Speed Read, April 30, 2023

This week’s edition of Speed Read lives up to its name. It starts with an endurance racing-prepped Suzuki GSX-R1000, and ends with a replica of an early 1900s land speed bike. Sitting in the middle are a 890 cc KTM dirt bike, and a totally bonkers Kawasaki Z1 restomod.

Suzuki GSX-R1000 by Team Classic Suzuki If you’d like to feel old, consider this: the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K1 was released over twenty years ago. Lighter and faster than its predecessor, it’s considered by many to be a future classic. It’s also now officially old enough to race in the European Endurance Cup—which is why Team Classic Suzuki has just prepped one for racing.

Team Classic Suzuki is a staple of the European endurance racing scene, where they’ve been fielding a highly-tuned Suzuki Katana since 2017. But the rules have changed, and the GSX-R1000 is considerably quicker. So the Katana is out, and the Gixxer is in.

Team Classic Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 wears a laundry list of hop-up parts. Under the hood lies a freshly-built GSX-R1000 engine, with Yoshimura cams and a full titanium Yoshi exhaust system. A factory Suzuki GSX-R750 endurance racer lent the project its swingarm, and the wheels are from OZ Racing.

The front forks are Team Classic Suzuki’s own design, upgraded with K-Tech internals. A K-Tech shock props up the rear, while Brembo brakes handle stopping duties.

Some of the parts used come straight from Suzuki’s Race Parts Programme. It’s an initiative that offers support and discounts on race-spec parts for club racers in the UK—so weekend warriors can take notes from Team Classic Suzuki to mod their own contenders. And there’s a lot to take notes on.

Dressed in Team Classic Suzuki’s signature livery, this GSX-R1000 makes a strong case for the model’s future classic status. We can’t wait to see it ridden in anger. [More]

KTM ‘890 SX-F’ by JZ Handmade Even if you don’t know Jan Žuži’s name, you’ve seen his work. He’s the fabricator responsible for the jaw-dropping Praga ZS 800 prototype (a fact that he was only able to reveal recently).

If you need more evidence that the man has skills, we present this buck wild KTM. Built for the 67-year-old Czech off-road racer, Jiří Heiník, this Franken-dirt-bike features a KTM 890 Duke R engine in a KTM 250 SX-F chassis. And it’s not just for show, either; Jiří plans to race it in the legendary Erzberg Rodeo.

What’s nuts is that the ‘890 SX-F’ looks a lot like a stock KTM enduro bike from a distance… but it’s really not. As you’d imagine, dropping a twin-cylinder engine into a slim motocrosser frame isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Jan started by liberating the SX-F’s steering tube from its frame, then welded up a new frame using cut-up pieces of the original.

Jan also widened the OEM swingarm to accommodate the wider engine. Next, he built an aluminum fuel tank that ‘hides’ inside the subframe, a new airbox, and a pair of custom radiators.

The bike also sports new wheels and yokes, a custom engine guard and shift lever, and new wiring. The titanium exhaust headers are handmade, and terminate in a titanium Akrapovič muffler.

The result is a totally bonkers off-road race bike that makes 120 hp and weighs just 290 lbs. “It is gnarly and insane,” says Jan, “but it can also ride surprisingly smooth and calm just like a regular 250 dirt bike. I can also imagine that with a road-legal plate and supermoto wheels, it could be the bike of the millennium!” [Via]

Kawasaki Z1 by Bull Dock In the world of iconic Japanese superbike restomods, a handful of shops operate on a whole other level—and Japan’s Bull Dock is one of them. It takes just one look at this eye-popping Kawasaki Z1 to know that they’re in a league of their own.

Built with support from the British suspension brand Nitron, the ‘GT-003’ is stacked with top-shelf parts, and some pretty wild mods.

