The Ultimate Fusion: KAWASAKI Z900RS CAFE Custom by Wheelie

• Z900RS CAFE

• Share:

• 
• 
• 

Wheelie's Z900RS CAFE

This bike looks like a Kawasaki Z900RS tailored for race use, but there is something different about it. It was built by Mr. Tominaga of Wheelie, who are known for their original handmade reinforced aluminum swingarms and NC parts. This bike, which Mr. Tominaga calls the “Z1000CAFE,” has a Z900RS CAFE base, at least in most parts, including the frame, exterior, and front and rear suspension. However, the engine, though it is still a Kawasaki liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder, belongs to the ZX-10R. Mr. Tominaga happened to come across this engine, FI system, and harnesses, and that was the reason he decided to build this custom. The name “Z1000CAFE” is a combination of “CAFE” from the bikini cowl installed for wind protection and “Z1000” because it now sports a 1000cc engine.

What encouraged Mr. Tominaga to create this machine was his desire to “create a naked bike that would ride well on the track.” In the past, naked bikes such as the ZRX series 1100/1200/DAEG and the air-cooled Z were enjoyed both on the street and through customization, and by adding modifications, they could also ride fast on the racetrack. Tominaga decided that he wanted to enjoy a current naked bike in the same way.

Tuning parts for the Z900RS engine were not available at the time he built this custom, and so the 10R engine that he happened to have was chosen for the challenge. However, even though they are both liquid-cooled 4-cylinder FI models, the ZX-10 engine did not just fit right into the Z900RS. An engine mount was made from chromoly pipe (the pipe on the side of the engine is a part of it) to fit the Z900RS' trellis frame, and the engine was installed.

The bike was completed in the summer of 2020, and ridden at the Autopolis in the fall of that year. This was a good opportunity to test the company's NC parts and swingarm, which was another goal of the project, and it was able to reach 270 km/h with high stability. On top of that, the engine characteristics of the 10R, which differ from the base Z900RS, and the ride performance that come from it, could not have been experienced simply by tuning the Z900RS engine. Although it was just a coincidence that the idea for this project came about, the idea to create a custom by converting the engine of one modern model to another is something novel that makes us think outside the box.

Handle

The gauges are converted to ZX-10R including the harness. The stem is a Wheelie Billet Triple Tree for Z900RS Ohlins Inverted Fork. The handlebar and clutch lever are both ZETA, and the front master cylinder is a Brembo radial pump.

Bodyworks

The bikini cowl is a stock Z900RS CAFE cowl. The cowl and body are painted in Candy Tone Green, the stock color of the 2021 Z900RS.

A Z900RS CAFE single seat is equipped. There is no reinforcement or modification to the main tubular steel frame itself, including the seat rail.

The fuel tank, side covers, and tail cowl remain stock, a race number plate is added to the tail, and the side cover emblem has been modified to the Z1000CAFE name.

Engine

Below the steering head is the front engine mount (bolt section), and an air duct (made of aluminum) was added to match the ZX-10R engine.

The engine and auxiliaries for this Z1000CAFE are from an '08 Kawasaki Supersport ZX-10R. The engine mount was made from chromoly pipe and the mounting position was determined by considering the position of the front sprocket and the clearance between the rear suspension/throttle body and the frame/fuel tank. It is designed to bolt to the Z900RS frame (under the tank for the front and under the injection cover for the rear). It doesn't look out of place at all.

The front side of the engine is supported by the chromoly pipe engine mount below the cylinder. The rear end is supported by the frame under the pivot as with stock. The engine itself is a stock '08 ZX-10R. GB Racing sliders are installed on both sides.

The FI and throttle body/link also differ between the Z900RS and ZX-10R, so the engine position was determined to avoid interference with the frame.

Chassis

The front forks have been replaced with Ohlins inverted and the front brakes are a set of Brembo Radial M4 calipers and SUNSTAR discs. The front and rear wheels are forged magnesium alloy Marchesini M10S in sizes 3.50-17/6.00-17 inch. The axle shafts are 25mm in diameter.

The rear brake area is composed of a Brembo CNC caliper + Wheelie support + SUNSTAR disc. The 7N01 aluminum pentagonal reinforced swingarm is handmade by Wheelie. The titanium silencer is by Nojima Engineering, paired with an Akrapovic exhaust pipe since Nojima doesn't make one for the 10R.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Engine	GBRacing Engine Cover Set
Exhaust	NOJIMA Repair Silencer WHEELIE Z900RS Exhaust Bracket for Pillion Step
Frame	WHEELIE Z900RS Triple Tree for Ohlins Upside Down Forks WHEELIE Z900RS/CAFE 3D Link Plate WHEELIE Z900RS 7N01 Pentagonal Reinforced Swingarm (0W Type with Endurance Stand Hook, Caliper Direct Mounting Specification)
Brake	brembo Radial Brake Master Cylinder brembo Monoblock Radial Mount Brake Caliper Kit M4 P4 34/34 108mm Single SUNSTAR Premium RACING Hole Type Front Disc Rotor brembo P2-RS84 Rear Brake Caliper 84mm SUNSTAR WORKS EXPAND Rear Floating Disc Rotor
Wheels	MARCHESINI Forged Aluminum Magnesium Wheels M10R Corse WHEELIE Front Axle Shaft Kit
Suspension	OHLINS Upside Down Front Fork FG R&T 200 OHLINS Rear Suspension
Steps	WHEELIE Z900RS/CAFE Coaxial Pedal Type 3D Step WHEELIE Z900RS/CAFE 3D Pillion Step Kit
Drive System	RK 520XXW Drive Chain ED;BK RK High Carbon Steel Premium Sprocket
Handle / Steering	ZETA GT Handlebar ZETA Flight Perch RD
Bodyworks	WHEELIE Z900RS Carbon Rear Fender

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends