Kawasaki Cafe Racer - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/kawasaki-cafe-racer/ Cafe racers, custom motorcycles and riding gear news and reviews. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:48:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-rocr-emblem-32x32.jpg Kawasaki Cafe Racer - Return of the Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/category/kawasaki-cafe-racer/ 32 32 188132605 Evolution of Devolution?: Kawasaki Z900RS VS Kawasaki Z900 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/ride-review/evolution-of-devolution-kawasaki-z900rs-vs-kawasaki-z900/ Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:48:26 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=45301 Motorcyclists like to moan about everything.
And the quickest way to start some premium groaning is to sell us a naked bike that’s been detuned. Because it’s downright aggravating when a manufacturer decrees that because you don’t want a race replica bike, you don’t want race replica performance.

The CB900 Hornet? Castrated CBR. The FZR? An R1 midway through a course of HRT. For the first time in history, ‘naked’ means ‘less exciting’. Manufacturers find it cheaper to build naked bikes from […]

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CyberPunk’d: Treasure Garage Kawasaki ER6N https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/treasure-garage-er6n/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:53:29 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=44265 Kawasaki’s ER6N first hit the streets in 2008 but the middleweight naked sports bike isn’t a motorcycle that often pops up on our radar. Despite having a reputation for being great value, it isn’t a motorcycle that many custom workshops are drawn to. That is unless you’re in Indonesia where the ER6N rules the streets and still makes up part of Kawasaki’s current model offering. In Indonesia the Kawasaki ER6N is considered a “big bike”, outclassing the plethora of small-capacity […]

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Long Awaited Reunion: Detlev Louis Kawasaki Z900RS https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/detlev-louis-z900rs/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:42:25 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43950 Detlev Louis is a German motorcycle riding gear manufacturer with more than 8 decades of experience under its belt. Unsurprisingly that makes it one of the the longest-running motorcycle apparel and accessory brands in the world. Created by part-time racer Detlev Louis and his then business partner Walter Lohmann in 1938,  the business started out as a small workshop that grew to become Europe’s largest motorcycle apparel and accessory company. Such was the success of the brand that Kawasaki partnered […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1974 Kawasaki KZ400 Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-1974-kawasaki-kz400-cafe-racer/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:45:31 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=43150 The 1974 Kawasaki KZ400 Cafe Racer underwent an extensive 500-hour build, featuring a powerful 400cc parallel twin engine with a top-end rebuild, including new piston rings, valve seals, and gaskets, using authentic OEM Kawasaki parts, except for Viton valve seals. Equipped with both kickstart and electric starters, the bike received numerous upgrades, including a custom welded steel tray under the seat housing a lithium battery and a new regulator/rectifier unit. The frame was modified with the back removed and replaced […]

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NJ-Daiken: Kenkenmoto Kawasaki ZRX1200R https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/daiken-zrx1200r/ Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:45:19 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42844 In the early eighties, a clever member of the Kawasaki marketing team thought it’d be a good idea to produce a bike that paid homage to the great Eddie Lawson’s 1981-1982 Superbike. The result was the Kawasaki Z 1000R Eddie Lawson Replica. Such was the success of that bike that in 2001 they did it again with a replica of the replica. Branded the ZXR1200R the naked, retro muscle bike delivered big power, predictable handling, a comfortable riding position, and […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2004 Kawasaki W650 Deus Customs Bobber https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/bike-of-the-day/bike-of-the-day-2004-kawasaki-w650-deus-customs-bobber/ Fri, 19 May 2023 08:09:17 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=42070 This exquisite custom bike, crafted by Deus Customs, is a unique creation based on a 2004 Kawasaki W650 (EJ650). With no expense spared, Deus transformed it into a premium hardtail bobber. The heart of the bike is a 676cc vertical twin engine coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. Every aspect of this bike is bespoke, starting with a stunning custom paint job. Apart from the engine, virtually all the original Kawasaki parts have been replaced. The rear frame was modified […]