For starters, the engine’s been bumped up to 1,230 cc, with flowed heads, forged pistons, new valves and Yoshimura cams. Other upgrades include a set of Yoshimura flat slide carbs, a hydraulically-actuated dry clutch and a bunch of parts from Bull Dock’s own Win McCoy range.

Given how much work went on in and around the engine, the Kawasaki Z1 needed an exhaust to match. It wears a full titanium system, hand-welded and capped off with a Win McCoy silencer.

Moving to the chassis, Bull Dock ditched the twin rear shocks for a custom mono-shock arrangement. It’s hooked up to a Win McCoy swingarm, with a custom-specced piggyback shock from Nitron.

The rear suspension setup was designed digitally and tested using software simulations, to optimize handling. Not only is the rear suspension different from stock, but the frame’s been straightened and braced in numerous places too.

The front end wears billet yokes and a set of adjustable Nitron right-side-up forks, with a Bitubo steering damper. Between the tweaked front end, and the carefully designed rear end, the Z1 now handles miles better than it did in the 70s.

Forged Lavorante wheels bring down the rotational mass, while Pirelli tires offer modern-day grip. The brake system uses Brembo calipers with Sunstar discs, and a one-off rear master cylinder. A set of Win McCoy rotor fasteners are color-matched to the green wheels.

And then there’s the bodywork. Using a mix of OEM-style and custom parts, built in everything from carbon fiber to reinforced fiberglass, it’s oozing retro superbike steeze—especially when you factor in the audacious livery. [Via]

1909 North London Garage 2.7 Liter J.A.P. The North London Garage was a boutique motorcycle manufacturer that existed in London in the early 1900s. In 1909, they built a motorcycle for the racer Will Cook, with a view to setting a new land speed record.

Their formula was pretty simple; the current record-holding motorcycle had a 2.5 liter engine, so their bike would use a 2.7 liter J.A.P. V-twin. The built a bespoke race bike around the 20 hp J.A.P. motor, capable of around 90 km/h [56 mph]. Will Cook took it to Brooklands to make history, but the timing equipment failed during his run and he never officially recorded a time; the record stood.

This is not that motorcycle, even if it looks exactly like it. It’s a faithful recreation, built by Pavel Malanik—a machinist and engineer in Czechoslovakia with a passion for motorcycles made between 1900 and 1910. He’s built a handful of replicas now, even going so far as to build their engines from scratch.

The project was conceived when Pavel discovered photos and historic information about the North London Garage J.A.P., and decided that it was worth replicating. Details about the bike were scarce, so he used photographs to work out the bike’s dimensions, then created drawings to act as a blueprint.

After a year of research, Pavel began building the J.A.P. engine from the ground up. Each cylinder was machined from a solid block of steel, the cylinders were bored out, the crankcase’s two halves were milled out, and the crank- and camshafts were turned on a lathe. Working one part at a time, Pavel eventually had a working motor.

Next, he fabricated a frame from steel tubing. This was a mammoth task on its own, since the bike’s original design included a lot of bracing to compensate for the monstrous engine.

Every single part of this intriguing motorcycle was made by hand—except for the Avon tires. When the bike was ready, Pavel started learning how to ride it (it’s quite a handful, as you’d imagine), then took it to the track. You can hit ‘play’ below to see how that went. [Via]

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Bang for your Buck: 6 Street Bikes Under $5,000 for 2023

Whether you’re about to test for your Class M license, or just itching to add a new toy to the stable, you’d be surprised how far your dollar goes in the entry-level street bike market. Features like standard ABS, inverted forks and slipper clutches are becoming increasingly common on budget-friendly offerings, and most big-name brands have at least a bike or two priced under $5,000.

While you shouldn’t expect to rule the roost on a sub-$5,000 machine, these budget street bikes boast impressive features and technology for the price, not to mention curb appeal that suggests you paid significantly more. You’ll find dozens of bikes on the web for under $5k, but for our list, we wanted to focus on full-size bikes that most anyone could hop on and enjoy for years to come.

BMW G 310 R A BMW for $5k? The compact naked G 310 R from BMW Motorrad expands the brand’s appeal to the entry-level market. Offering 34 hp, a low 31” seat height and a slipper clutch, the G 310 R has the look and feel of a more expensive bike.

For its first foray into sub-500 cc territory, BMW collaborated with Indian TVS to build a premium small cc naked bike for global sales. Designed in Germany and assembled in India, the G 310 R has sharp lines and great naked bike appeal befitting the BMW badge.

The bike is based around a 313 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, with the cylinder head rotated 180 degrees to push the center of gravity forward. Punchy for its size, the DOHC engine delivers 34 hp at 9,250 rpm, which is strong for the class. Power is delivered through a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch, which prevents the rear-wheel from locking up during aggressive downshifts.

Based on a basic steel spaceframe, the G 310 sports an inverted fork and a rear monoshock, which is adjustable for spring preload only. Brakes are single disc front and rear, with standard BMW ABS. The bike weighs 362 pounds at the curb, which combined with the low seat height, makes it super accessible for most any rider.

With an MSRP of $4,995, the BMW G 310 R is a compelling choice for city streets and curvy backroads. It’s light and powerful for the class, and its 10,500-rpm rev limit should make any trip a fun one. [BMW Motorrad]

KTM 200 Duke Imagine having the 390 Duke’s attitude in a more accessible package, all for $1,500 less. That’s the idea behind KTM’s 200 Duke, a model that’s existed in other markets for several years, and now makes its U.S. debut.

The entry-level Duke has all the aggressiveness and sporty character we expect from a Duke, and enough crossover with its big brother to feel familiar as well. The bike is based on a lightweight steel trellis frame, with a sharp front end, large headlight and a minimalist fairing.

Suspension components are borrowed almost entirely from the 390, with an inverted WP APEX 43 mm inverted fork and APEX monoshock in the rear. The rear has been shortened slightly to bring the seat height down to an accessible 30 inches.

Sure, its 199.5 cc DOHC four-stroke is one of the smallest in the naked bike class, but the 200 Duke’s single-cylinder has some grunt. Power figures from KTM come in at just over 25 hp, and the engine feels torquey down low like its big brother. A six-speed transmission and hydraulic clutch make the most of the displacement, and single discs with standard ABS keep things under control.

With an LCD display, ABS and a switchable supermoto mode, KTM’s 200 Duke is loaded with cool features and attitude worthy of the Duke name. MSRP is just $4,199, and for that, the little Duke is more than just an exciting bike for the money. [KTM, Schedl R., KISKA]

Honda CBR300R If you want quality at an affordable pricepoint, I’m going Honda every time, and the brand has multiple offerings under $5,000. For this list, I’m going with the CBR300R instead of the Rebel or any of the minis, because it provides the most mph for your Benjamins.

300 is the new 250, and the CBR250R made the leap to 300 back in 2015. To get technical, the CBR300R is powered by a DOHC 286 cc single with a six-speed, which is essentially the same mill as the CB and CRF models. Tuned for higher rpm operation in the CBR, the engine produces 30 hp at 8,500 rpm, and it’ll spin to 10,500 rpm. Honda’s 300 single is a bulletproof engine, even if it isn’t the most exciting, and it gives the CBR a unique feel.

The single-cylinder slims the whole bike down compared to other models, and combined with its low 30″ seat height and 354-pound curb weight, the CBR300R feels comfortable and flickable in corners. Its posture is less aggressive than your average sports bike, given the raised clip ons, making it an easier adjustment for less-experienced riders. It’s worth noting that the CBR300 is a smaller bike, and best suited for smaller riders.

Priced at $4,899 (or $5,099 with optional ABS), the Honda CBR300R is worth considering if you’re after a worry-free and approachable street bike. It looks the part with aggressive styling and crisp Honda quality, and it’ll certainly go the distance. [Honda]

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 For dedicated city commuters, or super green riders dipping their toes into motorcycles, Royal Enfield’s air-cooled standards offer quite a bit of charm and utility for a rock-bottom pricepoint. Royal’s Hunter 350 model is a more nimble take on the brand’s 350 platform, offering sharper handling and unique cosmetics for as little as $3,999.

Expectations should be conservative when you’re looking at a full-size that’s priced like a mini, but the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a pretty capable machine within its intended purpose. For city riding and occasional highway use, the 349 cc engine provides a sufficient 20 hp at 6,200 rpm, and the five-speed transmission shifts easily with minimal clutch effort. Seat height is an approachable 31 inches, and the Hunter is roughly 30 pounds lighter than the Classic 350.

The basic steel chassis, suspension and powerplant are fairly standard items on the Hunter 350, but dual-channel ABS, a USB charge point and tubeless tires are nice additions. The combination of analog and digital gauges is also a solid improvement over the Classic, and is compatible with Royal’s Tripper navigation system. [Royal Enfield]

Yamaha MT-03 When you’ve got a good thing going, try making a smaller version. Like the other brands on the list, Yamaha hit sub-400 cc paydirt by building a beginner-friendly naked bike around the venerable YZF-R3 platform.

Billed as your entry to the dark side, Yamaha’s MT-03 builds on the popular MT lineup by providing a sporty naked-bike experience on the cheap. In passing, the MT-03 could easily pass for the MT-07, as it receives the same edgy plastics and eye-catching color schemes, but at a $3,000 discount.

More than just aggressive looks, the 321 cc parallel twin from the YZF-R3 is good for 50 hp in the MT-03, which is a distinct advantage among its peers. Power is funneled through a six-speed transmission, but the MT-03’s clutch pull has been reviewed as a bit harsh.

The MT-03 uses a KYB inverted fork up front, and a preload-adjustable monoshock in the rear. Brakes are single discs front and rear, with standard ABS. Like its peers, the MT-03 is based around a 30″ seat height, and curb weight is pretty light for its class at 373 pounds.

The Yamaha MT-03 offers very strong specifications for the small cc naked bike class, not to mention proven Yamaha build quality. Priced at $4,999, the MT-03 is a bike that you can start on, and have fun with for years to come. [Yamaha]

Kawasaki Ninja 400 Alright, I’m bending the rules a little with this one, but hear me out. While Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 busts the budget by a few hundred bucks, I’m going to shamelessly group it in with the others given the similar size and displacement.

The Ninja 400 is good right out of the gate, considering it’s based on a steel trellis frame and weighs just over 360 pounds. Seat height is still low at 31 inches, but the Ninja is larger than some other bikes on the list, and probably a better fit for larger riders.

Powered by a DOHC 399 cc parallel twin, the Ninja 400 is a nice step up in power. Compression is up at 11.5:1, and the engine makes a solid 45 hp at 10,000 rpm. Depending on your size, the Ninja 400 will push beyond 115 mph flat out. On the flipside, the bike is also fit with an ‘economical riding indicator’ and an assist/slipper clutch that permits lighter clutch pull, as well as clutch slip under aggressive downshifts.

Call it unfair, but for $5,299, you’re considering the Kawasaki Ninja 400 if you’re considering the others on the list, and you really should. It has to be stated that this price is for the non-ABS model, as that feature will cost you extra, but with the right dealer incentives, the Ninja is my choice for $5,000. [Kawasaki]

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Sophisticated Four: A modern Honda CB1100 from Wedge

If there’s one word that describes Takashi Nihira’s style, it’s restraint. His custom bike builds are tidy and unassuming, but they reward closer inspection with myriad tasteful details. So it’s little wonder that Nihira-san’s Tokyo-based custom shop, Wedge Motorcycle, has won multiple awards.

