Flight Jackets and Fast Bikes: Kawasaki GPZ900R Custom by ALPHA INDUSTRIES
ALPHA INDUSTRIES's GPZ900R
This GPZ900R Custom was displayed at the booth of Motorcycle Magazine, the longest running bike magazine in Japan, at the 2023 Tokyo Motorcycle Show. It is a collaboration between ALPHA INDUSTRIES, a manufacturer of military and street wear such as the MA-1 flight jacket, and Motorcycle Magazine. In 1986, not long after the GPZ-R's debut in 1984, the movie "Top Gun" was released. In the movie, Tom Cruise wears a flight jacket (G-1 or CWU-36/P), which inspired movie fans, motorcycle fans, and even the general public to get their hands on one as well. Flight jackets became a common sight on the streets, and the MA-1 was a prime example. The sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick" was released in 2022, renewing many people's impressions of the GPZ900R and of flight jackets. This led to discussions about creating an official ALPHA INDUSTRIES custom demo bike, and together with Motorcycle Magazine, they of course selected that very same GPZ900R! Since the bike was in good condition, the initial plan was to use the stock model as a base, and concentrate on painting for the customization. However, since ALPHA INDUSTRIES is a brand that incorporates the new into the traditional, they decided to change the plan to create a bike that would reflect the current state of motorcycle customization.
The customization was made possible with the cooperation of various parts makers and custom shops known for their Ninja parts. After considering what parts to incorporate and deciding to change the wheels, the parts for each section of the bike were also selected. Although the exhaust is made of titanium, they decided to go all black, and the silencer was also anodized black by K-Factory. The front springs and rear shocks are made by YSS. The down tube and the steps that connect to it are made by Nitro Racing. After getting the bike completed to a certain extent, it was displayed at the aforementioned motorcycle show. However, it seems there is still room for further modifications, such as to the brake system, so more customizations are planned to be added. We would like to follow the further evolution of this model as it is scheduled to appear at various events around the world.
Bodyworks
The square mirrors are Magical Racing Racer Replica with Type 5 Head, and the windshield is an ACTIVE Zero Gravity Type SR. For the Kawasaki lettering on the front, the second "a" is capitalized on purpose, it is actually the ALPHA INDUSTRIES logo.
The paint is based on the A16 Final Edition pattern, from the thickness of the gold lines to the logo placement on each part. HIROKIX DESIGN was in charge of this project, adding flakes to the base red and black, as well as exquisite arrangements to the logos, while keeping an emphasis on the original design.
Not only the lines but also the logos are fully painted. On the stock A16 the letting under the GPZ logo on the side cover would say TWIN CAM 16-VALVE, but this is replaced with the ALPHA INDUSTRIES instead.
The front and rear turn signals and brake light are made by POSH, and the bulbs have been replaced with modern LEDs. The seat has been remade with one from Marunao.
Engine
The engine & carburetor were not modified, but a Nitro Racing Ninja Combination Kit, which creates a double cradle style by tightly fastening a step kit to a down tube kit, was added. The Oil Cooler High Mount Kit and Wide Radiator Kit are also by Nitro Racing. The under cowl is removed, and a carbon upper cowl end made by Shabon Dama is installed to make the lower end of the upper cowl look sleeker.
Intake & Exhaust
The exhaust system is a special one-off product consisting of a K-Factory CLR-type titanium exhaust pipe with black heat-resistant paint, connected to a black anodized silencer (laser marked with the TAGOS logo and brush pattern in white).
Chassis
Nitro Racing's Rearsets Kit is thus tightly fastened to the front side Down Tube Kit via a T/T adapter at the bottom.
The side stand is replaced with the TAGOS+K side stand for GPZ900R. It is longer than stock by +30mm to optimize the bike's tilt angle when parking. The mounting area has also been strengthened to prevent it from opening due to age.
The front and rear suspensions are made by YSS, which is a PMC brand. The φ41mm front forks contain YSS springs with special settings. The brakes remain stock.
The front and rear wheels are forged aluminum OZ RACING GASSRS-A. The 3.50/5.50 width fits the stock swingarm, and both front and rear are changed to 17-inch. The rear brakes are stock.
The rear suspension is equipped with YSS' top-of-the-line fully adjustable MG456 shock for 17-inch rear. The aluminum swingarm and links remain stock.
The tires are Bridgestone S22, which can be enjoyed from street to racetrack level, in sizes 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17. The drive chain is an EK530RK.
Gallery
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Specifications
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.
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