Aftermarket parts maker Doremi led the charge this year with a trio of specials that cashed in on the popular retro theme.

First up was a selection of Kawasaki Z900RS machines. Although the stock bike is already a call-back to the old Z1 900, Doremi is developing bolt-on kits to conjure recollections of the later Z1000.

Examples on show included an Eddie Lawson replica, with bodywork tweaks to hark back to the #21 Z1000 he rode to victory in the AMA Superbike Championship in 1981. Changes include period-style ‘Morrismag’ wheels (replicas of the original American Morris alloys), a matte-black four-into-one pipe, a new seat, and new side and tail bodywork. Even the road-going elements are altered to fit the early-80s style, with an overstuffed seat and big, rectangular indicator units.

But this was a mild makeover compared to Doremi’s second Z900RS, with a supercharger added to the mix, as well as more extreme bodywork to mimic the 1979-80 Z1000 MKII, including the right style of tank, side panels and tail unit, a period seat and chrome front fender. However, the suspension remains the modern stuff that’s standard on the Z900RS.

The supercharger kit, a pre-production prototype by Kawasaki specialist MS-Sailing, should up the power considerably, though no figures were provided. The decision to swap out the stock bike’s modern wheels and tyres (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) for narrower, taller 18-inch rims and 2.75in front and 4.5in rear rubber might add to the period style, but it’s not going to help when it comes to coping with the extra power. 

Our favourite

Doremi’s show bikes weren’t just from Kawasaki. The firm also showed its latest conversion for the Honda CB1100 RS, adding a fairing and new tail bodywork to give the style of an early ’80s CB1100R. Both half-faired and full-faired versions are being developed. Once again, the depth of the conversion included period-style lights and indicators

Looking for that classic Honda CB1100R look but in a modern bike? Better start saving and get in touch with Doremi Collection of Japan

By Ben Purvis