The blue beast, honed over 20 years—an ultimate modification reveal of the Kawasaki Zephyr 1100RS. To say this motorcycle is a representation of “slow work yields fine results” is not an exaggeration. A Kawasaki Zephyr 1100RS that has evolved continuously from the 1990s to today has transformed into a thorough blue beast.
This is not a spur-of-the-moment overhaul, but a persistent and meticulous evolution of the motorcycle. If you are also a motorcycle modification enthusiast, the story of this bike is definitely worth reading in one go.
The modification of this Zephyr was handled by the renowned Japanese modification house Shabon Dama, who have clearly interpreted the “Japanese craftsmanship spirit”. The bike’s initial state was the original condition from the 1990s, and its owner is a “loyal customer”—having first walked into the shop over 20 years ago to replace the carburetor, he has formed an inseparable bond with Shabon Dama. Every few years thereafter, the owner would return with new demands for upgrades, and finally, this bike has undergone a complete “rebirth” through the test of time.
To create the so-called “ultimate form” of this Zephyr, the first step is to rebuild the frame. Although the Zephyr is newer than the old bikes from the 1970s, the steel cradle frame must be fully reinforced to support stronger performance. Shabon Dama used exclusive fixtures to correct the frame and reinforced it at eight key points, including welding and adding support structures, ensuring that this frame is maximally rigid and never loosens. Subsequently, the entire frame was powder-coated, making it not only durable but also visually striking.
Beyond appearance, performance is of utmost importance. For the suspension system, the front forks use the HyperPro AH1 series, which provides more detailed damping adjustments than Ohlins in street use, especially excelling in high and low-speed rebound performance. The rear shock is handled by Ohlins dual guns, paired with the WHEELIE 7N01 machined rear swingarm, creating a combination that balances rigidity and precision handling.
The wheels were originally Dymag products, but in pursuit of ultimate performance, they were replaced with OZ Racing’s Cattiva series magnesium six-spoke wheels, paired with Michelin high-performance tires, elevating both grip and lightweight characteristics to a new level. The braking system is equally impressive, featuring Brembo calipers front and rear paired with Sunstar floating discs, and a Gale Speed master cylinder, ensuring strong braking while also providing a delicate feel.
When it comes to power, we must mention this heavyweight 1107cc engine. The original cylinder block could no longer bear the load, so the entire machine was disassembled and rebuilt, fitted with 75mm Wiseco forged pistons, and the crankshaft was fully balanced. The gearbox was also upgraded simultaneously. The cylinder head underwent extensive porting and polishing while retaining the original dual spark plug structure, and a Yoshimura camshaft and reinforced valve system were added to maximize combustion efficiency. The intake system features a 38mm TMR-MJN quad carburetor, with a dual stacked intake port design that exudes a classic vibe.
The exhaust system is a titanium alloy system crafted by Shabon Dama, featuring a segmented four-to-one design that fits closely to the engine area, with a titanium alloy muffler at the end, which is not only lightweight but also visually striking. To ensure the engine’s thermal control performance, a large oil cooler, high-flow piping, and an oil-gas separator were installed to ensure stable operation at high RPMs.
Finally, we must mention the bike’s exterior paint: the navy blue and gold color scheme, painted by YF Design, is the “dream color scheme” that the owner has long desired. The carbon fiber front fender, side covers, and tail cover perfectly integrate with the new aluminum fuel tank, while the white and black two-tone outlines and custom patterns enhance the overall quality, making it not just a work of art, but a breathing mechanical life form.
This Kawasaki Zephyr 1100RS is not just a modification; it is a journey of growth between man and machine. From the initial carburetor replacement to this ultimate form of a street beast, every detail is filled with persistence and passion.
