Photo: Imbarcadero 14
Meet Gogo Yubari, a unique Z1000 that embodies bespoke moto glory.
Back in the day, Kawasaki’s Z1000 earned a very special place in the hearts of many riders, and for good reason. This bad boy is one competent piece of machinery, and to say it was ahead of its time would be an understatement.
The 1977 model in Kawasaki’s range is put in motion by a four-stroke DOHC inline-four powerplant, with eight valves and a colossal displacement of 1,015 cc. At around 8,000 rpm, this powerplant is capable of delivering up to 85 ponies and no less than 58 pound-feet (78 Nm) of torque at 6,500 revs.
The engine’s force is handed over to a chain final drive via a five-speed transmission, leading to a whopping top speed of 130 mph (210 kph). Given these desirable characteristics, I’ll bet the Italians over at Imbarcadero 14 were astonished when offered the chance to work their moto magic on such a beast.
For starters, the bike’s subframe was tweaked to tighten its proportions and bring about a sportier aesthetic. The modified subframe module supports a shortened tail section and a custom single-seater saddle that keeps things looking classy.
Next, the standard airbox was discarded to make way for a set of pod filters. To suit the fresh hardware, the Imbarcadero crew proceeded to retune the Mikuni carbs. The Z1000’s electrical components are now located between a pair of bespoke side panels, where you’d normally find the airbox.
Italy’s aftermarket artists blessed the bike’s front end with a vintage-style fairing and clip-on handlebars, while the suspension settings were recalibrated to level out its riding stance. You will also find an ominous four-into-one exhaust system enveloped in a sinister matte black finish. Last but not least, Z1000’s gas tank and tail were treated to a metallic orange base, complemented by graphics depicting Japan’s rising sun flag motif.
To give this creature a personality of its own, Imbarcadero 14’s wizards named their masterpiece “Gogo Yubari” - an iconic character from the Kill Bill blockbuster.
The 1977 model in Kawasaki’s range is put in motion by a four-stroke DOHC inline-four powerplant, with eight valves and a colossal displacement of 1,015 cc. At around 8,000 rpm, this powerplant is capable of delivering up to 85 ponies and no less than 58 pound-feet (78 Nm) of torque at 6,500 revs.
The engine’s force is handed over to a chain final drive via a five-speed transmission, leading to a whopping top speed of 130 mph (210 kph). Given these desirable characteristics, I’ll bet the Italians over at Imbarcadero 14 were astonished when offered the chance to work their moto magic on such a beast.
For starters, the bike’s subframe was tweaked to tighten its proportions and bring about a sportier aesthetic. The modified subframe module supports a shortened tail section and a custom single-seater saddle that keeps things looking classy.
Next, the standard airbox was discarded to make way for a set of pod filters. To suit the fresh hardware, the Imbarcadero crew proceeded to retune the Mikuni carbs. The Z1000’s electrical components are now located between a pair of bespoke side panels, where you’d normally find the airbox.
Italy’s aftermarket artists blessed the bike’s front end with a vintage-style fairing and clip-on handlebars, while the suspension settings were recalibrated to level out its riding stance. You will also find an ominous four-into-one exhaust system enveloped in a sinister matte black finish. Last but not least, Z1000’s gas tank and tail were treated to a metallic orange base, complemented by graphics depicting Japan’s rising sun flag motif.
To give this creature a personality of its own, Imbarcadero 14’s wizards named their masterpiece “Gogo Yubari” - an iconic character from the Kill Bill blockbuster.
Google News