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Bike Of The Day: Omega Racer Cavalleggero AR80 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/bike-of-the-day-omega-racer-cavalleggero-ar80/ Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:32:35 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=40933 In 2021 Markus Pintzinger celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his Thailand-based aftermarket parts store, Omega Racer. To commemorate the milestone anniversary Markus decided to do what any custom enthusiast would do and build himself a new motorcycle. The Omega Racer store sells bolt-on parts for several popular modern retro motorcycles such as the Yahama SR400, Kawasaki W650 and the latest slew of Triumph Bonnevilles. But, rather than do the obvious and choose one of those bikes for his own project, Markus […]

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Top 10 Kawasaki Cafe Racers https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/top-10-kawasaki-cafe-racers/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 03:46:35 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=39033 Since 1963 Kawasaki Motorcycle Co. has introduced a plethora of technological innovations which have gone on to become industry standards. The Japanese manufacturer has a strong following in the sports segment thanks to legendary motorcycles like the Z1 and Ninja. They have also built a dedicated clientele in the off-road segment with models like the dual-sport KLR650 being in constant production for over 3 decades. In the world of motorcycle customisation, Kawasaki’s street bikes are a popular choice. Models like […]

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Tangerine Dream: Bull Dock Japan Kawasaki Z1R Resto-mod https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/bulldock-z1r-restomod/ Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:34:48 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=38728 Some will call it sacrilege but I have a soft spot for resto-mods. The thinking behind a resto-mod is simple. Take a classic motorcycle, restore it to new, and while you’re at it swap out any old technology or outdated running gear with superior modern alternatives. The resto-mod trend in Japan is commonly applied to motorcycles of the ’70s and ’80s that the local market was denied due to the restrictive Nanahan agreement. Thanks to Nanahan, Japanese riders were limited […]

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Nine Six Six: Mr Martini Kawasaki Z900 Italian Resto-Mod https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/mr-martini-z900/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:55:51 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=39237 Such is the iconic status of the 1970s Kawasaki Z900 that these days they are more commonly restored than customised. If you live in Italy and want a nut and bolt Z restoration the place not to go is to Mr Martini’s workshop in Verona. If however, you aren’t afraid to mess with a classic in order to make it truly your own, Nicola Martini is your man. This 1975 Kawasaki Z900 is owned by one such intrepid motorcyclist who […]

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Genuine Tuning Machine – Nitron x Bulldock 1230R GT-M Kawasaki Z1-R https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/nitron-racing-bulldock-z1r/ Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:23:36 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=38730 Although the 1978 Z1 successor didn’t live up to Kawasaki’s expectations in showrooms, the Z1-R is an iconic motorcycle and an intriguing machine to behold from any angle. After my recent feature on the Doremi Collection Kawasaki Z900RS heritage body kits, I found myself tumbling down a Z1-R-shaped rabbit hole. As I doomscrolled through countless pages of Z1-R photos online I stumbled across a bike that stood out from the rest. I recalled seeing this same Z1-R a while back […]

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Many Faces of Zed – Doremi Kawasaki Z900RS Heritage Body Kits https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/building-a-cafe-racer/doremi-collection-z900rs-kits/ Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:44:36 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=38866 It’s been 4 years since the Kawasaki Z900RS went on sale. In the lead-up to its release, Kawasaki adopted a tactic many manufacturers have taken with models aimed at the retro-loving custom crowd. To build hype around the Z900RS release, Kawasaki recruited a handful of Japanese custom builders to work their magic on the all-new “Retro Sports” motorcycle. The project was called ‘Beyond Z‘ and the workshops involved were Bito R&D, Moto Corse and Doremi Collection. After their unveiling, the […]

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50 Years of Z – So Far So Fast Z1 Speed Record Documentary https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/lifestyle-motorcycle-cafe-racer/kawasaki-z1-documentary/ Thu, 26 May 2022 00:52:53 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37976 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Kawasaki’s Z series of motorcycles. The motorcycle that started it all, the 1972 Kawasaki Z1, was a huge leap forward in both performance and engineering. Six months after the release of the Z1, Kawasaki set out to break some records in the USA. Their goal was to prove the capability of their new, groundbreaking sports bike and to cement a position in the thriving US motorcycle market. To achieve their goal a small team […]

