Customized ZRX1200 DAEG and "Skeleton" base for T.O.T. machine by ACTIVE! [NAGOYA Motorcycle Show 2025]

Custom parts manufacturer ACTIVE exhibited at booths on both days of the Tokyo and Nagoya Motorcycle Shows. Various concept bikes were on display, but this time we would like to focus on the "skeleton" and the ZRX1200 DAEG concept models. The skeleton model shows off the customization of a machine that will compete in the T.O.T (Taste of Tsukuba) race this year.

Mockup skeleton showing off the range of ACTIVE's custom parts!

Let's start with the skeleton model. This one was on display at the Nagoya Motorcycle Show and is a mockup of a bare frame fitted with custom parts made by ACTIVE. At first glance, it looks like a huge bicycle, but each piece of equipment is extremely powerful.

And while it may not look like it at a glance, there are quite a large number of parts involved. In particular, a large amount of brake-related parts have been equipped, consisting of 40 to 50 ACTIVE parts. The total cost of the custom parts alone is approximately 3 million yen, making it an extremely extravagant arrangement.

This mockup uses a ZRX1200 series frame, and a bike based on this custom is scheduled to race in the Taste of Tsukuba (T.O.T.) to be held in May of this year. Auto Boy J's, a shop which offers customizations as well as sales of new bikes, is in charge of building the bike, and construction is already underway. The color scheme will use white as the base, and expectations for the specifications and design are high.

The support rider will be Masahiro Shinjo, a well-known rider. And new to the team this year is Tatsuya Nakamura, who finished 11th in the ST1000 class last year and has moved up to JSB1000 this year. Both Shinjo and Nakamura will of course be riding ZRX1200S machines equipped with ACTIVE parts. They will be competing in the highest class, the "Hercules Class," and we are looking forward to seeing them run wild.

The "last" DAEG, the embodiment of 80's big bike customization

Continuing from last year, this ZRX1200 DAEG concept model with its impressive bright red exterior was the center of attention at the ACTIVE booth. The DAEG, which has been a big part of customization culture in a variety of ways, is known as one of the most difficult custom base models for riders who remember those days. The customization proposed by ACTIVE here will make even such hard-core customizers say "Whoa!"

While retaining that 80's feel, especially in major parts such as the swingarm and wheels, the latest technology has created a machine that boasts extremely high performance. For example, the Type-J forged aluminum wheels have an impressive neo-classic design, but the latest technology shines through in the delicate lines of the machining process. By changing the front and rear wheels, a weight reduction of approximately 5kg can be expected, which also improves agility.

In addition, GALE SPEED calipers and master cylinders, as well as the HYPERPRO DP-S rear shock spare nothing in terms of ride performance. These specifications show off the high potential of an ACTIVE custom not leaving anything out.

Incidentally, ACTIVE has been exhibiting DAEG concept custom models at motorcycle shows for years. However, it was announced that this, their fifth DAEG custom, would be the "last DAEG" proposed by ACTIVE. Though they had been building new customs every two years, this might have been the last chance to see one of their DAEGs. What will we see from them at the next motorcycle show?