Seat
Electrical AS Uotani SPⅡ

About SANCTUARY

SANCTUARY is a custom builder that is good at Vintage motorcycles like Z1,Ninja and KATANA. They sell special parts which were born from trial and error that mechanics had repeated mounting and testing

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SANCTUARY brand page

Hakuyo
Hakuyo

editor

Hakuyo

A foreigner who rides in Japan, Japanese call this "Gaijin Rider". Third year in the Webike global team. He feels and shares the real bike life in Japan then presents you how interesting Japanese customs are.