Photo: Guerry & Prat
We're thrilled to show you Sylvain Berneron's personal custom machine, the Tzar. If Sylvain's name doesn't sound really familiar, maybe the Holographic Hammer will: he is the man behind many stunning designs bearing the HH badge, and it was only natural that he rode an equally stunning machine.
The Tzar is based on a Suzuki GSX1200 Inazuma, but there's rather few parts left to recognize the original machine. Chosen over a Kawasaki ZRX1200 for the shape of the tank, the big-bore Inazuma had to undergo a series of changes to adapt the frame and the bodywork and bring it on the cafe-racer side.
Just like with all other bikes going cafe-racer, the subframe was the first to receive a close shave: Sylvain shortened it with a good 30 cm (11.8") and got a wonderful smooth, flowing-lines rear cowl and a basepan which also holds the battery.
The base line of the rear cowl and seat is now transitioning seamlessly to the lower contour of the generous tank for a compact and fluid design.
On the tech side, the 1200cc engine received Yoshimura cams and an upgraded ignition, larger headers, a racey Zard exhaust and is now believed to deliver around 160 HP. The airbox was tossed in favor of oval-conical K&N filters for increased breathing capability.
The fork was "stolen" from a liter-class Gixxer and loaded with LSL clip-ons, Braking PR19 master cylinders and a minimalist yet modern Acewell gauge. According to Bike EXIF, the Tzar got his white and blue livery (and number 7) from Barry Sheene’s 1975 RG500 race bike.
In my opinion, the Tzar looks much better than the RG500!
Just like with all other bikes going cafe-racer, the subframe was the first to receive a close shave: Sylvain shortened it with a good 30 cm (11.8") and got a wonderful smooth, flowing-lines rear cowl and a basepan which also holds the battery.
The base line of the rear cowl and seat is now transitioning seamlessly to the lower contour of the generous tank for a compact and fluid design.
On the tech side, the 1200cc engine received Yoshimura cams and an upgraded ignition, larger headers, a racey Zard exhaust and is now believed to deliver around 160 HP. The airbox was tossed in favor of oval-conical K&N filters for increased breathing capability.
The fork was "stolen" from a liter-class Gixxer and loaded with LSL clip-ons, Braking PR19 master cylinders and a minimalist yet modern Acewell gauge. According to Bike EXIF, the Tzar got his white and blue livery (and number 7) from Barry Sheene’s 1975 RG500 race bike.
In my opinion, the Tzar looks much better than the RG500!
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