In a period review, Cycle World called Kawasaki’s KZ1300 “an incredible hulk”, saying “There are motorcycles with more speed, but not with the same combination of power, strength, comfort and handling…the sophistication is incredible, the size is enormous.” Displacement-wise, it was the biggest of the classic six-cylinder motors like the Benelli Sei and the Honda CBX. Like the competition, the KZ wasn’t a commercial success but collectors now appreciate the audacity of a bike that screamed excess from the weight to the price. This example takes excess to the next level, as almost every component has been electroplated with 24 karat gold. Why? I have no idea, but the creator says it’s now a “completely exceptional handcrafted work of art,” though it “can be completely put into running condition by liquefaction if the buyer so wishes.” Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one…
To make this work, the creator had to fabricate several replacement parts out of stainless steel before he could plate them, including:
Exhaust curve
Silencers
Exhaust pipe
Exhaust heat shields
Radiator heads
Rear fender
Headlight lugs
Air housing end caps
Handles
Rear brake cylinder cover
Front dust covers
Expansion tank cap cover
Radiator cap
Top covers for front pipes
Saddle strap holders
Cable management controls
Horn holder
Per the listing, work on this project started in 2016 and “manufacturing the parts and uncompromising watchmaking precision required more than three years of work.”
Find this gold-plated motorcycle testament to insanity for sale at Bilbutiken, a boutique dealership in Helsinki, Finland for roughly $225,000 here on Tori.