In Japan’s vibrant motorbike culture, a plethora of innovative and captivating custom creations abound, showcasing the nation’s passion for motorcycle craftsmanship. Located approximately an hour and a half’s drive northeast of Tokyo, in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture, lies a unique workshop that has gained recognition for its exceptional expertise in restoring vintage Kawasaki Z-series motorcycles to their former glory. Unlike most basic motorcycle enthusiasts, Yoshiwara Manufacturing Co. takes no pleasure in merely restoring these fundamental bikes to their former state. At his workshop, proprietor Yoshi-san, affectionately known as Professor Yoshi, derives great pleasure from fine-tuning his customers’ bicycles to surpass current standards and offer stylish alternatives.
Yoshi-san is particularly renowned for his innovative approach to bodywork, which has garnered widespread acclaim and gone viral on social media platforms, including our very own Instagram page. With his specialisation in composite materials, he crafts an array of custom fairings tailored to the specifications of Z-sequence motorcycles. The most captivating bodywork designs crafted by this artist are arguably those that adorn his own ’73 Kawasaki Z900 Super 4, affectionately dubbed “Skeletal Tank”.
Yoshi-san’s skeleton tank is crafted using a transparent resin encapsulating a clear fiber weave. By allowing the contents of the tank to be visually inspected, this design creates the most straightforward and intuitive gas gauge imaginable. Bicycles possess an undeniable allure, largely attributed to the unobscured display of their intricate mechanisms. As access to inner machinations expands, intriguing complexities emerge?
With the tank serving as its focal point, Yoshi-san’s customized Kawasaki Z900 dons a striking skeleton-themed fairing, tail section, and fenders, leaving nearly everything exposed in a visually stunning arrangement that’s impossible to gaze upon enough. The judicious incorporation of vibrant Kawasaki-inspired coloring and eye-catching decals substantially enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the bodywork, imbuing it with a dynamic, high-performance look.
With Yoshi-san having further customized his Kawasaki Z900 with a selection of aftermarket parts tailored to his individual flair and riding aesthetic. Here is the rewritten text:
The vehicle boasts a set of refurbished Koni shocks, which provide enhanced suspension performance. Additionally, it features stunning Lester 7-spoke rims finished in a rich gold hue. Furthermore, the car’s exterior is accentuated by Kijima clear-lens flip alerts that add a touch of sophistication.
To boost the effectiveness of his projects, Yoshi-san combines high-performance aftermarket engine parts with innovative solutions. The inner mechanics of Yoshiwara’s manufacturing unit bikes typically remain a closely guarded secret, and unfortunately, this particular model is no exception. The Yoshiwara-built engine, with its unique construction, powers a sleek black cerakote-coated Yoshiwara 4-into-1 exhaust system, paired with a vintage Solex carburetor sourced from European automotive heritage.
Perching astride his Kawasaki Z900, Yoshi-san’s objective was clear: “Pace, sound, engine response, ease of use – and every little thing going far beyond regular.” From our vantage point, it appears he has indeed surpassed the norm in every aspect of this remarkable motorcycle. To witness his creations in action, visit Yoshiwara’s YouTube channel, where he regularly uploads videos showcasing the bikes he meticulously crafts.
YOSHIWARA FACTORY
