Kawasaki ZX-10R - Flying High

The timeless phrase, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," couldn't be more relevant than with this fighter plane inspired build.

Acquired in pieces from a friend who wadded the ZX-10R during an unsuccessful stunt session, owner Ben Getz finished this build in just seven weeks. "Too many people write things off as salvage when they're really not. I threw on some new plastics and an old R1 tail section, then recycled a bunch of the wrecked parts to get it back on the road."

Where funds were lacking ingenuity certainly wasn't. The old exhaust cans soon transformed into the custom single shorty unit, sheet aluminum made the undertail and PVC pipe was used for the forward-mounted guns to fill the space of the previously trashed headlight. More than just a junkyard build, Getz claims his Kawi is also historically accurate.

"I'm a big fan of vintage aircrafts so I did a lot of research to make sure the graphics and colors were a perfect match to the P-40 Warhawks from WWII. It was nice to get compliments on its accuracy from veterans who actually served in the war."

It's been said that the P-40s were instrumental in winning the war and were flown by everyday guys who kept their plans together with little more than some elbow grease and creativity. Considering this killer Kawi's modest roots, we'd say it's following in its forefathers' footsteps quite nicely.

Buyer's Box
2006 Kawasaki ZX-10R

Motor: K&N air filter, custom exhaust

Paint/bodywork: P-40 Warhawk replica graphics

Accessories: 50 caliber round ignition switch, Third Eye bicycle mirrors, windscreen-mounted sight, axle-mounted license plate, smoked windscreen

Owner/Builder: Ben Getz