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It’s a Keeper – Cool Kid Customs Kawasaki ZZR600 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/cool-kid-zzr600/ Sun, 15 May 2022 12:27:50 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37808 The Kawasaki ZX-6, otherwise known as the ZZR600 in Europe, was the brand’s flagship middleweight sports bike of the nineties. When pitted against similar models from other brands the ZZR600 was the faster machine. Opening the throttle wide would result in exhilarating acceleration right up to the anxiety-inducing 14,000rpm redline. But speed wasn’t the only thing the ZZR600 had going for it.  It was user friendly enough to be suitable for everyday commuting and comfortable enough for long hauls, and, […]

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50 Years of Z – Designing the Kawasaki Z900RS https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/ride-review/designing-the-z900rs/ Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:33:56 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37611 2022 is the 50th anniversary of Kawasaki’s Z series of motorcycles. To help mark the occasion we’re looking at the development of the Z900RS, a retro-modern motorcycle that Kawasaki designed as a homage to the original Z1.  The Kawasaki Z1 is to motorcyclists what the Stratocaster is to musicians, the Ford Mustang is to car nuts or Megan Fox is to teenage boys. It’s an icon. So when Kawasaki decided to bestow the moniker on a new model it was […]

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Suspension Upgrade – Nitron NTR R2 Install https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/motorcycle-modifications/nitron-suspension-install/ Sat, 12 Mar 2022 05:33:16 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=36416 There’s virtually no limit to the extent that you can modify a motorcycle. This, of course, includes its performance and if it’s better handling you want there are 2 sure-fire ways to achieve it. One way is to fit a set of performance tyres. The other is to upgrade the suspension. Since I’m obsessed with tweaking my Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe, and because I’d already installed better tyres, I decided it was time to have a play with the bike’s suspension. […]

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Full of Beans – White Collar Bike Vulcan 650 Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/white-collar-vulcan-650/ Thu, 10 Mar 2022 11:45:55 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=37004 When I first met Ram Ram Januar at his home in Bandung, Indonesia he told me that he started his custom workshop, White Collar Bike, after making a bet with his wife. The pair challenged one another to launch a new business and see whose brand could gain the most international attention and success. His wife worked in textiles and started a fashion label, Ram, a product designer, started a custom motorcycle workshop. Unfortunately, I don’t know who ended up […]

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50 years of Z – ‘High Steaks’ the history of the Kawasaki Z1 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/lifestyle-motorcycle-cafe-racer/kawasaki-z1-history/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:56:08 +0000 https://returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=36983 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Kawasaki’s Z series of motorcycles. The motorcycle that started it all, the 1972 Kawasaki Z1, was a huge leap forward in both performance and engineering. So significant was the Z1 that it’s impossible to ignore what it has contributed to modern motorcycles. So, to help celebrate 50 years of Zed, let’s take a look back at how the Kawasaki Z1 came to be… To understand the Kawasaki Z1 you first have to understand the […]

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Stupid Fast – Z900RS Brocks Performance Exhaust https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/building-a-cafe-racer/z900rs-brocks-exhaust/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:38:43 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35472 There are several reasons why you might want to install an aftermarket exhaust on your motorcycle. It could be that you want a different look, want your bike to sing a sweeter song or that you’re keen to extract some extra horses from its engine. Whatever your reason may be, choosing a new exhaust system for your motorcycle should be done with care. Recently I set out to find, purchase and install a new exhaust system on a 2018 Kawasaki […]

