Maccomotors #4 “Big Zed Racer”

Jose & Tito have had a busy summer, but as well as the recent Dusty Pearl Triumph build they also found time to ‘knock-up’ this “BIG-Z RACER”. Based on Kawasaki’s trusty shaft-drive Z1100ST it’s a beast of a bike to turn into a cafe/brat, but they make a solid machine with plenty of punch and presence, and a great daily ride.

The donor bike had already been through Jose & Titro’s workshop doors at Maccomotors first build, but after the owner, Sandro, had a bit of a scare and decided to move on, the guys had a chance to recreate the bike in a new guise.

The subframe has been chopped – of course – to accommodate the brat/scrambler style flat seat while up front the bike uses new clips-ons with Beston grips, and a single mini speedo to monitor the big 1100 engine’s progress, while a Bates lamp lights the way after dark. The taillight is a Texas unit.

The OEM spoked wheels wear Metzler Lasertec tyres with a 130/90-16 rear and 110/90-19 front. Shortie fenders are Maccomotors own. The sober matte grey paint comes surprisingly from the Ducati colour chart, plus a little black and raw steel.

These big Zeds are big bikes, but the weight has it’s advantages, giving you a solid and planted ride, (great in the wet) while 1100 Kawasaki CCs provide plenty of grunt in all gears and mile-eating road manners. We’d recommned good brakes on a bike of this size, but Jose & Tito have taken care of it already.

See more on the Maccomotors website or on The Bike Shed’s Maccomotors page. Pics are by Isi Sellés, but never mind the virtual version – if you like the look of this bike it’s now for sale.

from The Bike Shed