His latest build epitomizes this ethos. Finished in desaturated tones, it’s compact and perfectly proportioned, despite the heft of its four-cylinder engine. It’s classic vibe also belies it’s true nature; under the custom work lies a 2016-model Honda CB1100 EX.

The choice of a modern donor bike was a very deliberate one. Wedge’s customer wanted a motorcycle with tons of vintage style, but also planned to use it as a daily runner—so reliability was high on the list. “He wanted a custom bike that he could ride for the rest of his life,” says Takashi.

“In the used bike market, older air-cooled inline-four engines are very very popular, and so, expensive. Also, because they have been on the market for a long time, the condition of used bikes vary widely, and there is a high probability that they will have problems after starting out on the road.”

A newer Honda CB1100 is far less likely to break down—but customizing one is not without its challenges. Takashi had to find his way around the Honda’s 1,140 cc inline-four engine, the sturdy frame that holds it, and its modern electronics. Still, it doesn’t look like any of that slowed him down much.

For extra peace of mind, Takashi split the engine open and put it back together with new gaskets. The covers were polished to a brilliant sheen, but that’s as far as the mods go—the fuel injection module and emissions sensor are all still stock. That means that the CB1100 runs great without the need for any additional tuning, and it’ll pass the vehicle inspection that’s required every two years in Japan.

Takashi also kept the original airbox, but slimmed it down enough to suit the bike’s redesign, but not so much that it would affect performance. The four-into-two headers and mufflers come from Moriwaki, but they’ve been modified and coated black. And the bike was rewired too—but only so that there’d be fewer wires and components sticking out everywhere.

The wheels and brakes are also OEM parts, but the brake master cylinders are Brembo items. Firestone’s vintage-style Deluxe Champion treads were spooned onto the 18” wheels at the client’s request. The chunky rear tire caused a clearance issue though, so the swingarm had to be altered to make room.

Next, Takashi shortened the front forks and fitted a pair of Öhlins shocks at the back. That not only slammed and balanced the Honda’s stance, but also brought the seat height down for Wedge’s client, who’s a little on the short side. But it took a lot more than just those changes to create the flawless silhouette you see here.

“I believe that the Wedge’s unique style is a straight body line,” Takashi explains. “In order to create such a simple and beautiful line requires more than just a straight bottom line created by the fuel tank and seat. It includes the height of the headlight, how close or far it is from the body, the line leading from the headlight to the top of the fuel tank, the size and the positioning of the bodywork in relation to the wheels, and many other elements.”

Takashi started by fabricating a new fuel tank, using pieces of the old one. Starting with the top section of the OEM unit, he built a new unit that’s narrower and sits lower than before, but still retains some of its original DNA. There’s even space for the stock fuel pump.

“I slimmed the rear end of the fuel tank to the width of the seat rail which I made,” he adds. “This allowed the in-line four-cylinder engine to be emphasized. When a rider sits on the bike, the engine can be seen protruding from both sides of the fuel tank—I think this powerful rider’s view is one of the best features of this vehicle.”

The slim custom seat has a slight dip and taper to it too, so that it flows out of the tank harmoniously. Handmade fenders and aluminum side covers round out the new bodywork. “I took the bike off the workbench and took it outside to verify the body lines many times, from different viewing angles and at different distances,” says Takashi.

Sitting up front is a classic round headlight, held by the same type of wraparound headlight stays that the older CB750 Four uses; an idea that came from the bike’s owner. Sitting behind it are a Motogadget speedo, and new bars fitted with vintage-style grips and switches.

There’s a lot of work that most people would never pick up on—just take a look at the yokes. Takashi liberated them of any unnecessary stays and mounts, smoothed them off, and relocated the front brake line junction to below the lower yoke.

Wedge’s good taste extends to the paint job, too. The tank, fenders and headlight stays wear a simple, but effective, root beer color, while the frame’s been redone in silver. It’s as attractive as it is timeless.

Takashi adds that the CB1100’s more compact dimensions and lower weight have had a significant impact on how it handles—in a good way. He adds that the bike has turned out just as he envisioned it.

