Kawasaki ZRX1200

ZRX 1200

The iconic muscle bike straight from the Kawasaki factory. Produced to be the new Z1000 from the classic era which proved to be more then capable for the great Eddie Lawson.

As you can see the styling still has classic looks but with all the modern updates you need. 

I personally love these bikes, have yet to ride one, and more importantly race one but I think they would be such a good ride. I love the way it still looks like quite the classic but with a mean streak. I have always admired them from a young age. When they first came out in 2001 I was fixated immediately and that was when I was a young child at eleven years of age. I knew that one day I would own one of these bikes, would be good to add a Kerker exhaust, set of maxton shocks and a fully rebuilt front end. 

Have you got a zrx1200 show bike or own a modified Kawasaki muscle bike?

If so please do get in touch and send me the specifications and pictures as here at "Mighty Kwacker" we would love to do a feature piece on your pride and joy.

Dont forget to subscribe at the bottom of the page.

MightyKwacker 

Exciting News with LEGACY SPORT PERFORMANCE!

Exciting news to announce we will be working in partnership throughout the year with Legacy Sport Performance. This is a huge boost for us so please stay tuned and check back for more information!

Go check Legacy Sport Performance as the site will be up and running soon so keep checking back.

Thank you once again Legacy Sport Performance.

MightyKwacker Racing from 2014 video.

Having found a video whilst browsing Youtube I found an old video from 2014 in a very cold April.

Just a bit of background, I had one full test day on the back in the dry and then went into Thundersport Golden era Supersport class which ran within the Superbikes at the same time. Now I knew I was up against it being on a lower powered bike but also a fully standard engine and suspension not correct for my weight held me back big time and also being nervous after having a year and a half out at the time then going back in at the deep in. 

As you can see I was pushing the bike as much as I could but with the front end being too soft and having really, really fluffy fueling which I think was down to the pipercross air filter but anyway, for having a year out I didnt do too bad, I can brake though so thats a plus! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AfECzW0Ut4

Featured: JT Racing Kawasaki ZX6RR 2004

Here we have Jack Thompson's Kawasaki ZX6RR

Now I think you will agree that this bike is very clean and tidy but looks stunning. The first year that Kawasaki proved itself capable in the supersport catergory and with this being the RR version meaning this was the one specifically meant to race. 

With the bike Jack has had some impressive results against a lot newer machinery and is looking for a newer bike to date now to give him that upper edge and gives him the level playing field he needs as he will be contesting the Thundersport GB Sportsman Elite 600 championship.

This is still one of my favourite models to date and I reckon the colour scheme really works.

SPECS

Kawasaki ZX6RR 2004








Standard Engine 

Gilles Rearsets

Ohlins Rear Shock 

Brembo Master Cylinder

Power Commander 3 with custom map

104BHP at the back wheel

Akrapovic End Can

Woodcraft engine covers with replaceable skid plates

Rain light

Pro bolt kit

WP Steering Damper

Braided hoses

Jack is also looking for sponsorship so if you have any enquiries please get in touch at jt-racing5@outlook.com

What do you think to his Kwacker?

Mighty Kwackers New Logo

As with all successful brands and companies, its best to have a good image and something that everyone can relate to. If you see a certain logo for example on a t-shirt and you can connect that to what company it is. So seeing as we are doing this the right and professional way, we had a few ideas. I got in touch with a long time friend and sponsor Nige Pitt from Pittys Custom Vinyls (see earlier post) and sent a few ideas across and we came up with this. Really hope you all like it and can relate it to this to my racing, blog and my Instagram page from now on.  I am hoping that over time I can start making merchandise and accessories for you all to wear.

Let me know what you think in the comments section please.

Thanks

Matty

If you would like to be assosciated with the Mighty Kwacker race team, please see my earlier post and if you have any enquiries and would like to offer a donation for the name on the bike, or any other sponsorship you can help with please dont hesitate to get in touch ; Mlr93@live.com

Matty Laws Racing AKA MightyKwacker Racing.....Help Needed!

