Japanese Custom Culture
PMC's GPZ1100
In order to make 80's bike competitive with supersports machines, PMC has tried to reduce the weight to the limit. Since the parts for the GPz1100 are already difficult to get, tuning the engine too hard would make it difficult to repair any problems that might occur. Therefore, the decision was made to keep the engine lightly tuned and increase the power-to-weight ratio by reducing the weight of the chassis to improve riding performance. The methods adopted were carbon wheels, an aluminum tank, and carbon dryprotec, a method of increasing strength by crimping carbon to the material. Carbon wheels are made by BST of England. These wheels are lighter than forged aluminum and magnesium wheels, and not only reduce the bike body weight, but also the unsprung weight, resulting in improved handling, acceleration, braking, and other dynamic performance. The wheel diameters are 17 inches front and rear to accommodate current high-grip tires, and the suspension is constructed accordingly. In addition, the gasoline tank, which is the heavy upper section of the bike, was replaced with a beater aluminum tank to significantly reduce the bike's weight. The weight reduction of the upper body also contributes to mass centralization.The aluminum tank is coated with Carbone Dry-Pro-Tech by Carbone Dry Japan. The upper cowl and side cover of this bike are made of carbon to reduce weight, and the aluminum tank is also made of carbon by crimping the carbon to unify the exterior. Carbon Dry-Pro-Tech is also applied to the frame, helping to increase the rigidity of the frame. Carbon Dry-Pro-Tech is a technology that improves the strength of metal and resin surfaces while protecting the materials themselves by crimping carbon onto them. When applied to the frame, the frame itself is protected from pebbles, and its rigidity is also increased. In this way, the chassis is rigid enough to withstand the high-grip tires of today. The upper cowl has been lowered from its normal mounting position to fill the gap between the front fender and the upper cowl created by the smaller-diameter 17-inch wheels, resulting in a more organized overall form.
Bodyworks
The GPz1100 is equipped with an 18-inch front wheel as stock equipment. The change to a 17-inch wheel leaves a large space between the wheel and the upper cowl, so the upper cowl has been lowered to improve the appearance of the bike.
The upper cowl was brought in by the owner, and although the manufacturer's name is unknown, it is made of carbon. The mirrors are Magical Racing carbon mirrors.
The gasoline tank is a Beater aluminum tank for significant weight reduction. The tank is coated with Carbon Dry Protec to harmonize with the carbon exterior.
The YSS steering damper is installed in a form that fits inside the upper cowl. It prevents the front end from cutting in unexpectedly at high speeds and is also useful for circuit riding.
With the upper cowl lowered, the exterior form looks more cohesive. The entire body is colored with the carbon material as it is, but the exhaust is accentuated by using a flashy color.
Engine
The engine is big bore to 1,197cc with Φ76mm high-compression pistons. The clutch uses a dry clutch conversion kit released by AGAIN.
Intake & Exhaust
The gold exhaust is made by K-factory, but since there are no products exclusive for this model, it was diverted from another bike and partially modified for installation. The exhaust pipe is a beautiful feature.
Handle
The gauges include a Nagaidenshi stepping tachometer ultra in the center and an Acewell digital speedometer.The mounting panel is a one-off item.
The bracket uses McCoy's stem kit. The front fork is an inverted type Φ43mm. Handlebars are fitted with Gilles Touring with a wide adjustment range.
The brake master cylinder is equipped with Active's Gale Speed Elaborate. High-throttle kit and clip-on handle are original PMC products.
Chassis
Front brake is a combination of Sunstar Works Φ320mm rotors and AP Racing CP7853 radial mount calipers for both braking power and control.
The wheels are equipped with British BST carbon wheels, Black Diamond. Not only do they reduce the bike weight, but they also contribute to improved athletic performance.
The rearset is made of Woodstock and features a beautiful design with a maximum amount of lightning, which also contributes to weight reduction. The color chosen is gold, the same as the exhaust.
The rear shock is a YSS MG506, but since the GPz1100 does not have a model number, it was made and installed by one-off.
The swingarm is made by K-Factory, but since it is not for the GPz1100, the length and width are custom made to order. The chain uses size 520.
Electrical
Under the seat is a one-off space for small items. The ignition unit is a Dyna 2000, and the ignition timing is optimally adjusted according to the engine specifications.
Gallery
Specifications
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Anny's Forged Kit for Race Φ76 WEBCAM Camshaft |
| Carb / Intake | YOSHIMURA TMR-MJN Φ38mm |
| Exhaust | K-FACTORY Full Exhaust |
| Frame | K-FACTORY Swingarm |
| Brake | SUNSTAR Works Φ320㎜ AP Racing 2-piece Structure 4 Piston Radial Mount Brake Caliper GALE SPEED Radial Pump Master Cylinder NISSIN Master Cylinder |
| Wheels | BST BLACK DIAMOND Slanted Spoke 5-Piece Set Front & Rear |
| Suspension | YSS Rear Shock MG506 |
| Steps | WOODSTOCK Rearset Kit for GPZ1100F |
| Drive System | D.I.D Chain Size:520 XAM Sprocket |
| Handle / Steering | Gilles Touring Handlebars McCoy Bracket |
| Electrical | DYNATEK DYNA 2000 Extra Package |
About PMC
When it comes to KAWASAKI's Z-series custom parts, there may not be a more professional brand than PMC, even the parts compatible with the 1972 Z1. PMC has improved and grown, has been exhibited 7 times at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. About 4,000 riders came to the 10th motorcycle festival of "West Japan Z meeting" held by PMC in 2019.