Alex Patrocinio is a faithful reader from Spain who is the publisher of El Diablo Magazine, a publication about our Kustom Kulture. From his headquarters in beautiful Barcelona, he sent me an email, a little bit shy and apprehensive, asking me what I thought about this 1975 Kawasaki KZ 400 that he had built as his daily city commuter bike and of course also as a promo tool for his publication. And I told him that I think that his custom Kawasaki is interesting to be seen by my own readers, at least for 2 reasons. First, during this global recession, and Spain is in a much worse economic situation than the US, more than ever a lot of cheap bikes are available and are perfect canvasses to continue building very cool customs. Second, although this El Diablo Kawa got a street tracker look, its treatment is also inspired by the japanese Brat Style: humble custom street bikes built from old machines (all brands) with a minimalistic approach and extreme sophistication in the details. Proof that the Japanese motorcycle building philosophy has spread its influence all around the world.
Being a motorcycle magazine publisher, Alex had no difficulties picking the right builder for this type of restoration/customization. Job was given to Fernando from Mad Crow Garage whose first tasks after complete bike disassembly was to completely rebuild the seized 2-cylinder engine, then to cut the frame to re-weld the rear tubes shocks, oration street tracker style and shaving it from all its unnecessary brackets.
During this time, Alex became an addict to both American & European eBay websites, browsing thousand of ads to find the right used or custom parts.The simplified tech sheet of El Diablo reads as follow. Gas Tank: Original Kawasaki modified. Rear fender: Triumph 5.00″. Custom Battery Box: Mad Crow Garage. Shocks: Universal 32 mm. Exhaust: Megaton Universal. Tires Rear/Front: Firestone Deluxe Champion 18×4. Headlight: Rinder (Agricultural Machinery). Handlebar: Original Kawasaki painted. Grips: Trial Vintage. Kick Pedal: Old School Brass Kicker. Taillight: East Eagle Vintage Drilled. Electrical System: Ultra simplified. Paint Job: “Mad Crow Garage”, “Welok Studio” & “Rocket 88 Hot Rod Speed Shop”
Sweet and to the point. Nice little bike. All bikes should be customized and should be done with other than the factories p + a catalogs. You know, the old self expression thing.
Great honor when another people in Spain build bikes like these quality. Really cool that Cyril Huze Blog show this info. Thanks to Cyril Huze people and Alex Patrocinio by El Diablo Magazine & Fernando by Mad Crow Garage for build the bike.
i’ve known alex for a few months and have been reading el diablo for about two years. he’s really a great guy and his online magazine is a masterpiece.
what cyril says about economics in spain is true. but it isn’t only spain, it’s pretty much like that for the rest of the world. small thumpers and inline-twins are “earthicans” for customs. this is especially true in the far east and eastern europe.
it isn’t just old triumph, honda and yamaha motors. royal enfield, nsu, awo, junak, pannonia and others you’ve never heard of are being transformed into beautiful bikes from bangkok to budapest.
the days of expensive american v-twins as the dominant custom powerplant are over.
I like it, nicely sorted. Not a lot of excess fluff – less is more.
Well done Alex. Thanks for sharing.
Great looking bike! I would ride that! I just bought a 40 yr old Honda off Ebay, $100… Its just a fun side project, so far its been a total blast, parts are cheep, the bike is SO easy to work on…..
Keep up the great work Alex, Nice job !
Ok Alex, you´ve done it !!!
Thanks to you and congratulations….
Pues eso, lo has logrado.
Un abrazo del calvo.
Hey! Thanks for the comments! Respect to Cyril, the best custom news all over the world… Cheers from Barcelona… Go!
Very nice-clean and smooth. Love the old “ironing board seats” of the era, and his treatment really works IMO. Sweet ride.
Love the way everything came together on this bike – except – the seat (sorry Woody!) Reminds me of one I “created” for a 66 Triumph back in 1970. Seems to plain for the beautiful bike it’s on. Just my preference.
This thing is way cool,a true custom.
What a Kool Kustom! Can you imagine stepping up to the 550E engine, itts got more Substance, only 14 Lbs.more weight. For the Engine! Big difference in HP as well.!
Sorry i meant 500 Triple.
I love street trackers of any make…
That is gorgeous.
way cool, very creative and clean
tropicaltattoo willie
Beautiful bike! Looks like it would be great fun to ride!
Simple and to the point….. the way it should be.
-nicker-
I like it…i had kawasaki in past,always a pleasure to ride and trouble free.
Nice bike, also very interesting articles at El Diablo Mag.Boa sorte a nuestros hermanos.
And if you hit a bump, the 1/2 of rear end travel does what?