So I suppose you may like to know that I am racing this year once again. I usually have to take a year or so out each time due to not having the finances but I am back for 2016 on a very tight budget and I am looking for help from my dedicated followers and fans. 

I have a background of racing spanning a few years now with my first season being in 2011 at a semi pro level with Thundersport GB on a CB500 and after picking it up very quickly I was soon battling for the top 15 in a class of 52. 

The following year with a massive thank you to Nige and Di of Pittys Custom vinyls they loaned me there new Ex TTC Triumph Daytona 675 and after plenty of testing on it I finally adapted to it and unfortunately at my first race meeting with Auto 66 at Cadwell Park I unfortunately crashed and nearly totalled the bike so I worked hard to pay for all the damage and got back out in June just to see if it works as it should and it was sublime. So thank you very much you two for such an amazing experience though, I am eternally grateful. The plus side to this year was racing my cb500 against Steelframe 600, 650's, 400's and 750's in the Auto 66 Formula Libre class, we was looking to clinch 3rd in the championship out of 24 but unfortunately once again luck struck and one meeting got cancelled which had a knock on effect and unfortunately finished 5th that year. 

2013 was a break for me due to running out of money, i worked hard and got myself a zx6r J1 model to enter 2014 and race at Thundersport Gb in the golden era supersport class, with an underpower bike on the wrong suspension for myself and nerves racking me all weekend and over revving the engine to catch the R6 5EB race bikes, which let me tell you now were heavily tuned.  Basically most bikes in my class had a lot of work done and I had a bog standard engine which just couldnt handle the strain. After finishing with 2 x 7ths I was in 6th in my 3rd race when oil spurted out all over my boot on the left side and nearly caused me to crash numerous times on the following lap ended my weekend, The rocker cover had (no pun intended) bust a nut and caused the leak. 

But I want you all to know I have what it takes, I do have the raw talent just not the money to nurture and build on it. This year I will race at Aintree Motorcycle Race Club and I will make myself known in the Pre Injection over 600 class. Take a look at the picture below and get in touch if you would please like to help me. Please join me on this adventure and at the same time get your Name on the bike and number board.

Come Join the Mighty Kwacker Family!

Thanks Matty

ZXR400 Of Ben Harrison Racing

So as I am a huge Kawasaki fan and that's what this blog is all about so lets start off with giving a good friend of mine, Ben, the credit his beauty of a zxr400 deserves. 

Ben races with NG road racing and also goes by the team name of "Up the Duchy" and is always running in the top three narrowly missing out on the championship and coming 2nd for the 2015 season. 

Now for the bike, the spec list is as follows :

Engine-
Skimmed and ported head

 Race cams

 Total loss lightened flywheel 

 Custom race loom 

 Stick coils

 Silicone rad hoses

 Ram air box 

 CV carbs

 
VENHILLl q/a throttle

 
Fully rebuilt brakes with HEL braided lines

 Lightened subframe 

 Lithium lightweight battery 

 Full factory Kawasaki race exhaust system with ART end can 

 CNC alloy race clip-ons 

 Renthal grips

 NGK spark plugs 

 Hyperpro fork springs with 10w silkolene oil

 GSXR 600 K3 rear shock modified to fit

Now check out how she looks, what an absolute beauty! 

If you want to get in touch with Ben about his racing or his bike please visit his facebook page under "Ben Harrison Racing" He is more then happy to help as and when he can. 

I am sure you will all agree the original Kawasaki screamer is a real head turner and one of the best bikes Kawasaki have ever produced.

Love the zxr400!

Thanks Matty

Family...Means Everything!

This was obviously where it all began, and for me without family around you to support your dreams and goals, you need to find that within yourselves. Now we all know finding that motivation, even for the likes of just getting off your arse to go to the gym is hard enough especially after the new year. Put your family around you, gain there trust and support, they give you the drive, the push, the will to succeed! This in simpler terms is like, for example, your tyres, They are there to lean on, to trust, to push the limits. Without these tyres you have none of that! For that we should always be grateful! its very hard to put into words my love for them but they know I do so Im sure they will read this and just know!

