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1984 Kawasaki KZ400 Sees Revitalizing Custom Makeover, Looks as Fresh as Ever

Kawasaki KZ400 8 photos
Photo: Héctor Saura via Meta Magazine
Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400Kawasaki KZ400
We just can’t get enough of seeing classic motorcycles reborn as gorgeous pieces of two-wheeled artwork.
One thing’s for sure, Koolt Creations’ Stefan Lantschner is no rookie when it comes to brewing bespoke creations that’ll make just about any moto-loving petrolhead weak at the knees. To give you a better idea as to what this fellow’s all about, let's take a minute to examine his remarkable transformation of a 1984 variant from Kawasaki’s KZ400 range.

Within its double-cradle frame, the donor bike in question hosts an air-cooled SOHC parallel-twin powerplant, with two valves per cylinder and a displacement of 398cc. The four-stroke fiend will be more than happy to deliver as much as 36 hp at 8,500 rpm, while a decent torque output of up to 24 pound-feet (32 Nm) will be supplied at 7,500 revs.

A five-speed transmission is tasked with handing over the engine’s force to a chain final drive, leading to a respectable top speed of 94 mph (151 kph). Now, this thing may not exactly be what you’d call a monstrosity, but it does come across as a competent starting point for a ravishing custom venture.

Lantschner kicked things off by removing the original hoops to make way for a tasty pair of aftermarket counterparts with seven spokes on both ends. Next, a Cagiva Mito 125’s front Brembo brake has been transplanted onto Koolt’s reborn KZ400, while the standard subframe was replaced by a loop-style alternative that houses an LED rear lighting strip.

Above the seat pan, you will find a fresh leather saddle that looks the part. To bring about a revised riding stance, the bike received a one-off handlebar, as well as a Honda CBR’s rear-mounted foot pegs. In the powertrain department, the moto master installed a majestic exhaust system, enabling the parallel-twin to breathe a little more freely.

Rear suspension duties are taken good care of by a set of top-grade shock absorbers. The finishing touch comes in the form of a handsome color scheme enveloping the KZ400’s gas tank. This bad boy has turned into a genuine showstopper after experiencing Stefan Lantschner’s custom treatment, don't you think?
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About the author: Silvian Secara
Silvian Secara profile photo

A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing.
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