ACTIVE, a general parts manufacturer, displayed a ZRX1200 DAEG Custom at their booth at the 51st Tokyo Motorcycle Show, held in March 2024. They have been releasing various parts for this bike since its debut in 2009, but it was in 2014, the company's 25th anniversary year, that they first built a complete custom, chocked full of their own parts. Since then, that ZRX1200 DAEG Custom has been displayed at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show every year, and has been remodeled about every two years, with each new version winning the hearts of DAEG fans and custom fans alike. This time, the ZRX1200 DAEG Custom appeared at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show with a new exterior that paid homage to the Z400GP, a popular model from the mid-1980s.
The theme of "The Last DAEG Custom" was neo-classic!
■This ACTIVE ZRX1200 DAEG Custom is clad in Firecracker Red, a color that was recently used on the Z900 50th ANNIVERSARY, a limited edition model released by Kawasaki in 2022. The decal lines on the tank pay homage to the Z400GP, which debuted in 1982, but Firecracker Red was also used on its predecessor, the Z400FX, and is a color representative of Kawasaki bikes from the 80s.
The ZRX1200 DAEG, which serves as the base for this custom, was discontinued in 2016. It had its roots in the ZRX1100, released in 1996, which was a naked sport model equipped with a liquid-cooled 4-cylinder engine, and was distinct from the already popular air-cooled Zephyr series. During the aftermarket customization boom that was flourishing at the time of its debut, the parts released by various companies for the ZRX were all parts that further enhanced its sporty style, and the same trend was inherited by the DAEG.
Now, in 2024, ACTIVE has taken a look at the DAEG from a modern perspective, combining the 90's custom style that the ZRX is known for with the latest high-function parts. Let's take a look at the details.
■What first catches the eye is the Type-J wheels, a new addition to GALE SPEED's forged aluminum wheel series that just came out this spring. These wheels enhance the overall neo-classic feel, which is understandable since their design pays homage to the stock aluminum wheels of the early 80s.
■Though the design is classic the technology and performance are modern. While DAEG's stock wheels weigh 5.60kg (F) and 10.25kg (R), the Type-J wheels weigh 4.80kg (F) and 6.35kg (R), for a 65% reduction in weight. The use of simple, lightweight, and compact billet series brake calipers instead of GALE SPEED's top-of-the-line Elaborate series for the front and rear brake calipers is a 90s-inspired touch.
■The polished, hollow swingarm, an ACTIVE product, provides both ideal rigidity and flexing. The front and rear suspensions are made by HYPERPRO of the Netherlands, which ACTIVE is a distributor of in Japan. The all black rear shock is equipped with an Airmatic Preload Adjuster that was a sample exhibit.
■The engine itself is DAEG stock, but the intake and exhaust are equipped with a DNA Custom Filter and r's gear WYVERN Classic R Full Exhaust. In front of the radiator is an ACTIVE Original 11-inch 13-row Round Oil Cooler Kit, which has also been newly released.
■On the left side of the engine is a Yamaha Motor patented Performance Damper which ACTIVE designs model specific brackets for. The steps are equipped with a GALE SPEED Elaborate Foot Control Kit.
■The most notable feature around the handlebars is the GALE SPEED Thumb Brake Master Cylinder, mounted below the clutch lever. This lever can be pressed with the left thumb and was originally intended to solve the problem of not being able to use the rear foot brake due to injury or other reasons, but is now a functional part used to stabilize traction and body posture and restore grip in situations where foot brake operation is difficult, such as when banking strongly to the right.
■The GALE SPEED Thumb Brake Master Cylinder itself is an existing product, but it was reintroduced here with a new specification that allows the lever length to be adjusted. For the primary front brake/hydraulic clutch master cylinders, GALE SPEED's VRD series was chosen. The windshield from ZEROGRAVITY of the U.S. and cowl mounting bracket from ACTIVE are already standard items for ZRX customization.
ACTIVE's DAEG Custom, always evolving with the introduction of new products and trends in the customization market
Now that we've seen the latest ZRX1200 DAEG Custom, let's take a look at the history of ACTIVE's customs thus far. You will be able to see how the company's products as well as trends in ZRX customization have evolved.
■ACTIVE's custom DAEG first made its Motorcycle Show appearance in 2014 and it became the symbol to commemorate their 25th anniversary. The front and rear suspensions are HYPERPRO, and a subframe, a popular ACTIVE product since the customization boom of the 1990s, is also installed. GALE SPEED Type-GP1S wheels, which are now discontinued, were equipped for the front and rear. The brake master cylinder is also by GALE SPEED, and the large round radiator was a standard item for ZRX customization back then.
■Three years after the first DAEG Custom, the second generation was unveiled. The exterior color was changed to green and black, and both the intake and exhaust were fitted with parts from brands that ACTIVE is a distributor for; a DNA Filter and an AKRAPOVIC Titanium Full Exhaust. The swingarm was also changed to an ACTIVE original, and the subframe was removed. It is evident that this customization focused on enhancing the overall sporty feel of the bike.
■The third generation DAEG Custom used HYPERPRO's color scheme. The titanium heat color finish of the r's gear exhaust matches well. The hot topic for this bike was the installation of a GALE SPEED rear brake caliper and steps, which proved that GALE SPEED had evolved into a brand that encompassed not just wheels, but all footwork parts.The engine cover slider made of POM material and aluminum block was also a new release that year.
■Even in 2021, when the show was cancelled due to Covid regulations, ACTIVE had been preparing to unveil the 4th generation of their DAEG Custom. The highlight was the GALE SPEED radial brake calipers, which had finally been released. The front and rear wheels were replaced with Type-E, which is a model that inherited the concept of the Type R roots model in hopes of becoming the new standard. This custom was finally displayed at the 49th Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which was held in 2022, after 2 years of cancellations.
Webike Japan's global merchandiser who is passionate about motorcycles. Born in Japan, and spent his childhood in the US. 25 years of riding experience mainly on the tarmac and motorcycle market. He loves products made in Japan and considers himself a "Japan Parts evangelist".