Now I for one know that it may sound cliche but I really am grateful to my family, they have supported me through everything, rugby, racing, my work, whichever route I have taken they have done whatever it takes to help me. 

I suppose now I better tell you about Nathan, my brother. This is were it gets really interesting, some say we are like chalk and cheese, he is fat and I arent(true that). As brothers go, he is awesome, really grounding and doesnt like you to get ahead of yourself and thats purely because he doesnt like to be outwitted and most certainly doesnt like being out smarted thats for sure! I can guarentee he will be reading this now, laughing but in his head he knows its true! Nah come on now I will be honest with you, he has done whatever he possibly can to help me, financially he has supported me, guided me in the right direction should I have stepped wrong and really got me out there being the person I am now, so brother I thank you for that! 

So remember "Mighty Kwacker" followers, its not the material things that matter, its the immaterial and emotional support of your family. Lets hope we can get a "Mighty Kwacker" family together and help one another!

Thanks

Matty


Just a few pictures of the family. 

Bexmoto Ltd

As mentioned in a previous post Bexmoto play a big part in the running and riding of the "Mighty Kwacker". He is the man to go to for all things crash protection for the Kawasaki zx9r. Not only does he make the parts to a high quality and standard but he also makes performance exhausts too. His craft is fantastic and uses the best materials to hand. We really appreciate what he has done for us so Im just showing you his work and hope you may like to purchase some of his protection or his performance exhausts. 

A bit about Bexmoto run by my good friend Shamus!

Welcome to Bex Moto. Here we specialise in aftermarket exhaust cans.

All our exhaust can sleeves are hand-made by us. All the exhaust can components are stainless where applicable and UK sourced. The materials used in the sleeves are also UK sourced and have been chosen for their quality and ability to withstand the rigours in the exhaust application, whilst maintaining their looks.

So what makes us different? Three things, actually:

Firstly our cans are NOT mass-produced. The sleeves are manufactured over a period of several days and heat-treated to ensure their ability to perform. This ensures a uniqueness over the many mass-produced cans out there.

Secondly, the actual surface of the sleeve is not a common glossy finish. The surface is not encased in resin but has a satin look due to the composite (carbon) not being impregnated with resin, thus also allowing a textured feel.

Thirdly, alongside the carbon fibre finish is the option of Alufibre, often referred to as silver carbon fibre. This gives the can a silver appearance whilst still maintaining the unique textured feel.

And finally, be assured that:

Quality has always been our aim and as a keen motorcyclist and enthusiast myself, the same attention to detail and quality is given to any product made or service undertaken. I would not manufacture or sell a product that I would not feel comfortable fitting to my own motorcycle.

Thanks you

Shamus (Bex Moto)

Visit www.Bexmoto.co.uk for all enquiries.

RST Tractech Evo Green Boots Review

My first review, so I thought I would do it on my new race boots thanks to Lizzie for buying me them for christmas. I used to own these boots in white and had a few crashes in them, wore them on road and whilst racing and for general use so I can give some good feedback.

 So this is the model and colour I have, like I said before I used to have the white ones. Right for some information I am a size 11 so I cant guarantee everyone will get the same feeling and feedback. The first thing I notice is the plastic parts fit and are formed quite well and its not all shiny, some of it is quite grippy especially the toe grip. That is much grippier then my last pair and thats with the sheene still on from manufacturing.

Everything is double stitched and has quite a good finish to it and not a single part has been left untouched, no loose ends or frayed edges so all good there. The colour is brighter then on the photo so my apologies, its perfect for the "Mighty Kwaker". 

This time the sole of the boot isnt just a pure flat surface, it has a slight contour to it, an indent some would say so that when your foot is positioned on the toe peg correctly it sits in rather then just on giving you that extra bit of grip on the peg. The heel seems to use slightly softer compound but again very comfortable once on. Hopefully you can see the slight curve on the sole in this photo.

