190-bhp Suzuki GSX-R1000-Powered RMZ from Poland…
The 2004 Suzuki GSX-R1000 (K4) screamed onto the scene with 164 brake horsepower and a redline of 12,000 rpm — a symphony for the senses. The liter-class Gixxer was already the king of the mountain, but the new model was lighter, smaller, and more powerful.
“Performance is scintillating – obscene, indecent, intoxicating – get the throttle on the stop in any gear except the top two and everything goes backwards. Unlike many sports bikes, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has plenty of low down urge and it’s got enough rough edge no-one could call it bland..” –MCN
The 988cc 16-valve liquid-cooled inline-four was the real star of the bike. It had a redesigned cylinder head, lightweight titanium valves, lighter weight forged pistons, hollow cams, and a one-piece cylinder block. Curtis Smith of On The Back Wheel (OTBW) gives the best review we’ve seen:
“The absolute defining feature of this GSX-R1000 is its motor. Everything else on this bike is built around the motor to enable you to use it to its potential… When you first heavily accelerate in the first few gears you shit yourself. Not kidding I’m pretty sure I had a stain. But then, you realise while you did shit yourself, you have a massive grin on your face!
Once you’ve experienced that ‘grinningwhileshittingyourself’ feeling, it’s intoxicating. I encourage all people once in their life to wind out a litre sports bike; either as a rider or a passenger to experience this wonderful feeling.” –On The Back Wheel
Our new friend Daniel (@rm_z_1000_gsx_r) — a builder and riding instructor from Poland — decided to do something truly insane with the K4 GSX-R1000 motor: build a giant-size dirt bike around it. Thus the “RM-Z1000” concept was born, named after Suzuki’s long-running series of RM-Z motocrossers.
The swingarm would have to be extra-long to cope with the power and light weight of the machine, much like a hillclimbing bike:
“I was inspired by the Hill Climb, which is quite popular in America; many people in the States race such motorcycles.”
Daniel built the frame and swingarm from scratch for the GSX-R1000 engine (frame photos below), which has been boosted to 190 bhp thanks to a shot of nitrous. Suspension comes courtesy of a KTM 525 SMR, with a GSX-R rear wheel and KTM front in supermoto trim. A Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird radiator keeps the engine cool, and 2025 Suzuki RMZ plastics round out the build.
The completed RM-Z1000 weighs just 150 kilograms wet (330 pounds) — more than 100 pounds lighter than the standard Gixxer. In its supermotard incarnation, the bike drifts easily into turns with a skilled rider in the saddle. Says Daniel:
“The riding experience is indescribable. The RMZ accelerates incredibly well thanks to this design. The motorcycle’s drivetrain is custom-made, with larger sprockets making it a monster for acceleration on the final swingarm.”
Below is our full interview with Daniel about the build, and you can follow him on Instagram and / or TikTok for more of the RMZ in action!
Suzuki RM-Z1000 Dirt Bike: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
Hi, I’m Daniel from Poland🇵🇱. I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 8, always loved them. I’m also a motorcycle riding instructor.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
I built a Suzuki RM-Z1000 with the engine of a 1-liter GSX-R sports bike. The engine I used for the project is the GSX-R1000 K4. Frame and swingarm built from scratch, all custom.
• Why was this bike built?
It was my dream to have a motorcycle with such an engine, such power, and such a lightweight frame.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I was inspired by the Hill Climb, which is quite popular in America; many people in the States race such motorcycles.
Currently, the RM-Z1000 is typically converted into a supermoto, with a long swingarm I made myself, and it easily drifts long turns. I also have a KTM 1200 with an engine from a Suzuki Bandit, which is specifically for off-road riding.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
GSXR 1000 engine
Frame built from scratch
Swingarm built from scratch
KTM 525 Supermoto suspension
Wheels: GSXR rear / KTM front
Suzuki RMZ 2025 plastics
Honda CBR 1100 Blackbird radiator
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
The motorcycle weighs 150 kg and after modifications, it produces 190 horsepower.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The riding experience is indescribable. The RMZ accelerates incredibly well thanks to this design. The motorcycle’s drivetrain is custom-made, with larger sprockets making it a monster for acceleration on the final swingarm.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
RM-Z1000.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @rm_z_1000_gsx_r
TikTok: @danygarage
Poland! ?!!!
Amazing. I spent much of my life here in the USA growing up with friends of polish heritage. But Poland was iron curtain and I never was exposed to anything that really came out of Poland. This is incredible. I thought Poland was flat. So a hill climber is nice. God bless Poland.