Speed and Stability: KAWASAKI ZRX1200/R Custom by STRIKER
STRIKER's ZRX1200/R
"This bike was recently modified for a long-time customer. First of all, the bikini cowl and the gauges are now frame-mounted. The handlebars have been changed from the standard bar to clip-ons, and the seat now uses a single seat cowl instead of the stock double type. Also, a quick shifter was added,” said Mr. Suzuki, the manager of STRIKER WORKS. The base model is a Kawasaki ZRX1200R.
"The owner decided to make some changes after participating in a track day event. The bike had no problems being enjoyed in the city or for touring with the previous specifications, but he wanted to add something new to it, to make it a lighter ride," said Suzuki.
Other than the aforementioned parts, the specifications have not changed much from the time the owner first brought the bike into the shop. This means that the original specifications were already solid. However, some changes were made.
"The appearance and the parts installed are the same, but the ride quality was completely different when he first came to the shop,” said Suzuki, "He got the bike used, but it didn't ride straight at high speeds. So, the reason he came to us was that he wanted to improve stability. At the time, we determined that the cause was the posture of the bike, so we fixed it. The front and rear suspension were also not damping well, so we worked on that as well."
With the bike running comfortably thanks to this work, the owner has since come to STRIKER for maintenance and any further customizations. The G-Striker Swingarm is one of those updates as it is a part that was developed after the first time the bike was worked on. The engine runs great, and though not as easy as an FI, the carburetor is well set up, making it fun to ride. On top of that, the chassis is much more compact and easier to maneuver than stock.
In order to bring out the potential of new parts, the aforementioned basic posture and settings are indispensable. This is a package that allows the high-performance parts to really shine. The changes made also add the benefit of more nimble handling. The clip-on handlebars provide a natural, forward leaning, street-fighter-like posture with a sufficient steering angle for street use. With these changes, this ZRX is now one step ahead of the competition.
Handle
The handlebars were converted to clip-ons by removing the risers from the antlion Top Bridge. They provide a natural forward leaning posture and secure the steering angle. The left and right master cylinders are Nissin Radial with ACTIVE levers, and the throttle holder is also by ACTIVE.
Bodyworks
The bike was perfectly rideable with the previous specifications, but for even more nimble handling, the bikini cowl (made by LEOPARDO) was changed to a frame mount.
The single seat cowl that was added this time is also made by LEOPARDO. The fuel tank and side covers are still the same as before, including the paintjob.
Engine
The engine is stock ZRX1200R. The oil hose that goes to the cylinder head (camshaft section, right side) was changed to stainless mesh. The radiator is a round type. The intake/exhaust settings and regular maintenance are all done at STRIKER WORKS.
Intake & Exhaust
The carburetor was converted from a stock CVK36 to an FCR φ39mm, and the throttle position sensor (black part on the upper side of the carburetor) was added just like stock. The settings are solid, and the bike responds perfectly to throttle operation, making it a fun ride.
The exhaust is a STRIKER Full Titanium Limited Edition, as you can see from the silencer emblem.
Chassis
The simple step layout hasn't changed from when the bike was first acquired, but a quickshifter was added this time. The front sprocket cover is made by POSH.
The Ohlins front forks were already installed when the bike first came in. The Brembo axial mount 4-piston calipers were installed later.
The G-Striker Swingarm is also a more recent update. The Ohlins rear shocks and GALE SPEED Type-R wheels (with the rear one size up from stock at 3.50-17/6.00-17 inch) were equipped before the bike came to STRIKER. The drive chain has been converted to 520 size using an RK chain.
Gallery
Specifications
Part | Details |
---|---|
Engine | STRIKER Guard Slider |
Carb / Intake | KEIHIN FCR φ39mm Carburetor |
Exhaust | STRIKER Hand-Bent 4-1 Full Titanium Exhaust, Heat Polished, Limited Edition |
Frame | MOTORCYCLE DOCTOR SUDA Frame Mount Cowl Bracket STRIKER G-STRIKER Swingarm |
Brake | NISSIN Radial Brake Master Cylinder, Standard Lever, Vertical Type Φ19 ACTIVE STF Brake Lever brembo Axial 4P Caliper BRAKING Wave Disc, Front BRAKING Wave Disc, Rear |
Wheels | GALE SPEED Type-R 3.50-17 Front Wheel GALE SPEED Type-R 6.00-17 Rear Wheel |
Suspension | OHLINS Inverted Front Forks OHLINS Fully Adjustable Rear Shock |
Steps | SPICE Tactical Footpeg, 3 Positions |
Drive System |
POSH Sprocket Cover with Clutch Piston Base RK 520XXW Drive Chain |
Handle / Steering |
antlion Top Bridge RISE CORPORATION Clip-on Handlebar Kit Φ43 NISSIN Radial Clutch Master Cylinder ACTIVE STF Clutch Lever YOSHIMURA Digital Multimeter CLEVER LIGHT ZiiX Lap Timer |
Bodyworks | LEOPARDO ZRX1100, 1200 Front Cowl (With Lip) LEOPARDO ZRX1100, 1200 Single Seat (Street) |
About STRIKER
Based on technologies cultivated in race scenes, STRIKER is a brand producing exhausts and rear set kits designed for motorcycle dedicated model. They are profesional parts bulider who creates high quality performance parts compatible with Japan made motorcycle including Kawasaki and Honda.
Original Source of this Article
Heritage & Legends
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.