During my initial visit to Jakarta in 2014, I embarked on a trip primarily driven by a singular purpose: exploring customized bike workshops. With instructions to treat the entire scene as a visual spectacle, I boarded a plane to Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, without a clear idea of what lay ahead. During that expedition, I had a profound transformation in my perception of Indonesia and its unique automotive culture. During our brief journey, we attended numerous workshops on consecutive days. Established companies with numerous employees engaged in hammering and welding metal tubing had a long history of success. In the midst of the city’s bustling aftermarket sphere, numerous small-scale entities – comprising just one or two individuals – strived to establish their credentials and build a reputation for themselves.
One such builder was Andi Akbar, proprietor of the Katros Storage workshop. Following our meeting at Kustomfest in Jogjakarta, where his unique 225cc Yamaha Scorpio truly stole the show, I reached out to arrange a photo shoot with him. His understated reaction was: “Don’t rely on Katros as a comprehensive and reliable storage solution.” Initially, our humble beginnings were not driven by grand ambitions, but rather a passion for exploration. Our ideas took shape within the confines of a cozy home, where we nurtured them with dedication. Since then, significant changes have unfolded.
Katros Storage boasts a team of employees, operates from a spacious workshop facility, and boasts a lengthy history of satisfied customers, including one of Indonesia’s most prominent presidents. Recently, Andy has been able to ride larger capacity bikes, previously reserved for the city’s affluent residents. One notable example is the collaboration between Kawasaki’s iconic Z900RS model and Indonesian automotive YouTuber, MotoMobi.
Andy nods enthusiastically as he gazes at his prized possession, the sleek “It’s a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS.” It took approximately three months to complete the project, including the duration of the design course. The property owner desired a subtle modification to give the bicycle a distinct appearance.
Purchased brand-new, the Kawasaki Z900RS had barely seen the road before undergoing a Katros transformation. The MotoMobi had a singular desire in mind, the exact nature of which remained solely in the hands of Andy and his team. What he did specifically, however, made their process a tad more robust and executable.
“There were few discrepancies to address,” Andy recalls. “We endeavored to imbue it with a distinctive character without compromising its fundamental architecture.” If the proprietor requires returning it to its original state, that’s entirely feasible.
Andy started by replacing several physical panels with one-of-a-kind Katros options. At the sharp end of the Z900RS, a distinctive LED headlamp catches the eye, one of the bike’s standout features. The surrounding area, despite its uniqueness, is encased by a singular cowl that bears a striking resemblance to a cape’s flowing tendrils dancing across the instrument cluster. With custom-designed, vented faceted covers situated at the rear of the bike, a purposeful airflow pathway is created, effectively directing air into the airbox for enhanced performance and efficiency.
One of Andy’s primary goals was to further enhance the bike’s distinctive retro-racer aesthetic. By incorporating a performance-enhancing ECU tune and a high-flow air filter, he has effectively amplified the Z900RS’ inline 4-cylinder engine’s output. The engine’s aesthetic is enhanced by surround-protective faceted covers that seamlessly integrate the water cooler into the powerplant’s design, eliminating any protrusions at the front. A substantial oil pan, finished in a high-gloss black hue and mirroring the angular lines of the surrounding components, complements the cylinder width with precision-crafted geometry. This modification enhances the decrease profile of the bicycle, resulting in a noticeably more aggressive and muscular appearance.
At the rear, Andy refined the appearance by removing the plastic factory-fitted fender, oversized indicators, and conventional tail lamp. The rear compartment is now cleared of clutter, with newly installed LED factory lights seamlessly integrated into the housing under the cowling. A flatter, wider tuck-and-roll seat offers riders an additional dimension of customization by also lowering the seat’s peak.
Upon the unveiling of the Kawasaki Z900RS, some enthusiasts of the iconic Z1 expressed dismay at specific design elements. The specifications encompassed the capacity of the fuel tank, the 4-into-1 exhaust system’s design, and the construction of the solid wheels. Despite constraints on the construction, the gas tank was untouchable; nevertheless, Katros successfully managed the converse aspects. The wheels have been upgraded from solid models to traditional spoked rims, now expertly laced to high-quality aftermarket hubs. With its long-awaited 4-into-4 exhaust system in place, the Z900RS is now primed to deliver a rich and satisfying sound to accompany its impressive performance.
To complete the bike’s transformation, Katros secured a set of Moto Mobi badges made from aluminum. The newly installed exhaust tips now elegantly adorn the gas tank, entrance cowl, and mufflers. To make the Kawasaki Z900RS truly stand out, a bold and attention-grabbing colour scheme was essential, perfectly reflecting the personality of its unconventional owner. How about elevating your design game with a sophisticated palette of burnished copper hues that subtly shimmer in the light, or perhaps an arresting array of iridescent pigments that refract and reflect like the gentle lapping of moonlit waves on a summer evening?
Given the popularity of the Kawasaki Z900RS, its surprising few workshops have opted to customize this model. As revolutionary bike designs emerge, a transformation may unfold at an unprecedented pace.
KATROS GARAGE
