Base vehicle: Kawasaki Z1000MKⅡ…released in 1978 (1979 model)
The photo shows a fully restored motorcycle that was exhibited at the “PMC.Inc” booth at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024, making full use of replacement parts manufactured by the company. The color in the photo is a 1979 dark blue model. ●PMC.Inc https://www.win-pmc.com/
The Kawasaki Z1000MKII was an export-only model that was released in 1978 (1979 model) and produced until 1980. It was designed as the next model after the Z1000, featuring rounded features such as a teardrop-shaped gas tank that was also used on the Z1.
The Z1000MKⅡ is a pioneering model of the “Kaku-Z” (Kawasaki’s angular Z series), which sets it apart from the Z1 and Z1000, and is still respected by a wide range of people today. The Z1000MKⅡ is produced at the Lincoln Plant (Nebraska), an American Kawasaki subsidiary. When it was released, it was very popular not only in North America but also around the world.
Like the Z1 and Z2, this car is considered a highly prized vintage model in Japan, with well-maintained vehicles fetching high prices of several million yen.
Kawasaki Z1000MKⅡ Main Specifications
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| Total length (mm) | 2180 |
|---|---|
| Overall width (mm) | 900 |
| Overall height (mm) | 1180 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1490 |
| Minimum ground clearance (mm) | 155 |
| Dry weight (kg) | 245 |
| Engine type | 4-stroke |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | Parallel (series) |
| Cooling method | air-cooled |
| Displacement (cc) | 1015 |
| Cam and valve drive system | DOHC |
| Inner diameter (cylinder bore) (mm) | 70 |
| Stroke (piston stroke) (mm) | 66 |
| Compression ratio (:1) | 8.7 |
| Maximum power output (PS) | 93.4 |
| Maximum output speed (rpm) | 8000 |
| Maximum torque (kgf･m) | 9.1 |
| Fuel supply method | carburetor |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 17.8 |
| Engine starting method | Self-kick combined type |
| igniter | Fully transistorized |
| Spark plug standard installation type | B8ES |
| Installed battery and model | YB14L-A2 |
| Engine lubrication system | Wet sump type |
| Clutch type | Wet/multi-plate |
| Transmission type | Return type, 5-speed |
| Number of sprocket teeth (front) | 15 |
| Rear sprocket teeth | 35 |
| Chain size | 630 |
| Standard number of chain links | 92 |
| Caster angle | 30 |
| Brake type (front) | Hydraulic double disc |
| Brake type (rear) | Hydraulic disc |
| Tires (front) | 3.25-19 |
| Tire (front) structure name | bias |
| Tire (rear) | 4.00-18 |
| Tire (rear) structure name | bias |
Kawasaki Z1000MKⅡ…Complete machine built by RCM in Sanctuary (serial number: RCM-649)
SANCTUARY specializes in customization and tuning of big bikes. The company’s “RCM (Radical Construction Manufacture)” is a fully custom-made complete machine production system that was launched in 2000.
RCM mainly focuses on large Japanese on-road models, restoring and tuning them using their own unique techniques, focusing on vintage models such as the Kawasaki air-cooled Z series, various Kawasaki Ninjas, Kawasaki Zephyr, Suzuki Katana, and Honda CB-F.
The original complete machine “RCM” produced by Sanctuary is different from vehicles that only have parts replaced. The key frame is reinforced after being modified. In addition, special processing is carried out to match the chassis dimensions.
The engine was installed after a full overhaul down to the smallest detail. The suspension was finished with high precision and is equipped with current high-spec items. Every section, including the electrical system, intake and exhaust system, position system, and body parts, is manufactured using a process that allows no compromise.
After the vehicle is completed, it is subjected to a 200-300km road test drive, and the key point is that a thorough system is in place, in which the vehicle is delivered only after troubleshooting any problems that are common with custom vintage cars.
The photo shows the RCM-649 (serial number: 649), which was made to order by Mr. J, who lives in Australia, and will be exported after the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025. Mr. J, who has motorcycle friends all over the world, commented, “I’m going to tour all over the world on this Kawasaki Z1000MKII!”
This complete bike, RCM’s 649th, has been perfectly restored and fully customized from the engine to the suspension, as shown below. While retaining the original appearance, it has been finished to an extremely high level of specification, approaching (or exceeding) the standards of modern bikes.
Custom menus and installation parts
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| Frame | Dummy engine installed, leather measurement, corrected stretched, original frame reinforcement, STAGE-II & wide laydown processing, drive chain line offset compatible, inline processing, black powder coating |
| piston | DINx Φ75 (piston WPC processing) |
| cylinder | After boring DINx blocks, replace oversized cylinders , boring and polishing the upper and lower surfaces of honing blocks. |
| valve | DINx 5.5mm stem lightweight big valve kit (IN Φ37.5 / EX Φ31) |
| Cylinder head | Twin plug DIN x 5.5mm stem dedicated oversized valve guide seat ring cut intake and exhaust port enlargement polishing |
| camshaft | Yoshimura ST-L2 high camshaft and adjustable cam sprocket inner shim |
| Timing parts | EK Cam Chain SMB Rigid Idler All-in-One Package |
| crankshaft | DINx crankshaft alignment |
| crankcase | Pumping gloss countermeasure processing, top surface polishing |
| Clutch housing | Z1000J series clutch housing conversion kit |
| transmission | SMB New 6-speed cross transmission Drive Chain Line EVO system |
| oil pump | SMB Trochoid Oil Pump & Deep Oil Pan Combination Kit |
| Engine painting | Full Gun Coat |
| Intake system | Yoshimura Mikuni TMR-MJNΦ38 Carburetor with Dual Stack Air Funnels |
| exhaust system | NITRO RACING Weldcraft 3D Titanium EX + Grenade Titanium VIII Silencer (Half Polished) |
| cooling system | NITRO RACING 11-inch 13-row round oil cooler |
| Body Parts | Reinforced fender eliminator kit for Daytona RCM Concept Cozy seat |
| Clutch release | NITRO RACING Hydraulic Clutch Plate Kit Type-II |
| Electrical system | All harnesses replaced, starting with the main harness. AS Wotani SP-II twin plug package. MF battery & PAMS MOSFET regulators (left and right). ZX-type handlebar switch. Multi- reflector headlight . Kawasaki genuine fully rebuilt tachometer & speedometer . Sanctuary Kouga generator & cam-type starter. One-way clutch. Air -cooled GPz1100. Kawasaki genuine starter motor. |
| Front and rear wheels | O.Z Racing GASS RS-A for ZRX1200 (F3.50-17 / R6.00-17) |
| Front fork | Öhlins ExM package (upright fork, black, length 800mm, spring rate 0.85N/mm) |
| Front and rear tires | Pirelli Diablo Rosso Quattro (F120/70-17 / R190/50-17) |
| Front and rear discs | Front Sunstar Works Expansion Band Φ320 Rear Sunstar Expansion Band Φ250 |
| Front and rear calipers | Front: Brembo CNC radial mount 484 , Rear: Brembo CNC 2P |
| Master cylinder | Brakes: Brembo CNC radial pump Φ19 Clutch: Brembo CNC radial pump Φ16 |
| Brake and clutch hoses | Allegri Sholto System |
| Handlebars | Daytona RCM Concept Handlebar & Grip Ends |
| Steering stem | SCULPTURE Φ43SP Stem KIT TYPE-1 |
| Swingarm | SCULPTURE Wide Stem + Block Piece Stabilizer & Racing Stand Hook |
| Rear shock | Ohlins Black Line |
| drive chain | EK530RCM (chain line 108mm) |
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The two bikes have polar opposites! Kawasaki Z1000MKII: “Completely stock” and “Ultra-luxurious custom” | Motorcycle Show 2024The Kawasaki Z1000MKII (Mark II) was released in 1978 (1979 model) and was an overseas-only model produced until 1980. It was designed as the successor to the rounded Z1000, featuring features such as the teardrop-shaped gas tank also used on the Z1. It is still respected by a wide range of people today as a pioneering model of the “Kaku Z” (Kawasaki’s Z series with its angular form), which sets it apart from the Z1 and Z1000. Here we will introduce a rare Z1000MKII that retains its original form as it was when it was released, and a luxurious modified Z1000MKII that is fully equipped with tuning parts. PMC https://www.win-pmc.com/ SANCTUARY https://www.ac-sanctuary.co.jp/ DAYTONA https://www.daytona.co.jp/
Entertainer Yuji’s passion embodied in this ultra-luxurious full-custom Kawasaki Z1000MKII with front and rear Nitron suspension | Motorcycle Show 2024The photo shows a bike on display at the booth of suspension manufacturer Nitron. It is a fully customised bike based on the Kawasaki Z1000MKII, which was released in 1978. The customisation was undertaken by BULL DOCK, a leading name in big bike customisation, including the Kawasaki Z series. The owner and customiser was Yuji, a celebrity known for being a serious car and bike enthusiast. Yuji and the completed black modified Kawasaki Z1000MKII met for the first time on the day of the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024. We will introduce the story behind the creation of this “work” which can be said to be the embodiment of Yuji’s passionate and deep feelings, as well as the details of the customisation. PHOTO & REPORT ● KITA Hideaki Nitron https://www.nitron.jp/ BULL DOCK https://www.bulldock.jp/ Yuji’s Channel https://www.youtube.com/@yujigordon
McCoy x Nitron collaboration suspension for the front and rear! A luxurious “GT-M” full custom Kawasaki Z1000MKII [Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025]The photo shows a bike exhibited at the booth of suspension manufacturer Nitron. It is a luxurious fully customized bike based on the Kawasaki Z1000MKII that was released in 1978. The customization was handled by BULL DOCK, a big name in the world of big bike customization, including the Kawasaki Z series. PHOTO & REPORT ● KITA Hideaki Nitron https://www.nitron.jp/ BULL DOCK https://www.bulldock.jp/
