Kawasaki Z1000

In the 70s and 80s, Georges Martin was one of Europe’s most prolific frame and component manufacturers. Based in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a picturesque seaside town in western France, he built almost 6,000 frames for custom and racing motorcycles. He’s still an iconic figure on the continental scene, and this new café racer is a tribute to his skills. It was built by Alan Bernard of Santiago Chopper in Tampa, Florida, using an original 70s Martin frame. Back in the day, Martin-framed bikes were usually powered by uprated Kawasaki, Honda or Suzuki engines, and Bernard has stayed true to from by choosing a Kawasaki Z1000 motor. The front end, swing arm and 17” wheels are from a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R, while the seat is a Benelli item. Bernard has replicated the squared-off, chunky look of an original Martin tank, but the Breitling-themed paint is a distinctly modern touch—Bernard has built a motorcycle in the past for the owner of the Swiss watchmaker brand.