This meticulously crafted 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, a collaboration between Alpha Moto and Dan Cardenas, reflects their long-standing partnership, with Cardenas having transitioned from client to valued business associate. Dan charged the Alpha crew to transform their project into a completely new entity, which they successfully accomplished.
“With a vision for something far more thrilling,” states CMRA Highway Racer and Alpha Moto founder Carlos Lopez. “Determined to create a motorcycle that captured the essence of 1980s AMA Superbike racing, Dan drew inspiration from the iconic Honda CB750 machines.”
While it may seem unconventional to transform a Kawasaki into a Honda-inspired bike, Carlos’s unorthodox approach yields surprising results. The once-innocent ZRX1200R has shed its inexperienced, white, and purple livery, along with its clumsy muscle bike silhouette, to make way for a sleeker, more austere design and a plethora of practical enhancements.
The transformation began with a fresh, newly designed tail and seat, inspired by the iconic 1980s CB750F model piloted by “Fast” Freddie Spencer. Crafted from high-quality fiberglass, the bespoke tail unit boasts a sumptuous pink Alcantara and black diamond-studded upholstery, courtesy of Bexar Customized Upholstery’s exceptional craftsmanship. Unlike Spencer’s Honda, which sports a standard tail unit with a duckbill-inspired kick on the rear, Carlos has chosen to upgrade his vehicle with a sleek design featuring built-in spherical LED taillights instead of a bulky boxy unit. The gas tank is a singular component on the ZRX1200R, having been enhanced by the integration of a Pingel Energy-Flo gas valve. The entrance finish has adopted a streamlined appearance following the removal of the bikini fairing, complemented by the transition to a rounded headlight design that distinguishes it from its ZRX counterpart featuring a rectangular model.
The upgrade aimed to enhance handling; the stock swingarm was replaced with one from a 1994 ZX7R, complemented by new brake and clutch master cylinders sourced from a ZX10R, accompanied by stainless steel brake lines and high-performance rotors. The culmination of refined control is achieved through the PSR lever setup and a smooth DOMINO throttle operation. At the rear, the suspension enhancements continue with high-performance Ohlins shocks, while the striking black Sato Racing rear components bring a sense of style and sophistication.
The 1165cc transverse four-cylinder engine at the heart of this machine is fed by four FCR39 Keihin carburetors. Although the remaining 120hp engine is largely inventory, it underwent a significant overhaul and refurbishment before being reinstalled in its new body. The culmination of the enhanced capabilities is a high-performance Vandemon muffler, elegantly suspended from a sturdy titanium bracket.
When discussing titanium, it emerged as a popular metal choice for crafting unique and bespoke components in this competition. A durable alloy has been employed to produce the entrance’s fender and its accompanying brackets, which securely fasten it into position. A sleek and modern motorcycle, the ZRX, boasts cutting-edge technology with its brand-new LED headlights suspended by rugged titanium brackets, while its sturdy stance is secured by a premium titanium kickstand. While titanium proved suitable for some components, it wasn’t the ideal choice for others, such as the coolant reservoir tank, primary triple clamp, and speedometer bracket, where Alpha instead selected aluminum.
To ensure seamless operation for years to come, our electronics rely on a carefully integrated system, comprising a Motogadget M-unit Blue and a Motogadget Motoscope Basic Speedometer, perfectly paired for optimal performance. The innovative Antigravity battery’s sleek design minimizes its weight to mere kilograms, seamlessly integrated beneath the gas tank, thereby preserving a clutter-free rear exterior. Wrapped with customized 17-inch wheels and Pirelli Diablo slick tires, the enhancements are capped off by this attention-grabbing detail; though, it’s likely that these will eventually be replaced with a more practical tire design.
This Kawasaki ZRX1200R, already an exhilarating ride in its stock form, has been revamped into a performance powerhouse. After several years of intermittent effort, the project faced significant hurdles in crafting the fiberglass tail seat and integrating titanium components. Despite reservations at first, Dan ultimately found value in the endeavour and has even gone on to join the Alpha community, a testament to his satisfaction with the final outcome.
Pictures by Jason Farias