So you want to know about fit and feel now I assume, so you know what? Il tell you.

Once on, what once felt like quite a soft ankle support sturdys right up especially once zipped up. Can be worn with motorcycle socks with ease and really do give a comfortable yet rigid support. I base the boots I wear purely on ankle support and heel support (or colour :p ) and this is due to the fact I will be racing so I want a good sturdy support, these are the two things I least want to break, stupidly long healing times and i understand in a lot of situations the odd broken toe I can deal with. After all it needs to have a certain softness for your gear lever. The calve size of the boot is perfect to drop leathers into or the velcro has enough range if you want to wear your leathers over the top. 

Overall I believe rst moto have made a cracking boot perfect for summer road riding, track riding and racing, at the price of £119.00 I really cant complain. Im happy with the fit, the rigid ankle and heel support, of course the colour but overall they give me confidence, I can feel the suspension and the feedback from the bike through my toes, whilst support the soles of feet. 

One thing i recommend, dont use in heavy rain, i found out the hard way, wetter then an otters pocket.

I really do rate these, let me know what you think?

Thanks Matty

Pittys Custom Vinyls

Well were do I begin, 

Pittys Custom Vinyls is found and run by two fabulous people whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the start of my racing. They go by the names of Nige and Di. Now these two were so definitive and fundamental to all of my racing throughout the years. You wont meet a partnership like it, such loving, devoted, caring and the most helpful of people. Really are one in a kind to find such good friends like these. 

With many heartfelt emails sent out in order to gain some sponsorship just to even get me started , pittys custom vinyls were quick off the mark to off all vinyls to be designed, cut and fitted and then this moved on to clothing and they both treat me to such a fantastic jacket with all the logos on. I couldn't be anymore thankful to them. 

The quality of workmanship and the skill and effort that goes into there work is fantastic and second to none. I would highly recommend them and send them a message, whether it may be a banner for a company, car vinyls, motorcycle vinyls or even work clothing they will sort you out and at a great price. Just head on over to www.pittys.com and mention you was recommended by myself Matty Laws of "Mighty Kwacker". You will not be disappointed.

You may be wondering why I am doing this but they have helped me year in and year out without fail and have always come to my aid, this is only a small token of my appreciation.

Thank you Both

Matty

Nige in action at Cadwell Park Thundersport Pre National 600

My ZX9R C2 Race Bike

Just a brief description of the bike I am using in the Aintree Motorcycle Race Club, in the Pre-injection over 600 and possibly powerbike and superbike just for track time.

You see I have done a few modifications with thanks to www.zx-9r.net and the loyal, helpful members on there. 

Front Forks

First modification is the front end. It is under sprung beyond belief so we fitted only the best, Maxton Engineering front fork springs and spacers, 9.5kg weight with 10wt oil from Putoline. This transformed the bike with a full refresh and clean and now the bike has positive working adjustments, and damping that actually works and isnt using just the rebound of the spring.

Rear Shock

Next up, a nitron engineering Sport shock. Most people will say this is just for the road but I disagree. A good friend of mine Ian poppewell has been in the game many years and says the lower budget shocks without all the gas remote reservoirs are more then capable. So that stops the squatting of the rear end and again no rebound apart from the spring itself. The nitron controls the back end much better and is a cut above the standard technology from 1999.

Ignition

Well everyone knows there are Ignition advancers out there to buy, silly money for a small lasered piece of hardened coated steel with a different ratio of tabs. Now thanks to the knowledge of my good friends on www.zx-9r.net they advise taking the magnetic pick up and filing off the pins on the back, moving up exactly 2.3mm and tightening back up. This has moved the ignition advance by +4 degrees. This is only recommended on High octane petrol if you can source it but the throttle response, midrange pick up and idle are vastly improved. This also removes the snatchiness in the throttle and slight delayed acceleration.

Carbs

Now when we bought the ZX9R it already had a dyno jet kit needles. But on removal we found that they were fitted incorrectly, we moved the 0.5mm washers so that are set either side of the ledge and once again idle, throttle response and the pick up is much quicker. The bike now has no rough patches and picks up like a modern day fuel injected 1000cc. With the standard needles though it just needs a 0.5mm washer under each one to get the same results.

