Photo: Chris Sweetapple
Bespoke motorcycles are like dessert there’s always room for more!
In 2015, a gifted aftermarket artist named Nigel Fox (also known as Slyfox Customs) went about treating a regular 1980 model from Kawasaki’s KZ440 range to a comprehensive transformation that’ll have you genuinely awestruck. For a clear demonstration of this guy’s enviable skills, we’ll be proceeding with a thorough examination of this spectacular feat.
The donor for this project is put in motion by a four-stroke SOHC parallel-twin mill that hosts a respectable displacement of 443cc and two Keihin carbs with 32 mm (1.26 inches) throttle bodies. At 8,500 rpm, the air-cooled monstrosity will deliver up to 40 hp, along with 26 pound-feet (35 Nm) of twisting force at around 7,500 rpm.
A six-speed gearbox feeds the engine’s power to the rear 18-inch hoop via a chain final drive. Ultimately, this whole shebang leads to a top speed of approximately 112 mph (180 kph). Now, Kawasaki’s KZ440 isn’t exactly what you’d call a showstopper when it comes to performance, nor is it a particularly sexy bike. Nonetheless, Slyfox’s visual pizzazz does a great job at making it look the part!
For starters, the craftsman undertook the painstaking task of fabricating a curvy tail section by means of an English wheel. This module is supported by the stock subframe and its lines complement those of the original fuel tank, which has been retained. Additionally, the new tail houses a twin LED taillight assembly that keeps things looking neat.
The following step consisted of equipping a pair of clip-on handlebars and sculpting a couple of dents into the gas tank’s front end to offer full clearance when steering. In the powertrain department, you will find a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system and refurbished carburetors that allow the parallel-twin engine to breathe a little more freely. Additionally, the latter received fresh seals, bearings and valves.
Lastly, we notice a set of rear-mounted foot pegs, an aftermarket headlight and a retro-style gauge rounding out the new aesthetic. To top it all off, the entire machine was rewired using modern components.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on that juicy orange paintwork, okay? It’ll guarantee that Slyfox’s unique KZ440 gets noticed wherever it rides.
The donor for this project is put in motion by a four-stroke SOHC parallel-twin mill that hosts a respectable displacement of 443cc and two Keihin carbs with 32 mm (1.26 inches) throttle bodies. At 8,500 rpm, the air-cooled monstrosity will deliver up to 40 hp, along with 26 pound-feet (35 Nm) of twisting force at around 7,500 rpm.
A six-speed gearbox feeds the engine’s power to the rear 18-inch hoop via a chain final drive. Ultimately, this whole shebang leads to a top speed of approximately 112 mph (180 kph). Now, Kawasaki’s KZ440 isn’t exactly what you’d call a showstopper when it comes to performance, nor is it a particularly sexy bike. Nonetheless, Slyfox’s visual pizzazz does a great job at making it look the part!
For starters, the craftsman undertook the painstaking task of fabricating a curvy tail section by means of an English wheel. This module is supported by the stock subframe and its lines complement those of the original fuel tank, which has been retained. Additionally, the new tail houses a twin LED taillight assembly that keeps things looking neat.
The following step consisted of equipping a pair of clip-on handlebars and sculpting a couple of dents into the gas tank’s front end to offer full clearance when steering. In the powertrain department, you will find a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system and refurbished carburetors that allow the parallel-twin engine to breathe a little more freely. Additionally, the latter received fresh seals, bearings and valves.
Lastly, we notice a set of rear-mounted foot pegs, an aftermarket headlight and a retro-style gauge rounding out the new aesthetic. To top it all off, the entire machine was rewired using modern components.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on that juicy orange paintwork, okay? It’ll guarantee that Slyfox’s unique KZ440 gets noticed wherever it rides.
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