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Alloy Acclaim – Si Mantas Kawasaki 1400GTR https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/simantas-1400gtr/ Sun, 12 Dec 2021 04:53:39 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35354 They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. By now, with all the copycat builds it has inspired, the designers of the Lotus Motorcycles C-01 are probably all vain. And rightly so. When it was unveiled the C-01 was so unique it rocked the motorcycling world. The 200hp beast was clad in all-encompassing carbon bodywork that gave it a look unlike anything else on the market and its association with the Lotus brand certainly didn’t go unnoticed either. […]

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Retro Round Up – New Modern Classics from EICMA 2021 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/motorcycle-news/2022-eicma-modern-classics/ Wed, 01 Dec 2021 15:32:08 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35816 Just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse one of our favourite motorcycle events on the planet got cancelled. Thankfully after a 1-year hiatus, EICMA is back and as always it’s delivered no shortage of new motorcycles for us to crave. As you’d expect it’s the neo-retro modern classics that we look forward to most and EICMA 2021 hasn’t failed to deliver. This year we saw a new 650 twin concept from Royal Enfield, Kawasaki showed off the newest […]

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EICMA 2021 Modern Classic – The Bimota KB4 & KB4 RC https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/motorcycle-news/bimota-kb4/ Sun, 28 Nov 2021 03:50:08 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=35855 It’s been 2 years since Bimota released sketches of their Kawasaki powered retro sports bike concept. At this year’s EICMA those sketches have finally been revealed as 2022 production models. The new model will be available in 2 variants, the fully-faired Bimota KB4 and the naked, cafe racer inspired KB4 RC. Bimota’s use of a Kawasaki powerplant comes as no surprise since the Japanese manufacturer now owns a 49% stake in the company, but rest assured their influence ends there. […]

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10 and Counting – Omega Racer Kawasaki AR80 Anniversary Build https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/omega-racer-ar80/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 07:52:33 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=34830 In the scheme of things, 10 years isn’t all that long. But for a small business launched by a pair of ex-pat friends living in Thailand, it’s a milestone worth celebrating. During the past decade, Markus Pintzinger has piloted his Omega Racer business through all manner of challenges including a global financial crisis. Now 10 years on he’s looking back at everything he’s achieved and started planning what his business can offer the motorcycling community moving ahead. Markus also wanted […]

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Highly Caffeinated – The Fastest Cafe Racers of 2021 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/cafe-racers/the-fastest-cafe-racers-2021/ Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:12:03 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=34125 “They don’t make them like they used to!” When you hear those words uttered it is generally with disdain. A declaration that the quality or performance of a product has declined. However, despite what vintage motorcycle tragics may tell you, things in the world of motorcycling have definitely improved. Don’t get me wrong, nothing appeals to me more than the idea of belting around on a vintage classic. But when it comes to reliability, handling and power – modern motorcycles […]

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Motorcycle Saves Lives – W800 FH Awareness Build https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/w800-familial-hypercholesterolemia/ Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:54:06 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=33884 As someone who has a history of heart disease in their family, I know all too well how devastating it can be. Thankfully I’ve been aware of the issue since I was young and make a point of getting regular checkups to keep tabs on things. Unfortunately for Scott Radabaugh discovering he suffered from genetic heart disease almost cost him his life. Now, in a bid to help others avoid similar life-threatening experiences, he’s decided to do something about it […]

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NonStandard – MR Martini Kawasaki ZRX1100 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/mrmartini-zrx1100/ Tue, 18 May 2021 12:23:51 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=33287 By definition, the Kawasaki ZRX1100 is a Universal Japanese Motorcycle, otherwise referred to as standard. But in our opinion, there was nothing standard about it. Based around a ZZR1100 motor the ZRX1100 had the look of an eighties muscle bike, but with the added benefit of a decade worth of technological improvements. Although retuned for low-end torque and to be more manageable on the street, the ZRX was no slouch. On paper, it equated to a modest top speed of […]

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Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe project bike https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/z900rs-cafe-custom/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:33:40 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=32218 Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to test ride almost every new modern classic, retro sports and heritage style motorcycle that’s hit the market. Whether it’s been a Husqvarna Svartpilen, a Ducati Scrambler or the Honda Neo Sports Cafe each one has had its good and its not so good points. What is most impressive though is the fact that manufacturers recognised a market demand for retro-styled motorcycles and have done something about it. For that, we […]

