Kawasaki Tank Art II
Don’t let the good times pass you by. An original Z1000 tank, bold authentic livery, hand sign-writing and twin lights hand-fabricated from copper pipe. Bigger, bolder and entirely one of a kind.
Don’t let the good times
pass you by.
Kawasaki knew how to write an advertising slogan. “Don’t let the good times pass you by” is not a tagline — it’s a philosophy, and it belongs on a wall where it can do its job every single day. This piece makes sure of that.
The tank is an original Z1000, dressed in a striking bronze and black livery quite different from its stablemate. Where Tank Art I is red and declarative, this one is warmer, deeper — the kind of finish that rewards a longer look. The colour is a bespoke mix, not drawn from any catalogue, which makes this piece even more singular. The lettering, as with all of Leigh’s work, is traditional hand sign-writing: every character applied by hand, the typeface drawn from authentic period Kawasaki advertising. No vinyl. No transfers. The real thing.
The lights are where this piece goes a step further. Two LED bars, both with fittings handmade from copper pipe — fabricated in Leigh’s workshop because the piece demanded something better than a catalogue bracket. The first runs along the top edge of the backboard, flooding the tank and lettering with warm light from above. The second is tucked behind the tank itself, nestling in the space between metal and wood, throwing a subtle glow around the contours of the tank. The effect is quietly theatrical — the copper catching the light above while the tank seems almost to float in front of its own illumination.
This is the larger of the two Kawasaki pieces — wider, heavier, more commanding. It will own whatever wall it goes on. A Z1000 owner built it. That matters.
All angles
Every piece is unique. These photographs show the exact item for sale.
The Details
- TankOriginal Kawasaki Z1000 tank
- Board76 × 93 cm / 30″ × 36½” — 8 cm / 3″ deep (incl. bracket depth)
- Full depth27 cm / 10½” (incl. tank)
- Weight13.5 kg / 29.8 lbs
- FinishProfessionally spray-painted in a bespoke bronze and black livery
- LetteringTraditional hand sign-writing — no vinyl, no shortcuts
- LightsTwo LED bars, mains powered — one along the top edge, one behind the tank; both in copper pipe fittings handmade by the artist
On the Lights
Two LED bars, both housed in fittings handmade from copper pipe. The first runs along the top edge, flooding the tank from above. The second sits behind the tank itself — tucked into the space between metal and wood, casting a glow around the contours of the metalwork. Together they give the piece two quite different moods depending on which you notice first. Mains powered, straightforward to connect.
On the Scale
This is the larger of the two Kawasaki pieces and it carries its size well. At 93 cm tall and 76 cm wide it is a genuine statement — the kind of thing that reorganises a room around itself rather than politely fitting in. A garage or workshop is a natural home, but so is any space with the character to handle something this assured.
On Shipping
No courier. This piece travels with the care it deserves. Personal delivery by the artist may be possible depending on location — just ask.
More Tank Art
One piece. No replicas.
No courier shipping — handled personally, as it should be. Personal delivery by the artist may be possible depending on location. Just ask.