Air Filter

When the "MIGHTY KWACKER" was bought it already came with a very mucky K and N air filter so I gave it a clean and a wash and re oiled it and was good as new. Good results have been known to be found from these on all models. Worth the money though as they are re-usable. 

Tyres

I will be using Pirelli Supercorsa tyres to begin with, these were kindly donated by Ian Poppewell, but all I will be doing is using scrub tyres. Second hand tyres are under estimated as they havent used every ounce of grip out of the tyre. You only need new tyres all the time if you are looking for that extra tenth of a second and unless you can out ride the bikes full potentional there is no point yet. I also have scrub metzeler racetecs and I use bridgetsone wet tyres as I am very comfortable and confident in them.

Crash Protection

With a massive thank you to Shamus Johns of Bexmoto Ltd he has kindly donated all my crash protection for the year for "Mighty Kwacker". This consists of front and rear wheel spindles with very high quality nylon machining. I have crash bungs on the frame and also very high quality bar ends which are very solid and I know that if/when I crash these will save the bike. 

So there is a brief description of the "Mighty Kwacker" , I hope you like it as much as I do.

Thanks Matty

ZX9R Original Review

Seeing as I am using a Kawasaki ZX9R C2 model to use as a race bike I thought it would only be natural to show what some of the motorcycle community thought of the bike when it was first produced.

Now just to note all models are standard from factory and i will be using a few quotes to give you an idea of what people were thinking back then.

First up MCN.

"Began life as a sports machine, didn't quite cut it and ended up as an excellent sporty sports-tourer"

Like so many motorcycles the Kawasaki ZX-9R began life as a sports machine, didn’t quite cut it and ended up as an excellent sporty sports-tourer. It’s indecently fast and should put 175+mph on the clock with minimal hassle. Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs were heavy but from the ‘C’ variant of 1998 onwards it’s light enough to be a capable if not cutting edge sports machine.

Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs weren’t good. The Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘B’ series from 1994 to 1997 was too heavy. Fingers were pointed at the rear swingarm and suspension too. It’s the least sporty of the bunch by some margin. Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘C’, E’ and ‘F’ suffix bikes are all much lighter but still stable and relaxed enough to make excellent road bikes. Brakes are effective unless neglected.

Always a strong point on Kawasakis even when chassis development fell behind the competition. The Kawasaki ZX-9R's engine is a classic with modest low rev torque, no major fireworks in the midrange but enough urge to keep the Kawasaki ZX-9R swift. But rev hard and very little will pull away. The Kawasaki ZX-9R has a pleasing growly nature too.

So that is what MCN briefly noted when reviewing the bike. 

Do you agree with them? What are your thoughts and what have you done to improve yours?

Thanks Matty #193

So just a few photo's showing you what I do from time to time and really enjoy. Just to give you an idea. WARNING! If squeamish dont bother...

About me..

Greetings all

 So how do I start then, well i am Matty Laws of Matty Laws Racing and I just quite fancied making a blog just so people can have a browse and see how my life takes its turns and motions through being a full time worker to a very budget club racer and everything in between. 

Its not easy trying to juggle everything, I mean in my head all I want to do is race bikes, Kawasaki specifically although in my career I used Honda and Kawasaki. Anyway back to where I was, i juggle working full time as a welding fabricator hoping to further my career, whilst saving for my very first house with my girlfriend of seven years, Lizzie. Whilst doing so I am trying to race on a budget at Aintree Motorcycle Race course. 

I'm from Hull, I am 23 years old and to be honest I am already grateful for everything I have but as we all know, we as humans always want more, its natural. You can see why it is a constant battle. My head says bikes, my heart says home, and well lets not go there on what my body wants! (cheeky)

So as the blog goes on you will find out more about me and my life but barring that I hope you enjoy it.

Catch you soon.

All the best Lawsy.