Z1-R Custom: Impossible Combination Achieved?
Sanctuary's Z1-R
The Z1R has a unique design among the air-cooled Z series, and its presence still stands out even today, not only because of the café racer-like bikini cowl, but also because of its sharp angular design with straight lines instead of the curvy design of the Z1. The concept of this custom machine is "frame-mounted bikini cowl with handlebars.
However, if the bike is frame-mounted and bar handlebar-mounted, the brake/clutch master lever will interfere with the bikini cowl. The only way to avoid this problem is to make the bikini cowl extend forward to avoid the interference, but this would spoil the coolness of the bike... If the custom order was to mount the bikini cowl on the frame and to install the bar handlebar at the same time, there would be no problem, but this machine is the best custom machine that RCM Sanctuary has ever made. However, since this machine is the highest quality custom machine manufactured by RCM Sanctuary, they could not allow the appearance to be spoiled. The mechanics in charge of this project struggled with the angle of the handlebars, and the bikini cowl was installed as close to the front as possible, while keeping the angle of the steering wheel as shown in the Sculpture SP stem kit. Sanctuary has adjusted the angle in increments of millimeters, not centimeters, to achieve the best balance between appearance and practicality. The engine itself has not been tuned to the extreme for long life, but a trochoid rotor high-pressure pump has been installed to efficiently circulate oil in the engine, and a 6-speed cross transmission EVO system has been introduced to improve ease of use. The power unit is designed to provide a longer, more reliable driving experience. The intake and exhaust systems have also been modified to deliver more power than the stock unit.
Intake & Exhaust
The intake and exhaust systems have been modified with Noblest Vossner pistons and Kent Cams ST-1, resulting in powerful characteristics with much more punch than stock. Trochoidal high-pressure oil was also used to maximize the cooling effect.
The Nitro Racing exhaust, made by weldcrafting titanium pipes and welding them back together, is one of the most popular products. The reason for using such a complex manufacturing process is to prevent the cross section from collapsing due to bending and to get the muffler as close to the engine as possible.
Handle
It may come as a surprise, but this is the first time Sanctuary has attempted to combine the Z1R's bar handle with a frame-mounted bikini cowl. A great deal of effort was put into balancing the steering wheel angle and appearance.
Bodyworks
The position of the bikini cowl was carefully adjusted to maximize the steering wheel's angle of attack and to create a comfortable position for the driver. The blinkers were also newly installed from the bracket and placed at the optimal position. The machine manufactured by Sanctuary's head office has achieved a high level of perfection because of this thorough attention to detail.
Chassis
The front forks are made by Ohlins, but Sanctuary offers an ExM (Exchange Mode) package that includes fenders and stays that are required when replacing the front forks. Optimal characteristics for public road use are also pursued.
Forged aluminum wheels by O-Z Racing, Brembo calipers, Sunstar rotors, and a front end made by first-class Brandt. All of these brands are indispensable parts in pursuit of performance.
The rear shocks are Ohlins Black Line. The mounts are laid down to increase the progressive effect, and the staff optimized the shocks for public road use by running on actual roads.
Frame
The step is made by Nitro Racing, which offers high operability due to its simple shape and built-in ball bearings, regardless of the body style. They are an indispensable part of the RCM manufactured by Sanctuary's main store.
The swingarm is a sculpture developed by Sanctuary to optimize the 17-inch air-cooled Z. Sanctuary had also used the stock swingarm in the early days, but this was developed to optimize the 17-inch air-cooled Z machine.
The rear brakes are not designed simply to increase braking power, but rather to have a greater tread distance in accordance with modern braking conditions to facilitate control of vehicle attitude and speed during braking.
Electrical
The gauges are one-offs, with a stack of tacho and speedometers and a fuel gauge. In addition, a Yoshimura PRO-GRESS multi-temp meter controls oil temperature. A solid indicator is also provided at the bottom.
Gallery
Specifications
About SANCTUARY
SANCTUARY is a custom builder that is good at Vintage motorcycles like Z1,Ninja and KATANA. They sell special parts which were born from trial and error that mechanics had repeated mounting and testing
editor
Hakuyo
A foreigner who rides in Japan, Japanese call this "Gaijin Rider". Third year in the Webike global team. He feels and shares the real bike life in Japan then presents you how interesting Japanese customs are.