The smallest J in the world, ridden by a short bike girl!

The air-cooled four-engine Kawasaki Z400J is still popular for its angular form and presence that reminds us of the 1980s. This time, we would like to introduce a machine that was built for owners of short stature under the theme of "The World's Smallest J". (Top image: Photo by @usk.inokuma)

1981 KAWASAKI Z400J

What is the Kawasaki Z400J?

The Z400J, introduced in 1980, was equipped with an air-cooled four-cylinder engine, a rarity in the mid-size class at the time. It was popular for its styling, which was similar to that of its big brother, the Z400FX, and for its powerful engine feel. Although it had the same engine as the FX, the Z400J was a "reverse" model, mainly for the overseas market. If the FX is an old-style car of the royal road, the J has a slightly sporty and rugged atmosphere, and still boasts strong popularity. In particular, the "Gyakusha" models, such as the North American versions, have details that differ from those of the domestic models, and they still have a strong fan base. They continue to attract many fans of old cars, as they have a ruggedness that is not found in modern motorcycles and retain a strong sense of atmosphere that is typical of the 1980s.

Although it has the same engine as the Z400FX, the Z400J was a "reverse" model that was developed mainly for overseas markets (image from the catalog of the time)

The J was chosen by a tomboyish bike girl who loves ice cream.

The owner is a shy, but tomboyish girl. The owner is a shy but tomboyish girl who loves ice cream and motorcycles. She originally rode a dragster, but "I wasn't satisfied with my riding attitude," she says. As more and more people around her came to ride old cars, she was naturally drawn to the world of air-cooled four-engine motorcycles. I fell in love with the angular shape at first sight and thought, "I definitely want to ride an FX! I was sure I wanted to ride an FX. But the ride height is high, it is heavy, and it is not easy to ride economically. ......" What he longed for was still the FX. Still, as he compared various vehicles, he felt "everything I saw was different" and finally arrived at the Z400J, a reverse model. Of course, he still has a longing for FX. Still, this J was full of charm as "my own one and only" machine. Instagram "Pyrano" https://www.instagram.com/hm_b95

Pirano with his beloved Z400J and his love of ice cream

The Z400J was designed for a rider of short stature. The goal was to make the "smallest J in the world".

When he first purchased the Z400J, he says with a laugh, "Both of my legs were floating, and I was in no condition to ride it. The main modification was to the body posture. The BFF Company, where he purchased the vehicle, even performed laydown modifications to create a style that even the short Mr. Pirano could ride naturally. This J is not just a lowered version," he says with a laugh. It is impressive that the lowered ride height customization, which tends to be somewhat unbalanced, has been made into an "old car-like atmosphere. Furthermore, the J is evolving little by little as the representative of the motorcycle team, who is a regular customer of the company, adds his own touches. The "cool" is updated every day as it becomes more and more cooler and cooler. caption id="attachment_533627" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Z400J custom lowered to match the owner's height[/caption]

Not only is the ride height lowered, but the overall balance is beautifully put together

The vehicle was purchased from the BFF Company, a custom store in Yokohama, and they are still taking care of it

A mix of original parts and modern equipment

The customization is very strong. The suspension is an early model Kony suspension, FCR carburetor for the intake, and a Moriwaki muffler from the era. The JMC backstep and one-off handlebar clamp case are just a few of the details. The most impressive feature is the presence of "inherited parts. The blinkers, Z mark, flag stick, and other parts were hand-me-downs from the representative of the company. The interesting thing about this vehicle is that it is not just parts, but a link between people. (Custom details) - Laydown kit - Engine guard - Tandem bar - Oil cooler - Yoshimura multi-temp meter - One-off handle clamp case - Smartahan - Early Kony suspension - Moriwaki muffler - JMC back step - FCR carburetor [ caption id="attachment_533635" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Impressive front end with flag stick and Z mark, which he says he got from his representative[/caption]

The cockpit combines the old car's character and beauty

Not to be outdone, the FCR carburetor was chosen

Restored JMC backsteps and a Moriwaki muffler from the era are installed

The rear of the car with the early Connie suspension installed

A life of old cars with the support of friends

When it comes to old cars, it is inevitable that they are hard to maintain. Whenever there is something wrong, I just report it to the people I drive with and buy what they tell me to buy (laughs). Of course, there are many financial hardships. But he never thinks about giving it up," he says immediately, which shows his love for the bike. Sometimes, he continues to ride the bike thinking "something is wrong," and in fact, there have been times when it was in a very dangerous condition, but that is part of the old car life. With the help of the people around him, he is accumulating experience one step at a time.

Mr. Pirano is gaining experience as an old car owner with the support of his friends

Never forgetting to be grateful, I want to drive all over Japan

When I asked him about his future, he replied, "I will continue to be thankful and drive all over Japan. I want to continue to drive all over Japan, never forgetting to be thankful! Life with Z400J started from a longing. He does not want to "master" the Z400J, but rather to "grow it to suit his own needs. The "world's smallest J" is filled with such love and connection with the people around him. Instagram "Single Cylinder for Everyone" https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

Looking forward to Pirano-san driving around Japan in the "World's Smallest J."
Photo by @usk.inokuma