AC Santuary A16R Models

AC Sanctuary’s ability to churn out amazing specials seemingly knows no limits, as the Japanese firm’s latest run of Kawasaki Z1000 A16 models prove. A16 refers to machines using Sanctuary’s from-scratch 1R9S frame – a race-developed chassis built to fit around a Z1000 motor but dimensionally tweaked to the make the most of 17-inch wheels, modern rubber and suspension. The 1R9S started out as a race machine and has since been used on series of special Sanctuary street bikes. The A16R 002, 003 and 005 models you see here are the latest in the line, and all have been built by the firm’s American arm RCM-USA.

A16R 002

Styled as a nod to the Z1-R – and looking hard as nails in its brushed aluminum style YP Designs paintwork, this quick Kwak has all sorts of goodies inside its fully rebuilt KZ1000 lump: 71mm forged Wössner pistons, heavy duty studs, lightweight ‘Sanctuary Mecha’ timing chain gears, PAMS valves, and Z1000J clutch, breathing through an AC developed fuel-injection system and titanium 4-1 pipe. Detailing includes ZX-10R clocks, handmade aluminium tank, a lightweight detachable box-section subframe, Öhlins suspension and radial Brembo brakes.

A16R 005

At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking this is a high-end production bike, it’s that well finished, but it uses the same frame as all other A16 models. A heavily modified Ducati Panigale seat unit, one-off tank, GSX-R1000 clocks, carbon end can (an AC part, naturally) and a single round headlamp give it a super naked vibe. This must be a gas to hustle through the twisties.

A16R 003

This 003 model was built for a mate of the owner of 002, so they’re similar but subtly different. Aside from the obviously different paint (again by Japanese design shop YF Designs) this 003 features Z style side panels, a ’90s type straight titanium silencer, Nitron forks and shocks, plus a beautifully finished analogue, three-dial Stack instrument panel incorporating warning lights from a ZXR to give it that factory feel.

It’s YES all the way, until you get to that Panigale seat, then it’s a straight NO from us. Just you wait… brown swing-arms will be all the rage soon. Turquoise tank breather tubes, too.