A Rare Handmade of Timeless Elegance: Z1 Custom

TAVAX Engineering's Z1

Dazzling white with a navy blue fireball pattern, the bike features an exhaust adorned with Godzilla and unique aluminum parts. It's evident at first glance that this is a custom Z1 created by TAVAX Engineering. "After purchasing a Z1 at the age of 19, I encountered a TAVAX Z at an event some time later, and it left a lasting impression on me. One day, I stumbled upon a TAVAX store and approached them to customize my Z1, but obtaining their approval proved to be a challenge." However, the owner persisted, continuously returning to the shop until finally, the customization was granted and brought to life.

The top bridge and front fenders, both showcasing a hollow structure and perfectly aligned top and bottom sections, are carefully handcrafted using aluminum plate. Additionally, the swingarm is a custom-made piece. Initially, the owner provided an XJR front fork, which TAVAX modified by adding multiple subtle steps to its outer tube, resulting in a distinctive factory racer aesthetic. Although the frame is not made of TAVAX aluminum but rather Z's steel, it has been reinforced, lowered, and painted in navy blue and white. TAVAX-like shapes and specifications have been seamlessly integrated throughout, including the three-spoke wheels.

Handle

The gauges section are the Z1's stock, while the handlebars are Sansei Racing's clip-ons type mounted on the top bridge, showcasing the sculpted design around the stem. The front brake master cylinder is a Brembo radial type. And the mirrors are Magical Racing's NK-1 Type 3 mirrors.

The TAVAX steering stem is crafted using hollow upper and lower brackets, which are formed by aluminum plates and then securely welded together. This handmade piece showcases exceptional precision and attention to detail.

Bodyworks

The fuel tank is a stock one that has been custom painted with the same pattern as the TAVAX owner's own bike tank.

The seat is modified based on the stock one. The taillight is mounted with a TAVAX original aluminum fender eliminator bracket.

Engine

The engine is based on the stock model with an added oil cooler. The bracket and front sprocket cover are also made by TAVAX. The carburetor is an FCR Φ35mm.

Chassis

The TAVAX also provides a rearset kit that includes brackets with a simple design and pedals featuring gentle curves. The bike's frame is reinforced at several points, including the swingarm pivot, and then coated with a silver paint finish that closely matches the color of the aluminum frame found on the TAVAX Z model.

The front forks are Φ43mm from the XJR1200, and the bottom case is modified to create a slight step, giving it the cutting-edge appearance of 1980s factory racing forks. Additionally, the front fender is made of aluminum. Furthermore, the front brake caliper is the AP･CP2696, and the front brake disc is an OEM part from the GSX-R1100.

The rear brake also incorporates the combination of the AP･CP2696 caliper and the OEM GSX-R1100 brake disc. The exhaust system, featuring a distinctive shape with tapered front and rear ends, is an original TAVAX product and is encased in a carbon shell. The TAVAX owner has a particular fondness for the Godzilla sticker, which is prominently displayed on the silencer.

The TAVAX swingarm is made of aluminum and features a design that allows the lower mount of the Ohlins shock to integrate directly into the arm. The wheels, chosen to suit the TAVAX owner's preference, are the Marchesini hollow three-spoke, featuring a black base color and blue rim stripes. The front wheel size is 3.50-17 inches, while the rear wheel size is 5.50-17 inches.

Gallery

Specifications

Original Source of this Article

Heritage & Legends