Crosby Moriwaki Replica – Limited Edition – #5 OF 10
Moriwaki Engineering
Tired of traction control? Abhor ABS? Former GP racer and winner of the Daytona 200, Suzuka 8 Hours, Isle of Man TT, author and all-around cool guy Graeme Crosby still can’t sit still. From his New Zealand workshop comes word of this Crosby Moriwaki TTF1 Monster replica, the bike Cros rode in 1978/79 when “Superbikes” – hotted-up production machines – were just beginning to compete against factory production racers, and when guys like Mamoru Moriwaki and Pops Yoshimura were just getting off the ground.
Take it away, Graeme:
The main aims were to reproduce an exact as possible copy of this famous bike by using similar manufacturing techniques as used 40 years ago. The basic chassis is a 1976 model Z1-B so as to take advantage in those days of the regulations for the TTF1 World Championship, which stated that the maximum carburetor size must be same as the homologated model, in this case 28mm. The latter model Z900 came out with 26mm carburetors, making it not as desirable.
By tig welding in strengthening bars in strategic areas, the chassis was made more rigid for racing purposes. A new headstock has been manufactured and fitted to the chassis at a slightly different angle. The triple clamps are designed to give the correct offset and to work with the new caster angle. Brackets and non-essential tags and brackets have been removed and additional exhaust hanger brackets and other attachment points fitted.
The same period-style 800mm Kayaba racing front suspension has been fitted using Moriwaki brake brackets to accommodate the classic AP style period brakes with steel braided lines. The rear shock units posed a bigger problem as the original Kayaba units are no longer available, but a suitable substitute has been found by using Works Performance shocks with a very similar appearance.
Mounted at the back is a Moriwaki steel period swingarm of 500mm in length to house the 4.00 x 18-inch rear magnesium Campagnolo copy wheel, produced by Marvic as part of their “Classic” range. The front is a 2.75 x 18-in. Marvic and tires are Continental ContiGo Attack Classic racing tires.
The fuel tank is an exact glass replica complete with a dry break refuelling system for authenticity. The fiberglass front guard, seat and bikini fairing have come from exact molds off the original bike.”
All that would cost you $45,320 in New Zealand dollars, but relax: At the current exchange rate, it’s only 34,733 US dollars.
There’s lots more interesting stuff at http://graemecrosby.zes.zeald.com
More by John Burns
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$34,733? Well, it is a cool bike. Maybe that blue jean magnate you wrote about can buy it. I suppose he'll also fly Graeme in to teach him about the peculiarities of riding it.
Love these bikes.
My buddy owns this original GS1000S that once belonged to a Yosh employee and Pops himself did the head on it. It has the valves, big bore pistons, smoothbore FCR carbs and an original Bassani exhaust! Picked it up during the recession for $3,500. It is pretty darn pristine too. It is sweet to ride. Great smooth two valver sound and nice fat torque. He estimates it makes around 120 hp or so also.