Moriwaki Z (Moriwaki Super 1000) Based on Kawasaki Z1000
The legendary Moriwaki Z (Moriwaki Super 1000) was proudly displayed on the stage at the Moriwaki booth at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025.
In 1981, Moriwaki entered the British Championship (Donington Park) with the Moriwaki Z (Moriwaki Super 1000). The rider was Wayne Gardner (Australia), who was still unknown at the time but would later become the World GP 500cc class champion, the pinnacle of road racing. In this race, he engaged in a fierce battle for the lead until the final lap with Barry Sheene (Great Britain), the World GP 500cc champion (1976/1977) riding a Yamaha YZR500. Unfortunately, the Moriwaki Z came in second, making the name “Moriwaki” known around the world and also providing the impetus for Wayne Gardner to rise to stardom.
This bike is a genuine racing machine that has been uniquely tuned by Moriwaki based on the Kawasaki Z1000. It maximizes the potential of the Z1000, demonstrating the speed and strength to compete on equal terms with the manufacturer’s factory machines.
The engine’s pistons and camshafts have been tuned by Moriwaki, achieving a maximum output of over 150 horsepower. To accommodate the increased power, the frame uses Moriwaki’s own chromoly pipes. The suspension has also been thoroughly strengthened with aluminum cast wheels, a reinforced swingarm, and a laydown mount for the rear shock, to match the ultra-high-grip slick tires.
From the monthly Moto Champ magazine (May 1990 issue). The photo on the left shows a Kawasaki Zephyr 400 equipped with a Moriwaki Monaka muffler.
Kawasaki Z900RS MORIWAKI modified
Moriwaki commercially available parts such as rearsets, under cowl, clear screen, stem kit, single seat kit, aluminum swing arm with stabilizer, etc. are also used throughout the bike. For details on each part, check out Moriwaki’s official website!
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The front and rear wheels are set to 17 inches, the same diameter as the stock, and are made of lightweight and strong OZ Racing GASS RS-A black anodized aluminum. The front size is 3.50-17, and the rear size is 5.50-17.
The muffler (prototype) is a down-type, but is equipped with a vertically long, thin silencer type that allows for maximum banking angle.
The tire sizes are 120/70-17 in the front (same size as the standard), and 180/60-17 in the rear (standard is 180/55-17).
In 2018, 45 years after the arrival of the legendary Kawasaki Z1, the Z900RS was born, inheriting the bloodline of the Z1. The Kawasaki Z is an essential part of Moriwaki’s racing history.
The Z900RS MORIWAKI modified shown in the photo is a racing machine created to compete in the Iron Sports Expert, the highest class of the Iron Horse road race held at HSR Kyushu, which is contested by iron-framed bikes.
By combining Moriwaki’s traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge manufacturing technology, the engine, frame, and suspension have been significantly tuned by combining parts from both the company and other companies. In 2021, a course record of 1’04.276 was set by Moriwaki Shogo (current Chairman and CEO) (this record remains unbroken as of March 2025). The hot spirit of Moriwaki Z lives on in the Z900RS MORIWAKI modified.
Key specifications
| Product name | Manufacturer | remarks |
| Engine displacement | 1,043cc (normal is 948cc) | |
| radiator | KOYORAD | Z900RS/Cafe Racing Radiator Prototype |
| engine cover | GB Racing | Alternator secondary cover/Clutch secondary cover/Pulse secondary cover |
| Front tire | Pirelli | DIABLO SUPERCORSA V4 (SC-1)120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear tire | Pirelli | DIABLO SUPERCORSA V4 (SC-1)180/60 ZR 17 |
| Front suspension | Moriwaki x Nitron | NTR TVT PRO Front Fork Cartridge Kit |
| Rear suspension | Moriwaki x Nitron | RACE PRO (product name to be determined) |
| Front and rear wheels | OZ Racing | GASS RS-A Black Anodized 3.50-17/5.50-17 |
| Front and rear wheel bearings | STM | For OZ racing wheels |
| engine oil | Shell ADVANCE | 4T ULTRA 10W-40 |
| Lever guard | FULLSIX | Dry carbon (fiber) |
| Handle grip | Domino | A450 Racing Type Black x Blue |
| High Throttle | Domino | High Throttle Kit |
| Front and rear brake hoses | SPEEDBRAKES | General-purpose |
| Front and rear axle shafts | KOOD | For Z900RS/Cafe |
| stem shaft | KOOD | |
| chain | DID | ZVM-X (520) *Converted from STD 525 to 520 |
| Spark plug | NGK | CR9EDX-S |
| sprocket | ISA | For OZ wheels |
| battery | SHORAI | Lithium-ion battery (LiFePO4) |
| Team wear | BURTLE | 480 Hoodie Jacket / 715 Button-Down Polo Shirt / 9503 Stretch Pants |
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Results
Iron Horse (Iron Sports Expert Class) *A race held at HSR Kyushu for iron frame bikes
| 2020 | Tetsuba with β TITANIUM Qualifying 4th / Semi-final DNF / Final 5th Rider: Moriwaki Shogo |
| 2021 | Tetsuba with β TITANIUM Qualifying 1st / Semi-final 1st / Final 1st Rider: Moriwaki Shogo *Tetsuba course record, pole position |
| 2022 | Tetsuuma with β TITANIUM canceled due to typhoon |
| 2023 | Iron Horse Festival with β TITANIUM Qualifying 1st place / Final 1st place Rider: Moriwaki Shogo |
| 2024 | Tetsuba Festival with β TITANIUM Qualifying 1st place / Final 1st place Rider: Watanabe Kazuki Tetsuba Festival with β TITANIUM Qualifying 1st place / Semi-final 1st place / Final 1st place Rider: Moriwaki Shogo |
A monster built by Moriwaki! A magically modified KAWASAKI Z900RS modified by MORIWAKI! #KW26
