AC Sanctuary Z1 build from BikeExif

Spotted this article on a Z1 build out of Japan by AC Sanctuary. They do some VERY tasty stuff, usually more serious race-oriented bikes. This is the second one I've seen.

It will make some you drool, for sure!

www.bikeexif.com/custom-kawasaki-z1

Get ready to spend some time drooling... They have albums for many of their bikes on their site:

www.ac-sanctuary.co.jp/rcm/gallery/

They have over 80 Z1 builds posted. Also a ton of Z1Rs, and MkIIs, and Js, and...

It looks like they've numbered their builds sequentially. If that's the case, they've done close to 450 builds. These bikes sell for the equivalent of $20k-$40k each. Look at how long this list of sold bikes is: www.ac-sanctuary.co.jp/rcm/craftsmanship/

The fact that 400+ Japanese folks are willing to pay that much for a 40 year old resto-mod is amazing. It makes me so happy.

In the article the op links to, the author says the engine fasteners have been replaced with chrome moly rather than the more common stainless steel. I wonder why?

I hadn't gone to their website, so did not realize the extent of their work. I had seen a few other builds they have done, all truly beautifully done. Interesting about the costs and the number of customers waiting too. Just for comparison purposes, Colorado Norton Works does similar type work on Norton Commandos (full disclosure: I have 2, along with 3 other Norts). The cost for them to do a full-on rebuild, restoration or "resto-mod", your choice, is upwards of $25-$30k.

So Sanctuary's pricing really is not out of line, and what they do seems to incorporate more willingness to use modern materials (although how 'modern' can one get with a Norton??)

Good God, what a Beauty. It's art, I don't care what anyone says.

nhsteve wrote: Colorado Norton Works does similar type work on Norton Commandos (full disclosure: I have 2, along with 3 other Norts). The cost for them to do a full-on rebuild, restoration or "resto-mod", your choice, is upwards of $25-$30k.

So Sanctuary's pricing really is not out of line, and what they do seems to incorporate more willingness to use modern materials (although how 'modern' can one get with a Norton??)

I have been an A.C. Sanctuary fan since they first appeared in the foreign bike press, and have drawn many ideas from their beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail while keeping the essence of the classic bike mostly intact. If I only had the wealthy customer base, I would be ordering custom Ohlins RWU forks and Oz wheels, too. My guys balk when I tell them the complete re-built, cammed and big bore KZ or GS engine they want is going to cost over $1000!

I've got a very cool, 90% original 73 Norton Commando in my shop now, It belongs to a nice but real old looking guy that has owned it since the seventies. It hasn't ran since 86. I think it represents all of what is left on his "bucket list", so I've agreed to get it running and looking pretty again, and ASAP, judging from the old guy's health. I don't even know for sure if he will be able to kick it to life by himself (no push button on that one). But there is no way I'm going to even try to charge anywhere near $20K for it!!!!!