Fashion brands pay for the best-looking models to show off their new clothing designs. Kriega relies on the coolest bikes
Sometimes it’s better for us to show luggage with the standard motorcycle, to quickly and visually explain ‘This kit is for your bike’. Other times it benefits to be more creative. We’ve used unusual or custom-built bikes for years. There was the Vyrus, our Honda Dominator custom and Ducati Desert X, and, more recently, Gorm Moto’s NX650 Rally.
For the launch of the new generation R25 backpack we chose this turbo Kawasaki. In modern parlance, it might be referred to as a restomod. ‘Just don’t call it a streetfighter,’ says Mark Toon of Race Component Development (RCD), who built it.
Restomods, both in the car and motorcycle worlds, have lines that are very sympathetic to the look of the original, while wheels, brakes, suspension, and performance are all enhanced. In the case of this bike, virtually everything is different to the original.
It was built in Nottinghamshire, UK by RCD. The reason it is so recognisably a homage to the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R is down to the tank and tail, painted in the Z1-R’s restrained ‘moonstone’ grey-blue paint complete with factory-style pinstripes. Yet, none of the bodywork is standard. RCD modified the tank with one of their CNC-machined twin-fillers, while the seat has been shortened and re-upholstered, and the tail has been shunted up. Now the new taillight, that RCD made from scratch, stops in line with the rear axle, rather than overhanging the rear wheel.
The angle of the tank and tail emphasise the ‘on the brakes’ stance of the bike. When fitted to the stock Z1-R frame, the bottom of the tank is horizontal, parallel to the floor, and the tail piece follows that line. But this is far from a stock steel chassis. The alloy tube frame and brutally over-the-top swingarm were fabricated by famed, but now sadly defunct, frame-builders Spondon Engineering. It was originally made for a later Kawasaki inline four, so RCD modified it to suit the engine it was to be mated with.
Kawasakis of this era had twin shocks and skinny right-way-up front forks, with a bit of preload adjustment if you were lucky. This monster is fitted with a Nitron monoshock and massive World Superbike-spec WP 4800 USD forks, held in RCD one-off yokes (triple clamps). Alloy 18in wheels, which looked fat and modern when the Z1-R was released, in 1978, are replaced by 17in Dymag CH3s. These three-spoke wheels are made in England, and beloved of the fastest of the current Classic TT racers. Brakes are Moto2-spec Brembo.
The engine is something else. It’s mash-up of different air-cooled Kawasaki superbikes. Crankcases are from the Z1000A1, fitted with a Wiseco big-bore cylinder block, turbo-spec pistons, and a gas-flowed cylinder head from a later still Z1000J, chosen for its larger valves. The Rayjay turbo draws its high-compression breath through a single, massive Mikuni 48 FCR. The plumbing is an extravagantly lobster-backed, full titanium turbo exhaust system, made by SevenT7 Fabrications. Additionally, the clutch has been converted to hydraulic operation.
RCD are CNC machining masters. They made the rearsets; front sprocket cover; oil cooler and instrument supports; subframe and undertray.
Asked if this is the quintessential RCD bike, one that sums up his business the best, Mark Toon says, ‘It is, because people like it, but I prefer another normally-aspirated Z1000J I built for the same customer.’ Imagine owning two RCD Kawasaki restomods of this quality…
THE R25
The latest R25 backpack, is the second generation of our ever-popular, heavy-duty hauler. It was redesigned for late-2024 and splits the 25-litre carrying capacity in two. One compartment offers 20L of 100% waterproof storage with a rolltop closure. There’s an additional 5L with zip access.
Unlike RCD’s turbo Kawasaki, the R25 is aimed at year-round, all-weather riders. The Kriega-designed Quadloc harness spreads the weight of heavy loads, to ensure comfort over long distances. Large reflective panels front and rear increase visibility. It is compatible for hydration reservoir and/or a back protector, and also Harness Pockets. Check out our Pack Accessories.
Like all Kriega luggage, it is guaranteed for 10 years, but we know of original R25s still in regular use, nearly 25 years after they were first bought.
To buy, order directly from kriega.com or head to your local dealer for a closer look
Kriega UK dealer network
Kriega Worldwide importers
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