Air-cooled 4-cylinder after all♪ Back to basics! I was moved by the nearly stock Z1000MK2 ( ;∀;)

Basically “I love air-cooled 4-cylinder engines” *Oil-cooled is also considered essentially air-cooled

Well, after many years, the Z1000MK2 is finally complete.
Since it’s risky to go too far like in the old days, I’ll just cruise around the neighborhood!

I was moved to experience a stock example in such good condition ( ;∀;)

淡路二輪カスタムパーツセンター
¥99,330 (2024/12/17 22:51時点 | 楽天市場調べ)

Stock presents a stable presence

Surprisingly, these wide handlebars feel really good.
Even without going fast, you can cruise along smoothly!
The position and feeling match perfectly!

With a good body, the stock VM carb is incredibly smooth

The throttle is light too and rides like a vacuum carb.
Back when I used to ride my GS1000S completely stock, my impression was terrible
The stock VM was “heavy, doesn’t return, and opens too wide” tiring in three ways.
But the condition was just bad.

When you properly overhaul a unit in good condition,
it goes “Booo” with stable idling and accelerates smoothly.


Does a dual exhaust increase torque?

Actually, a dual exhaust has a really nice feel. It’s probably why manufacturers adopt it so often. *Though manufacturers have various walls to overcome

The torque feel with a nice punch is really satisfying.
Stock mufflers are actually quite rare…

Having stock ones in inventory is impressive indeed (*´ω`*)

The asbestos-containing brake pads from back then have excellent feel

Kawasaki OEM asbestos-containing pads are preferred *They’re traded at incredibly high prices.

The compatibility between these OEM asbestos pads and the stainless discs of this era is good in my impression
In terms of feel, it’s somewhat like cast iron discs.
No squealing and it grabs with a shush-shush sound! The brakes really announce themselves.

The theory that things bad for your body taste good? Might actually be real.

Thin tires and F19-inch R18-inch are kind to people


Thin tires provide nimble handling
and let you dart along, making you forget the bike’s weight.
Also, the thinness increases the contact pressure on the tires, and strangely enough, it gives a sense of security.

Maybe the reason why skinny-tired classic bikes are fun to ride is something like this.


The wide handlebars that let you ride relaxed are really nice

Slowly, gently
Whoooosh! It feels good even without going fast.
Enjoy the scenery without getting angry Was this bike made with that spirit in mind?

I’m not against superbikes. The original has its own distinct charm.

This slightly worn-in feel is good

The bodywork is repainted, but the frame and engine are original.
The chrome has a nice patina. *Our standard
The character that comes with age and time is also a good thing. We should be careful not to over-anti-age.


This is a Z1000MK2 I wanted to own


Even just cruising along aimlessly feels good.
I can now truly understand why classic bikes remain popular.

There’s a lot of freedom for better or worse. *Both the bike and maintenance costs…
It’s complete (*´ω`*) Yay!

淡路二輪カスタムパーツセンター
¥99,330 (2024/12/17 22:51時点 | 楽天市場調べ)
ヨシムラ(YOSHIMURA)
¥106,611 (2026/09/20 18:34時点 | Amazon調べ)
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