Moriwaki Zephyr 1258

If we were to drop the name 'Moriwaki' into a conversation at a well-to-do dinner party mid-way through a lobster bisque entree, would eyebrows be raised in confusion? Or would laughter break out followed by an in-depth debate about the pros and cons of carburetion?

It's probably not relevant to this story (but we're guessing the first answer), yet Moriwaki's latest modified machine, based on the Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 which sadly isn't sold in Australia, is quite a piece of work.

Bringing back memories of the aptly named Monster -- a modified 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr -- the new upgrade kit consists of classically designed (and hand made) exhaust system, new suspension componentry and a completely new computer designed aluminium alloy swingarm.

This new swingarm is stiffer than the stock item and needs to be too, because the engine outputs increased power thanks to a tasty big-bore kit that increases the four-cylinder air-cooled engine's displacement to 1258cc.

The Moriwaki big-bore kit consists of new 80mm pistons and sleeves, and once the cylinders have been machined and honed and parts fitted, the compression ratio increases from 9.1:1 to 11.5:1. Power is expected to reach around 110hp (81kW) and a new clutch is also added.

For the record, Moriwaki is a well-known Japanese tuning house made famous not only for its custom parts, but for helping to launch the career of the likes of Wayne Gardner and Graeme Crosby.

Moriwaki's new Zephyr 1258 by is the kind of motorcycle that would not only stir the soul with a bassy exhaust note, but the sort of vehicle that would stand out in a subtle but appealing way. The kind of bike that would probably be the focus of conversation at dinner parties all over the world...

Check out the official Moriwaki website for more details.