Source: Bike Bound
[[{“value”:”From Scrapyard to Center Stage: ZR-7 by Elcancro Motors…
In 1999, Kawasaki launched the ZR-7, a four-cylinder air/oil-cooled naked bike that some have dubbed the “best all-rounder ever.” The 76-bhp powerplant was bulletproof, the suspension could handle both backroads and urban commutes with aplomb, and the tank had a range of 200+ miles.
“The Kawasaki ZR-7’s been around so long it’s virtually prehistoric but that also means it’s a good ’un… The ideal choice for newbies, couriers, and anyone wanting an easy life… What it lacks in presence and excitement it makes up for in practicality and affordability.” –Motor Cycle News
Such rugged all-rounders are often used and abused, “ridden hard and put up wet,” and spend their old age languishing in the back of someone’s shed or garden or scrapyard. This once-rusty ’00 ZR-7 was headed toward just such a fate…until our friend Armand “El Cancro” Guéant of France’s Elcancro Motors swept in to the rescue.
El Cancro has a fondness for rescuing wrecks and breathing new life into them. In fact, it’s pretty much the modus operandi of his workshop. In this case, he had in mind a simple personal project…but as often happens, the build soon grew out of hand. Owing largely to inspiration from his online community, El Cancro’s ambitions for the scrapyard rescue skyrocketed:
“I wanted to make this bike the queen of ZR-7s.
I wanted to resurrect the Phoenix from its ashes.
A before and after, from a wreck to a cafe racer!”
What’s more, the organizer of Hangar Zero 1, Franck, invited him to unveil the bike at the 2 Wheel Show in Lyon, the largest show in Europe…if he could finish in time! The work was immense given the short deadline — only the engine and the main part of the frame remain original.
The bike is now running a Honda VFR750 single-sided swingarm and Hornet 600 USD forks with clip-on bars. A custom subframe and rear loop supports a custom NMB Design saddle, and a lightweight Nikaïa Power battery helps power the LED lights.
3D-printed intake scoops drive fresh air to the carbs, and El Cancro’s friends at SNG chromed the GB250 tank, tail section, and fenders.
The flash looks absolutely stunning on this ZR-7 cafe racer, especially when you consider the bike’s native riding habitat.
“The chrome sparkles like a precious stone in the sun. I live on the French Riviera not far from Monaco, and it’s a pleasure to ride by the sea.” -El Cancro
What a dreamy place to ride, and the perfect bike to match! El Cancro is fast to thank all of his friends and partners who helped him finish the bike in time for the Lyon show, where it shone like the chromium queen it is. Magnifique, El Cancro!
ZR-7 Cafe Racer: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
Elcancro Motors is not a workshop like any other, here we save motorcycles. From the preparation for the circuit, I decided to renovate everything from A to Z and decided to buy wrecks!
The rusty donor
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
It’s a Kawasaki ZR7 from 2000.
• Why was this bike built?
I built this motorcycle as a rescue, as its next destination was the motorcycle scrapyard. I wanted to do a personal, simple project. Then because of my Instagram community it went too far. This motorcycle is the result of social networks.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I wanted to make this bike the queen of ZR7s.
I wanted to resurrect the Phoenix from its ashes.
A before and after, from a wreck to a cafe racer!
• What custom work was done to the bike?
The only original parts on the bike are the engine and half of the frame. I replaced everything else. Hornet 600 2012 fork, VFR 750 single-sided swingarm, GB250 tank, a pair of clip-on handlebars, custom rear buckle, lights, and LED headlight, etc.
I recycled an old 125 DTMX tank, in fact I had to find a metal part already formed for the chrome plating.
The bike is equipped with a Nikaïa Power battery, the best lithium battery for me — it is perfect for cafe racer preparations. And obviously a custom saddle from the NMB Design workshop.
The tank, rear hull and front mudguard are chromed by SNG Chrome.
The plastic scoops were made via 3D printing.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
I give a name to all my motorcycles, but this one doesn’t have one. If you have an idea tell me.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
This bike is much improved compared to the original, firmer suspension, wider rear tire, better brakes. It is certainly lighter and more beautiful, but it remains demanding to ride, as the saddle and suspension are very firm and the position very aggressive. Courageous anyone who takes a road trip with this machine!
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The noise, the position, the aesthetics this bike is no longer the same — very pleasant to drive but not for long. A joy when people turn around we stop to take a photo.
@bat.girl___
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The chrome sparkles like a precious stone in the sun. I live on the French Riviera not far from Monaco, and it’s a pleasure to ride by the sea.
Also, the exhaust manifold for me is a very nice job as a beginner welder.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to particularly thank my friends who helped me to finish the project in time. I was lucky enough to be invited by the organizer of Hangar Zero 1 (Franck) for the unveiling at the 2 Wheel Show in Lyon (the largest show in Europe).
With Franck from Hanger Zero 1
El Cancro at 2 Wheels Lyon
I thank all my partners who also worked within a very short deadline.
nikaiapower.com
hangar-zero-1.com
www.chromesng.com
www.nmb-design.fr
@frenchy_bike
@bat.girl
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @elcancromotors
Facebook: @elcancromotors
Youtube: El Cancro Motors
Indoor Photography: @ed_spotted
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