A one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle that combines the iconic styling of the Kawasaki ZRX1200R with the legendary performance of Suzuki’s Hayabusa has surfaced on the auction market. Listed on Bring a Trailer, this 2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R—dubbed Kawabusa 3—represents the latest evolution of a series of ambitious hybrid builds created by Norm Wilding of Mid-Missouri Motorcycles in Columbia, Missouri.
Completed in 2022, the project was showcased at that year’s Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas, where it highlighted an unconventional approach to performance motorcycle engineering. Unlike the builder’s earlier Kawabusa creations, which relied on naturally aspirated Hayabusa powerplants, the third-generation version takes performance a step further with the addition of forced induction.
At the heart of the build is a first-generation Suzuki Hayabusa’s 1,299cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, transplanted into the Kawasaki chassis. The engine has been extensively modified with a Garrett AiResearch carbon-sealed turbocharger delivering 7.5 psi of boost, paired with an S&S Cycle Super G Shorty carburetor featuring a screened velocity stack. Exhaust gases exit through a custom four-into-one system incorporating a Turbosmart GenV CompGate40 external wastegate, emphasizing the motorcycle’s turbocharged character. Power is delivered through a hydraulically operated clutch, a six-speed transmission, and a chain final drive, preserving the Hayabusa’s renowned drivetrain while significantly enhancing straight-line performance.
The chassis has also undergone a comprehensive transformation. The motorcycle adopts key suspension and running gear components sourced from a first-generation Hayabusa, including the inverted front fork, reinforced swingarm, monoshock, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The suspension setup utilizes progressive linkage at the rear, while braking performance has been upgraded with Tokico six-piston front calipers gripping 320 mm Arashi rotors and a two-piston rear caliper operating on a 240 mm disc. The silver-finished GSX-R alloy wheels are wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ performance tires measuring 120/70 at the front and 190/55 at the rear, complementing the bike’s modernized handling capabilities.
Visually, the custom machine retains the muscular silhouette of the ZRX while introducing several bespoke elements. A metallic silver finish with gray and black striping is accented by “Kawabusa” and “Turbo Edition” graphics, distinguishing it from previous iterations. Additional styling upgrades include an exposed carbon-fiber front fender, a redesigned rear cowl featuring dual round taillights, and a black vinyl solo seat.
The cockpit receives equally distinctive treatment with a black LSL XN1 X-Bar tapered aluminum handlebar and a set of AutoMeter gauges consisting of a 10,000-rpm tachometer, 160-mph speedometer, and a centrally mounted boost gauge that keeps the turbocharger’s output in clear view.
Blending Kawasaki’s upright ergonomics with the Hayabusa’s formidable engine—and elevating the formula with turbocharging—the Kawabusa 3 stands as an inventive custom build that showcases both engineering creativity and high-performance motorcycle craftsmanship.
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R Custom For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer
