This 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 embodies the iconic style of the Seventies, a nostalgic ode to the era’s innovative fusion of art and engineering. During the 1960s and 1970s, aftermarket accessories like fairings and body kits experienced widespread popularity. As producers lagged behind in recognizing the surge in demand, aftermarket suppliers seized the opportunity to capitalize on the gap. Designers such as Craig Vetter and the Rickman brothers pioneered the development of precision-crafted fiberglass components, including numerous specific and generic mannequin body parts. However then, all that modified. Producers finally made a commitment to deliver high-quality, well-crafted bicycles. As demand plummeted in just a few short years, the market for aftermarket kits all but disappeared, leaving only a niche interest among dedicated racers and customizers.
In Tokyo, Japanese expatriate Mitsuaki Shinohara harboured a cherished aspiration. He required entry of his personal, custom-built motorcycle into See See Bikes’ esteemed One Moto Show. By 2020, he had successfully turned his dream into reality alongside his trusty Aquafresh KZ1000. Mitsuaki fondly recalls the retro aesthetic of 1970s and 1980s custom bicycles, a style he has always held dear. I once had a passion project to design and build a vintage-inspired cafe racer motorcycle. The design was also inspired by the rugged and futuristic aesthetic of Kawasaki bikes as featured in the iconic film franchise MAD MAX. Building the bike had a profound impact on me.
After 12 months of dedicated effort, Mitsuaki finally completed the ambitious project he had undertaken upon acquiring his neglected Kawasaki KZ1000, which was initially in a non-running condition. The previous owner had stored the bike with its motor rendered inoperable due to a seized engine and had finally decided it was time to get it back on the road. The initial objective was to get the bicycle functioning properly again. With the motor freed from its seized state and undergoing a thorough overhaul, Mitsuaki implemented a series of targeted performance upgrades. When the KZ1000 debuted, it epitomized efficiency; yet, even the most refined designs can benefit from tweaks to the original configuration. Mitsuaki outfitted the vehicle with MikuNI VM29 dual-barrel carburetors from Mikuni, as well as a standard Kerker stainless steel exhaust system. Once he confirmed his bike was in working order, Mitsuaki became absorbed in customizing it.
Many of the components on this Kawasaki KZ1000, such as the Kerker exhaust, are high-quality aftermarket additions. The most striking feature of this vehicle is undoubtedly its innovative fibreglass bodywork. The unmistakable Mad Max flair is immediately apparent at first glance, where a sleek British-built Rickman CR fairing takes center stage. As the car’s bonnet lifted, the sleek fairings unwrapped, revealing the distinctive front fascia. Behind a crystal-clear perspex display screen, the vintage-inspired KZ dials sit in tandem with sleek Hurricane clip-on handlebars. Positioned behind the forks, the fibreglass mural stretches all the way up to the brake handle. Crafted by Tracy Fiberglas Works in the 1970s, this iconic fibreglass motorcycle features a sleek, retro-inspired design with a single-piece monocoque body that seamlessly integrates the gas tank, seat pan, and tail unit into a cohesive whole. The meticulously crafted leather saddle, a masterpiece of Canadian upholstery by Curtis Rafino, showcases exceptional proportions and form.
Mitsuaki specified an unconventional set of Henry Abe seven-star rims for his vehicle, complemented by Continental Blitz tires wrapped around them. The cross-drilled Grimeca discs enhance braking performance, while a high-quality, German-sourced field-polished swingarm adds refinement to the rear suspension. While many of the salvaged and refurbished elements are preserved in their original form, a few modern-retro touches have been cleverly incorporated to enhance the overall aesthetic. The integration of these components mimics the cohesive design of a standardised rear light cluster, velocity stacks, and customised fenders.
“With a background in automotive painting, Mitsuaki showcases his skills with a unique blend of custom paint and design.” “I’ve had the privilege of crafting a wide range of custom motorcycle designs, including Bosozoku-style bikes, high-performance circuit racers, retro cafe racers, and choppers, among others, for years. For his pièce de résistance, Mitsuaki has masterfully incorporated his favorite elements of Seventies-inspired motorcycling.” Across a steadfast black canvas, a bold, flaking pattern unfurls, its textured surface punctuated by vibrant splashes of sweet blue and unbridled green, as a steady white pinstripe bisects the design. The finished product’s peculiar scent brought back memories of Mitsuaki’s childhood toothpaste, hence the unusual label on the bike – “Aquafresh”.
As a result, many components found on this bicycle have become increasingly resilient and robust in their ability to accumulate. Despite being expensive, many of the fibreglass components ultimately met their demise in the bin, having cracked or visibly aged beyond repair. Kudos are due to Mitsuaki for dedicating himself to restoring this fantastic piece of motorcycle nostalgia.
MITSUAKI SHINOHARA
Images by Noriko Tidball