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Katros Garage Kawasaki Z900RS https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/katros-z900rs/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:47:50 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=32456 My first visit to Jakarta in 2014 was arranged for the sole purpose of visiting custom motorcycle workshops. We’d been told the scene there was well worth a look, so, with no real idea of what to expect, I jumped on a plane to Indonesia’s capital. That trip changed my entire perception of Indonesia and its custom automotive scene. During our short visit, we visited multiple workshops every day. Some were well-established businesses with droves of staff beating metal and […]

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Cafe Revival – Koolt Kawasaki KZ400 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/koolt-kz400/ Fri, 12 Feb 2021 07:21:47 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=32236 36-year-old Stefan Lantschner grew up on a farm in Italy where he developed an incurable fixation with motorcycles. His father and uncle raced motocross religiously and as a result, Stefan was riding motorcycles at a very young age. As a teenager, most of his bikes were old and required constant maintenance. This is how he learned the skills to not only maintain but to also modify motorcycles himself. A few years ago, on a trip to the United States to […]

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Clear Purpose – Yoshiwara Factory Kawasaki Z900 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/yoshiwara-factory-z900/ Mon, 28 Dec 2020 14:54:30 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=31812 The Japanese custom motorcycle scene is overflowing with all manner of unexpected and tantalizing two-wheeled wonders. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, around 1.5 hours drive northeast of Tokyo, is a workshop that specialises in early model Kawasaki Z series motorcycles. But unlike other classic motorcycle specialists, Yoshiwara Factory isn’t interested in restoring these classic bikes to their former glory. Instead, workshop owner Yoshi-san, aka Professor Yoshi, takes great pride in making his customer’s bikes perform as well as modern alternatives. Yoshi-san […]

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KZ1000R Style – Doremi reimagines the Z900RS https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/doremi-z1000r/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:19:26 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=26175 When we reviewed the Kawasaki Z900RS Z900RS cafe back in 2018 we noticed something familiar about its styling. Kawasaki stated the design of their sport heritage Z900RS was influenced by the legendary Z1 of the 1970s. However, the bright green, faired version of that same bike, the Z900RS Cafe, seemed to have more in common with a motorcycle released a decade later. That bike was the special edition Kawasaki Z1000R Eddie Lawson Replica (ELR). Over in Japan the crew at aftermarket […]

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Minty Fresh – Rickman Tracy Kawasaki KZ1000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/rickman-tracy-kz1000/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:53:22 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=25553 Based on a 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 this bike is a rolling eulogy to 1970s composite creativity. During the ’60s and ’70s, aftermarket fairings and body kits were all the rage. Manufacturers were slow to recognise the demand so aftermarket suppliers cashed in big time. Designers like Craig Vetter and the Rickman brothers sold literally hundreds of thousands of model specific and universal fit fibreglass components. But then, all that changed. The manufacturers pulled their fingers out and began releasing faired […]

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The Bully – AMS Garage Kawasaki ER6N https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/ams-garage-er6n/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 03:30:43 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=20579 Bali’s AMS Garage is back with yet another incredible example of their metal shaping skills. In our last AMS feature, we showcased their Honda CB650 Pitbull – a dragstrip destined custom shrouded in artfully shaped aluminum. That build earned them a coveted invitation to the 2019 Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod & Custom Show. After just returning home from Mooneyes, with a few new trophies to add to his collection, we touched base with workshop owner Ajus Mulyawarman to discuss another […]

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Fueling the Fire – Stoker Motorcycles ZX-6RR https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/fueling-the-fire-stoker-motorcycles-zx-6rr/ Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:40:52 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=20380 It’s hard to imagine that any good could come from breaking your neck. Things could have gone very differently when Antti Eloheimo’s doctor prescribed him no track time while his neck healed. But rather than sitting on the couch, binge-watching Netflix, Antti decided to turn his unfortunate situation into an opportunity. Laying in wait in his garage was a 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6RR race bike. So with a head full of ideas and enough enthusiasm to achieve them, he got to […]

