Bull Dock’s Tangerine Kawasaki Z1-R

Some will name it sacrilege however I’ve a smooth spot for resto-mods. The pondering behind a resto-mod is straightforward. Take a traditional motorbike, restore it to new, and whilst you’re at it swap out any outdated know-how or outdated working gear with superior fashionable alternate options.

The resto-mod pattern in Japan is usually utilized to bikes of the ’70s and ’80s that the native market was denied as a result of restrictive Nanahan settlement. Due to Nanahan, Japanese riders have been restricted to bikes that adhered to a 750cc 100hp restrict. This meant that many legends just like the Kawasaki Z1, Suzuki GSX1100S Katana and Honda CB1100R which have been in-built Japan have been nearly all exported to different markets. Specialist resto-mod workshops like Masashuiko Wakui’s Bull Dock think about such fashions nationwide treasures.

For greater than 20 years Masashuiko has been importing legendary Japanese bikes again to their birthplace. He fills containers in the US the place secondhand examples are plentiful and well-priced. They’re then saved at Bull Dock HQ awaiting the precise buyer to come back alongside.

Bull Dock’s speciality is traditional Kawasaki fashions just like the Z1, Z1000 and Z1R. Sometimes they stray to different iconic Japanese classics, however classic Kawasaki’s are undoubtedly their forte. Bull Dock labels their resto-mod builds as GT-M; an acronym for Real Tuning Machine. These bikes are constructed to be ridden on the road however because the title suggests they’re race-bred. That includes the perfect in fashionable efficiency and dealing with elements they’re each quick and bulletproof dependable. Masashuiko’s small group of extremely expert builders produce round 20 GT-M fashions a yr with every workers member engaged on a single bike from begin to end.

That is the second Kawasaki Z1-R GT-M to grace these pages. The final one was Bull Dock’s beautiful 1230R Nitron version Z1-R which was constructed by means of a collaboration with the suspension model. Whereas there could also be many visible similarities between the 2 bikes, this tangerine-coloured Z1-R is exclusive in its personal proper.

Beginning with the engine, this Z1-R is powered by a Kind 1 z1000 powerplant that’s been fitted with a Z1000J head. This modification permits Bull Dock to carry out a collection of inside upgrades with the intention of accelerating efficiency with out sacrificing reliability. A few of the adjustments embody bigger valves, consumption and exhaust porting, 76mm Cosworth efficiency pistons and tweaks to the combustion chambers. There’s additionally a efficiency ST-L1 cam from race tuning specialists Yoshimura and a Bull Dock hydraulic clutch that’s hooked as much as the Kwaka’s new 6-speed gearbox. You’ll additionally spot McCoy branding on the engine instances which is Bull Dock’s personal model of aftermarket components. The complete titanium exhaust system is a Win McCoy Neo setup and fueling comes by way of a quartet of Yoshimura Keihin FCR-MJN Carburetors.

The results of these adjustments has elevated the capability of the engine from 1015cc to 1197cc. Bull Dock has stored energy figures on this one to themselves, however we’d put cash on it being significantly increased than the 90hp the bike had when it rolled out of the Kawasaki manufacturing unit in ’78.

Together with critical energy upgrades, Bull Dock pays very shut consideration to the dealing with of its GT-M machines. As a rule, they re-engineer every bike’s body including gussets for further energy and rigidity. In addition they tweak the mounting of the engine to fine-tune every bike’s centre of gravity. On this construct, that meant elevating the engine by 10mm and lengthening the rear shocks. Efficiency wheels are additionally a should as a discount in unsprung mass will at all times ship dramatic dealing with enhancements. Right here they arrive within the type of Marquezini M10RS Corse 10 spoke magnesium rims which weigh a whopping 40% lower than the inventory wheels. Bridgestone’s Racing Avenue RS10 rubber completes the bundle.

Leaving no stone unturned the stopping energy and suspension on this Z are all new too. The brakes use Brembo stoppers and radial pumps mated with Sunstar rotors; 2 on the entrance, and one on the rear. As for suspension Bull Dock has as soon as once more appeared to Nitron for an answer. Completed in Nitron’s non-obligatory black reasonably than their trademark turquoise, you’ll discover a pair of Nitron R piggyback shocks which assist a light-weight aluminium McCoy swingarm. Up entrance are 43mm Nitron tuned forks which sit in Bull Dock’s personal variable offset triple clamp meeting.

Together with their vary of efficiency components, Bull Dock has developed a whole vary of FRP and carbon fibre bodywork for these bikes. This one wears a McCoy Z1-R type entrance cowl, facet covers, lengthy single-seat rear cowl and a racing-style stomach pan. To retain the look of the unique bike the rear cowl contains a carbon fibre panel that’s posing as a pillion seat. The precise seat is a 2 piece McCoy configuration with room sufficient for one. Lastly, to forestall highway grime from messing up this stunning machine, the rear wheel is roofed by a McCoy carbon fibre hugger.

Nearly every part on a Bull Dock GT-M has been modified to optimise efficiency. In fact, this degree of element and efficiency comes at a worth, however these bikes are clearly definitely worth the cash. Take this bike, as an example, it’s each bit as juicy because it seems.

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Images by Customized Folks & Bike Bros.