Is his client happy though? He is, and he’s already started racking up miles on his new whip.

Wedge Motorcycle | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Hiromitsu Yasui | With thanks to Tadashi Kono

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New and Noted: 5 motorcycle jackets for summer

Summer is on the horizon for our Northern Hemisphere readers, and with hotter weather comes the temptation to wear less gear. But it doesn’t need to be that way—we’re spoiled for choice these days with season-specific gear that you’ll still want to reach for, even when temperatures get toasty. Here are five motorcycle jackets to keep you cool, while keeping you safe.

Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 Armored shirts are a great way to add impact protection under jackets that aren’t already equipped with protectors. But Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 takes the concept a step further. Its shell is abrasion resistant, which makes it a CE approved ‘Class AA’ garment by itself; no jacket required.

The Urbane Pro Mk3’s shell is a combination of heavy duty nylon and mesh sections, with stretch panels in between. It’s designed to sit snug, keeping Knox’s proprietary ‘micro-lock’ elbow and shoulder protectors, and a generous back protector, close to your body. There’s the option of adding a chest protector, a security loop to attach it to your belt, minimal branding and a handful of discreet pockets.

Available in three different colors, the £249.99 [about $312] Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 is a great summer option on its own, or under a lightweight outer layer, if form-fitting gear isn’t your vibe. [More]

Icon Upstate Mesh The Icon Upstate Mesh riding shirt sits in the Portland-based gear company’s Icon 1000 collection, where muted styling reigns supreme. So it’s as casual and understated as it is effective. Available in black, grey or olive green, the Upstate’s shell is mostly mesh, with canvas overlays in impact zones.

D30 protectors at the elbows, shoulders and back offer impact protection. The cut is relaxed and the layout is clean, with two chest pockets, two hand warmer pockets and zippered closures at the cuffs. Subtle Icon branding on the front keeps things casual. [More]

Merlin Shenstone Air If you’re a fan of traditional British waxed canvas riding jackets, the Merlin Shenstone Air is worth a look. Its shell uses Merlin’s own brand of waxed cotton, developed in collaboration with Halley Stevensons. But look closer, and you’ll notice mesh panels at the front and back, to encourage airflow on hot days.

The chest pockets and quilted shoulder and arm panels add all the right style cues, and a full set of D30 protectors comes standard. There’s also a removable waterproof liner for when the weather suddenly turns, and reflective details for added visibility. You can get it in black or olive at Revzilla for $349. [More]

Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air At the other end of the styling spectrum sits the Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air. The only leather jacket on our list, it’s aimed squarely at street riders that like sportier gear. So it features a form-fitting cut, with a mix of solid and perforated leather, air mesh areas and stretch textile panels.

There’s a zip-in body warmer for cooler days, a handful of pockets for stashing valuables away, and solid plastic pucks on the shoulders. Inside, Rev’It! has specced the Hyperspeed 2 Air with their own brand of flexible, low profile armor at the shoulders and elbows. You’ll have to buy the back protector separately, though, and you can get a chest protector for it if you want maximum impact protection.

The Rev’It! Hyperspeed 2 Air comes in black and white, with red accents [above], but also black and red, with neon yellow accents, if you’re feeling loud. Priced at $699 at Revzilla, there’s also a stealthy all-black option. [More]

Fuel Arizona The crew at Fuel Motorcycles in Spain has a thing for riding old bikes in hot places. They organize Scram Africa—a 1,500 mile trip through Morocco on classic and custom scramblers. And they produce some good looking bike gear, too.

The €240.00 [about $264] Fuel Arizona gets its styling inspiration from 1940s American military garments. It’s mostly constructed from abrasion resistant textiles, with mesh panels on the chest, back and sleeves for maximum airflow, and impact protectors all-round. Myriad leather and suede details make the Arizona one of the best looking summer jackets out there. [More]

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