This 1975 Kawasaki Z900 belongs to an adventurous rider who wisely placed his trust in Nicola’s capable hands, entrusting him with the valuable Kawasaki motorcycle. Regardless of whether one views such an endeavour as sacrilegious or a cause for jubilation, it is undeniable that the outcome of this venture is truly remarkable.
Unlike prior customized Z900s, Mr. Martini’s approach diverged from the norm with this specific mission. Rather than equipping the Kawasaki with contemporary suspension, brakes, and engine components to produce a modern-classic fusion, he has crafted a meticulously restored classic motorcycle that is faithful to its original era. With a nod to the 1970s, we envision how an Italian rider would have customized their Z900, incorporating local flair. Next, we meticulously combine this vision with authentic, high-quality components from Italy’s most esteemed aftermarket suppliers, seamlessly blending form and function.
“The Z900’s distinctive charm wasn’t compromised despite its well-worn appearance,” Nicola notes. “We aimed to craft a bespoke design that respectfully honed in on the bike’s signature features while infusing it with an unmistakable nod to Italian flair.”
During the 1970s, Ceriani emerged as a leading manufacturer of aftermarket suspension systems in Italy. Under the leadership of Founder Arturo Ceriani, the model distinguished itself through its exceptional merchandise quality and the successful implementation of innovative suspension technologies. Ceriani’s innovative hydraulic fork technology has been widely adopted in both racing and road applications, revolutionizing the industry with its performance and reliability. This revelation effectively led to the specification of Ceriani forks for Martini Racing’s Kawasaki Z900 project.
These high-performance forks are exact duplicates of the renowned Ceriani Sort GP35 racing forks, meticulously replicated to deliver exceptional handling and precision on the road or track. The forks feature distinctive 6061 alloy lowers and chrome-moly stanchions securely fastened by matching aluminum triple clamps.
At the rear end of the Zed, there’s a renowned Italian suspension component in the form of a dual Marzocchi shock-absorber setup. Marzocchi’s reputation flourished alongside that of Ceriani, earning acclaim for its innovative products. The iconic Marzocchi brand commanded such respect that even esteemed manufacturers like Ducati and Moto Morini chose to incorporate its renowned suspension technology into their production motorcycles. The model’s notoriety extended to the UK, where Triumph used their suspension components at their Meriden manufacturing plant.
In line with his Italian design aesthetic, Martini chose a pair of traditionally designed Marzocchi suspension units to maintain the bike’s classic look.
Stopping energy was subsequent. For many, the obvious choice in brake caliper design would have been Brembo. Martini opted for an unconventional drum-brake configuration, departing from the norm in their pursuit of innovation.
The Z900’s drum brakes were manufactured by Fontana, another prominent Italian supplier that began producing brake systems in the mid-1960s alongside Nampa. While specializing exclusively in brake systems has allowed Fontana to establish a reputation for producing high-quality components, their drum brakes have been particularly noteworthy for their use on iconic motorcycles such as the Triumph and BSA triples. Recognized for their exceptional braking capabilities, these systems are renowned for outperforming many disk brake configurations. Fontana drums are manufactured using lightweight magnesium alloy and feature a forged iron braking band ring surrounded by four brake shoes. The classic combination of a sleek Martini frame matched with iconic Fontana drum components, perfectly harmonized through custom-designed mounting brackets and cable runs, creates an unforgettable visual symphony.
To reduce unsprung weight, Nicola specified that the Fontana drums be fitted with lightweight aluminum rims designed and manufactured by renowned Italian specialist Borrani. Unlike their counterparts at other manufacturers, Borrani wheels were traditionally found on production cars, particularly high-performance vehicles built by Ferrari, which featured models equipped with Borrani wheels for over two decades. The 40-spoke rims Martini selected for the Z900 create a striking visual cohesion, as well as delivering handling improvements thanks to their lightweight design.
Throughout the rest of the ride, Martini meticulously managed the Z900’s overhaul. The bike’s engine sparkles, immaculately clean, and a legendary 4-into-4 Kawasaki Z1 exhaust has been expertly installed. Martini has refined the ride by subtly shortening the tail and introducing a bespoke leather seat crafted by renowned upholstery expert Tommi Casaro. A reworked space for aggressive driving has been created, incorporating premium Tomaselli handlebars from Italy and precision-crafted aluminum rearset foot controls. On the Z900, a stylish anomaly stands out amongst its traditionally designed components. The bike’s innovative features are showcased by its sleek 966 logo and Kanji Kawasaki emblems, precision-crafted through a combination of laptop design and cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
To complete the transformative makeover of this bicycle, it received a resplendent respray in a rich London grey hue, offset by the deep, dark tones of Birmingham black, all punctuated by elegant white pinstripes that evoke a timeless sense of sophistication. For those uncertain about the 966 reference, it may help to know that Nicola had dubbed her latest creation the Zed, a name which held significance for many in their community. The vehicle’s performance capabilities are merged with the year of its owner’s birth.
While paying homage to the original, this meticulously restored and modernized classic embodies a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation.
