Photo: Jorge Sanchez
We all know how dear UJMs are to custom bike builders around the world, with tons of models to choose from and all the classic charm you could ever wish for. In the past, the CB750 nameplate from Honda reigned supreme on the customization scene due to its versatility and dependable nature, as well as the sheer number of copies produced over the years.
However, bike-modding firms became increasingly fond of other Japanese classics as time went by, and KZ models are the name of the game when it comes to Kawasaki. The stunning cafe racer well be looking at today is based on a KZ650, hailing all the way from Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the work of Ruffo Black Customs, a father-and-son duo operating on the custom motorcycle segment since 2008.
The Kawi was built over an 18-month period a few years back, with just about every bit of it getting the Ruffo treatment. After taking the donor apart and ditching a large chunk of its stock equipment, the Argentine specialists got the ball rolling with a comprehensive powertrain overhaul. They rebuilt the inline-four engine inside out, treating it to a modern electronic ignition and fresh coils in the process.
An aftermarket oil cooler has been added, as well, complete with braided stainless-steel hoses. In addition, Ruffo ditched the factory breathing equipment in favor of premium air filters and a gorgeous four-into-one exhaust system. The same level of attention was given to the suspension department, with the KZ650’s front end gaining a set of inverted Marzocchi forks.
These bad boys were sourced from a Ducati, and they’re held in place by way of custom triple clamps. At the back, we find twin RFY shock absorbers with piggyback reservoirs and adjustable preload, supporting a bespoke loop-style subframe. The tubing is encased in metal panels on all sides and topped with some more handmade goodness, in the form of a cafe racer tail section and a solo seat.
Fronting the new saddle is a classy aluminum fuel tank, but the specimen’s new attire is completed by an inconspicuous front fender. The mudguard is just large enough to do its job effectively, without adding too much visual clutter to the front end. Lower down, Ruffo fitted Brembo brake calipers and aftermarket rotors for ample stopping power.
A vintage-looking headlamp keeps the way ahead nice and lit, joined by wrap-around turn signals on the lower triple clamp. Out back, there is an LED lighting strip neatly recessed into the tail section. Other bits and pieces worth mentioning are the aftermarket rearsets, clip-on handlebars, and bar-end mirrors. Finally, the motorcycle’s colorway is a tasteful mixture of black and green, along with a brushed alloy finish on the tank’s knee indentations.
The Kawi was built over an 18-month period a few years back, with just about every bit of it getting the Ruffo treatment. After taking the donor apart and ditching a large chunk of its stock equipment, the Argentine specialists got the ball rolling with a comprehensive powertrain overhaul. They rebuilt the inline-four engine inside out, treating it to a modern electronic ignition and fresh coils in the process.
An aftermarket oil cooler has been added, as well, complete with braided stainless-steel hoses. In addition, Ruffo ditched the factory breathing equipment in favor of premium air filters and a gorgeous four-into-one exhaust system. The same level of attention was given to the suspension department, with the KZ650’s front end gaining a set of inverted Marzocchi forks.
These bad boys were sourced from a Ducati, and they’re held in place by way of custom triple clamps. At the back, we find twin RFY shock absorbers with piggyback reservoirs and adjustable preload, supporting a bespoke loop-style subframe. The tubing is encased in metal panels on all sides and topped with some more handmade goodness, in the form of a cafe racer tail section and a solo seat.
Fronting the new saddle is a classy aluminum fuel tank, but the specimen’s new attire is completed by an inconspicuous front fender. The mudguard is just large enough to do its job effectively, without adding too much visual clutter to the front end. Lower down, Ruffo fitted Brembo brake calipers and aftermarket rotors for ample stopping power.
A vintage-looking headlamp keeps the way ahead nice and lit, joined by wrap-around turn signals on the lower triple clamp. Out back, there is an LED lighting strip neatly recessed into the tail section. Other bits and pieces worth mentioning are the aftermarket rearsets, clip-on handlebars, and bar-end mirrors. Finally, the motorcycle’s colorway is a tasteful mixture of black and green, along with a brushed alloy finish on the tank’s knee indentations.
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