Cherry's 2005 ZZR1200 is definitely the first one of its kind to appear in
SSB, and is not soon to be forgotten. If you're not in the know, the unusual Kawasaki was introduced in 2002 as a competitor to the sport tourers of the day. Its bug-eyed fairing, funky taillights and sheer bulk never really took off though, and the bike was discontinued after only four short years.
While it could have been quickly written off to the pages of motorcycle history, Cherry wanted to forever cement its place with a full custom build. He explained: "The inspiration for this build was to take a ZZR to the next level. It's not typically customized and is used mainly for sport touring. I also wanted to bring some new, innovative ideas to the industry while keeping the bike's styling clean, classy and functional."

This rear end has more firepower...

This rear end has more firepower than the winner of a chili-eating contest.

Trucker Girls-not just for...

Trucker Girls-not just for mud flaps anymore.

Roll 'em slow and let folks...

Roll 'em slow and let folks count the spokes. Tiger striped wheels flash like a flaked out roulette wheel when rolling down the road.

Billet grips with a splash...

Billet grips with a splash of wood.
Unique indeed, as Cherry had a custom single-sided swingarm from Gregg's Customs mated with tiger striped spoke wheels from Ride Wright Wheels. But the one-offs didn't stop there: the entire dash area was hydro-dipped in a unique liquid pattern transfer process to give it a distinctive wood finish. A Tailgunner exhaust, "trucker girl" billet mirrors and Sick Shooter rear pegs complete the unlikely marriage of parts for this real world rider.
While we all would like to have Megan Fox as our first, sometimes it's more like Redd Foxx-just all dolled up. But either way, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and this ride is all lady to a certain rider.
2005 Kawasaki ZZR1200
Front end: Galfer rotors, Ride Wright "Fat Daddy" wheel
Rear end: Gregg's Customs four-over 240 swingarm, Ride Wright 240 "Fat Daddy" wheel
Motor: Tailgunner exhaust
Paint: Roberto at Blue Cat
Polish/chrome: Sport Chrome (
sportchrome.com)
Bodywork: Wood instrument and side panels by Hydro-Dip (
hydro-dip.com)
Accessories: Gatling bar ends, Zero Gravity windscreen, Secdem undertail, Rizoma grips, LSL frame sliders, Sick Shooter rear pegs, billet Hot Momma mirrors
Other: CG Customs seat, Sportbike Lites LEDs, Garmin GPS
Owner: Kevin Cherry
Builder: Gregg Desjardins (
greggscustoms.com)