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Dardevle in Disguise – Nova Motorcycles KZ1000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/nova-kz1000/ Mon, 02 Sep 2019 05:47:06 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=18655 All hail the late 70’s; when men were men and motorcycles were deadly – really deadly. During the ’70s engine development was advancing in leaps and bounds while chassis and brake design were still striving to be called ‘adequate’. This resulted in several rather dangerous machines hitting the streets that earned a reputation for leaving their riders a little worse for wear. For their latest project, the team at Nova Motorcycles set out to fix this with a razor-sharp Kawasaki […]

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Sunday Screening – Kawasaki KLR650 rebuild https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/video-motorcycle-cafe-racer/kawasaki-klr650-rebuild/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/video-motorcycle-cafe-racer/kawasaki-klr650-rebuild/#respond Sun, 21 Apr 2019 01:29:09 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=17033 After literally killing his Kawasaki KLR650 Fort Nine’s “tell it like it is” vlogger Ryan Kluftinger has resurrected the bike in a mere 15 minutes. Well, actually there’s no telling how long it actually took him to tear down and rebuild the entire bike. However, they’ve crammed the whole rebuild process into 15 minutes making it much more consumable and vastly more entertaining to watch than in real time. So for this edition of our ‘Sunday Screening’ sit back and relax […]

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Motorway Maverick – WM83 GPZ900R Ninja https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/ninja-gpz900r/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/ninja-gpz900r/#respond Wed, 03 Apr 2019 11:41:39 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=16286 In 1986 girls swooned and guys headed to the nearest motorcycle dealership at the sight of Tom Cruise astride his Top Gun GPZ900R Kawasaki Ninja. Fast forward 33 years and you’d think that both Tom and the Ninja would have passed their prime, but that clearly isn’t the case. With all the new releases Cruise has coming out it’s clear he hasn’t quite done his dash, and thankfully, neither has this Kawasaki Ninja thanks to the crew at Copenhagen’s Wrenchmonkees. “One of […]

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Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe by Rizoma https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/z900rs-cafe-rizoma/ Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:06:43 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=16253 While most aspects of motorcycle design have come a long way since the 70s, there and several that haven’t. Take for instance indicators. On many modern bikes, we are still seeing oversized blinkers jutting out like babies arms with clenched fists. Then there’s the run of the mill big round plastic mirrors, obligatory pee cup brake reservoirs and oversized fenders. These are the areas most aftermarket brands focus on improving and Italian parts specialists Rizoma are leading by example. The […]

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New Direction – Kawasaki Z1000 Cafe Racer https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/z1000-cowboyschopper/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/z1000-cowboyschopper/#respond Sun, 20 Jan 2019 11:27:51 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=15289 It may come as a surprise, but cafe racers aren’t the only style of custom motorcycle I admire. Back when I launched Return of the Cafe Racers I was (obviously) obsessed with the cafe style, but over time I’ve developed a soft spot for pretty much all manner of motorcycle customisation. Thankfully, I’ve found other outlets that have allowed me to explore these other styles like being the editor of Tank Moto magazine and hosting my own multidisciplinary exhibitions. Over […]

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MRS Oficina Kawasaki Z900RS https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/mrs-oficina-z900rs/ https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/kawasaki-cafe-racer/mrs-oficina-z900rs/#respond Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:08:17 +0000 https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/?p=14672 If you’ve read my ride review of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS or its cafe racer counterpart, you’d know I‘m rather fond of them. In fact, if I had the spare cash sitting around I’d go out and buy one tomorrow. So it goes without saying that I’ve been eagerly awaiting to see more workshops customising them. When Kawasaki unveiled the Z900RS at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show in 2017 they also showed off 3 custom variants built by Japanese workshops, Bito […]

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