Balancing Style and Cost: Kawasaki Z1-R Custom by SANCTUARY

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SANCTUARY KOUGA's Z1-R

This Z1R-II is based on the square body of the Z1-R, with the fuel tank capacity increased from 13 to 20 liters, and combined with the Z1000Mk.II's 19/18 inch body and engine. It is a complete custom RCM with 17-inch front and rear wheels. The owner contacted Sanctuary KOUGA in Shiga Prefecture with a request for this RCM after reading about it in a magazine, and the shop happened to have a base model on hand. The φ43mm front fork and swingarm length suitable for a 17-inch Z were taken from an XJR1300, the engine was fully rebuilt to run properly after completion, and the frame was modified for a rear suspension laydown. The front fork was modified internally, and the engine was fitted with the Sanctuary KOUGA Evo system (which increases the sprocket shaft support position to reduce the load from the shaft to the transmission and allows the use of normal sprockets instead of an offset type). They also incorporated stock components where possible to keep the total cost down while ensuring that this bike would provide a long and comfortable riding experience.

What is even more noteworthy is KOUGA's unique attention to detail. The ammeter is digitalized without changing the stock housing. The meter rings, which are generally not disassembled, were upgraded with a ring kit (available for Z series, Zephyr 750, and Z400FX), which was made with a jig at the shop. A convex rail like the one used on the original bike was crafted for the chain slider attached to the upper left side of the swingarm, since resin plates can get scraped into a sharp point during use and can damage the seal rings between chain plates. This problem was solved by allowing the chain rollers to roll on this central (convex) section. The roller on the underside of the swingarm also has a variable position. The shop's motto is "Building bikes that make sense and are as simple as possible," and this bike is a reflection of that theme.

Electrical

The steering stem is a 17-inch/φ43mm compatible stem by SCULPTURE, and the gauges are upgraded while using the original stock parts as a base. The ammeter on the upper right was converted to a digital display after machining the backside. The speedometer and engine tachometer rings have a plated finish as stock, but here KOUGA's original rings (black finish) are used to enhance the sense of unity in the cockpit area.

Bodyworks

The distinctive square bikini cowl, 20 liter capacity fuel tank, and other exterior features are stock Z1R-II. The left and right masters use Nissin radial pumps.

Engine

The engine was fully rebuilt from the stock φ70 x 66mm (1015cc) to 1030cc using 0.5mm oversized pistons, for a longer ride life. The transmission is also stock, but with Sanctuary KOUGA's original "Evo System" installed. A long output shaft and its supporting bearings were added to reduce the burden on the drivetrain, and at the same time, sprockets of the normal type can be used. These items are also worth noting.

Intake & Exhaust

The exhaust is a KERKER Steel 4-1. It was processed and finished by rewelding the silencer to raise the angle of the tail section.

The carburetor is fitted with a TMR-MJN φ38mm short funnel. The oil cooler line can be seen in the center of the photo.

Chassis

The front forks are stock XJR1300 forks increased from the stock φ36mm to 43mm, with internal settings changed and the bottom case finished in black. SKF fork seals are used. The front brakes sport Brembo Axial 4P calipers in anodized titanium with Sunstar Works expanded discs.

The rear brakes are composed of Brembo CNC 2P calipers in anodized titanium, mounted with Active supports and Sunstar Works expanded discs.

The swingarm is from an XJR1300 and the rear shock is a Nitron Twin laydown mount. The original upper mount section has a boss added and is being utilized as a cargo hook. The plate visible under the chain on the front side of the swingarm is KOUGA's original slider, and the lower roller is also position-adjustable. The wheels are forged aluminum GALESPEED Type-R wheels in 3.50-17/5.50-17 sizes.

Gallery

Specifications

Part	Details
Engine	SANCTUARY KOUGA EVO 6-gear Cross Mission Full Kit
Carb / Intake	YOSHIMURA TMR-MJN Carburetor Short Funnel Φ38mm
Exhaust	KERKER Steel Megaphone Exhaust
Frame	YAMAHA XJR1300 OEM Swingarm
Brake	ADVANTAGE NISSIN Brake Master Cylinder Radial Type BREMBO P4-40R Axial 4P Caliper SUNSTAR Works Expand Front Brake Disc BREMBO GP2-SS CNC 2P Rear Caliper SUNSTAR Works Expand Rear Brake Disc
Wheels	GALE SPEED Type-R 3.50-17 GALE SPEED Type-R 5.50-17
Suspension	YAMAHA XJR1300 OEM Front Forks SKF Front Fork Seals NITRON Twin Shocks R1 Series
Drive System	SANCTUARY KOUGA Convex Type Chain Slider
Handle / Steering	ADVANTAGE NISSIN Clutch Master Cylinder Radial Type SCULPTURE SP Stem Kit for Z1-R Φ43 Fork [Type1] SANCTUARY KOUGA Rivet Ring for Z Series Meter

About SANCTUARY KOUGA

Z1, Z2, Ninja, Katana center in RCM (real complete machine) production, and custom, specialty shop cross mission to carry out the restoration, lightweight generator KIT, planned and developed a number of original parts you have.

SANCTUARY KOUGA brand page

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends