A lot of buzz! ZX-10R with Katana Exterior at the Show!
The 51st Tokyo Motorcycle Show was once again a show where new models from Japan and imported motorcycle makers for 2024 and the latest products from parts and accessories makers were on display. Along with these new products, the demo bikes in each booth were always a hot topic of conversation.
Many customization fans came to the show looking forward to seeing them.
Among the demo bikes that embody the dreams of these riders, one that stood out from the crowd was the AK-001 "KATANA" concept model by 10FACTORY and NOZAKI WORKS, which was on display at the 10FACTORY booth. The AK-001 "KATANA", with a Kawasaki ZX-10R engine mounted on an original aluminum frame and clad in an exterior that pays homage to the Suzuki Katana, transcends the boundaries of motorcycle manufacturers and is a concept that could only be achieved in the aftermarket. It is the crystallization of the know-how and technology of FACTORY and NOZAKI WORKS.
It was a reminder of the freedom of motorcycle customization.
From a distance, it looks like an air-cooled Katana and many galleries may have passed by it without noticing that it is a monster equipped with a ZX-10R engine.
When you get closer and look at the various parts of the machine, you will be surprised at how amazing it is.
It all started when I saw a ZX-10R in front of a motorcycle had been involved in an accident.
AK-001 "KATANA" and members of 10FACTORY. In the center is the representative, Mr. Toshitaka Ishii. The store, located in Kato-shi, Hyogo Prefecture, sells vehicles, repairs, parts, and custom bikes, and also offers various services such as ECU setting and rewriting.
The AK-001 "KATANA" project was inspired by the accident of one of Kawasaki's ZX-10Rs. This engine was used to build the original Katana, which was capable of 200 hp from standard and was equipped with a Katana-designed exterior. The one-off aluminum frame was made monocoque with a ZX-12R-like air cleaner box on the front side to ensure rigidity to withstand the power of the engine, and of course, the seat rail for the Katana's double seat was also new. The swingarm was made from a wooden pattern, and its dimensions were based on the ZX-10R.
The ZX-10R engine's intake system has two injectors, one from the top and one from the bottom. The frame is box-shaped to accommodate these injectors, according to Mr. Ishii.
To achieve a balance between rigidity and lightweight, the inside of the pivot plate, which looks rugged, was carefully machined out. Of course, all wiring was rewired.
Mr. Ishii says this was also a difficult part of the project.
Every detail is full of ideas to stimulate the customization spirit of new and old Katana owners!
The more one follows the various parts, the more one remembers how much effort was put into this project. Although not visible from the outside, there is an idea to install a partition inside the radiator to extend the coolant circulation distance and improve cooling performance, and the swing arm that holds the wide tires has a thin-walled design that maintains the necessary rigidity without destroying the body image. There is no end to the list of ideas.
The 3D-printed plastic wing on the side of the cowl, which looks like the latest Moto GP, blends well with the 80's design of the Katana, which is surprising and shows the creator's sense of style. It is sure to stimulate the ideas of new and old Katana owners.
The feeling of accomplishment from creating one's ideas is the real thrill of customizing a motorcycle.
The front and rear suspension, consisting of inverted forks at the front and mono-shock at the rear, are Ohlins, and the brake calipers are Brembo. The wheels are Marchesini M7RS Genesi wheels. The swinging arm is a one-off aluminum construction, with the arm section made of sheets of wood. The small two-piece silencer exhaust is also original and was inspired by the image of a sword and a Wakizashi.
The front cowl that makes the AK-001 "KATANA" a katana is also a one-off, and the LED headlight was painstakingly installed in a cowl that was sized to fit the light case.
Underneath is a ram air duct. The wing with built-in LED blinkers is made from 3D-printed resin. The gauges are custom-made by KOSO and are elaborately designed with two TFT screens stacked on top of each other to create two circles like the original.
If there are enough requests, the company is considering commercial production.
The tank, another icon of the Katana, is a one-off aluminum piece that matches the frame width and front-to-back length while maintaining the same atmosphere. The double seat was designed with the same thought process in mind.
The two-tone blue and silver paint job, which was used on the '84 SE and '92 SSL roots models of the GSX1100S, is also a beautiful touch.
The part of the right side cover that would normally be used as a fuel cock has been replaced with an ABS on/off switch, an idea that was incorporated into the first generation ZX-10R, which could be turned on and off by pulling in and out a connector.
