Kawasaki Z Series
As Japanese motorcycle manufacturers moved away from large capacity 2-strokes. their focus moved towards large capacity 4 cylinder 4-strokes. driven by the need to meet ever stringent emission standards. Honda, long a stalwart of 4-stroke engines, started the trend with their CB750 four which they introduced in 1969 (much to the chagrin of the Kawasaki management).
Long considered leaders in street bike performance with their triple cylinder 2-strokes, Kawasaki came to the market with a new 4 cylinder 4-stroke in 1972. But this new bike was not as originally planned, a 750-cc engined machine, it was a 900-cc variant. The new Superbike was an instant success.
Going back to the middle 60s. the Kawasaki management had instigated the design of a new 4-stroke 750. Code named the T103 and coordinated by Sam Tanegashima, the new bike’s launch was shelved when Honda beat them to the market place. After extensive market research amongst riders, dealers and motorcycle magazine editors, Kawasaki decided that a larger capacity machine would be the way to go.
Z1 is Launched
The first Z1 was launched in 1972 and featured:
DOHC
903-cc capacity engine producing 80.8 bhp (82 ps)
5 speed gearbox with chain final drive
4 carburetors
Steel double cradle frame
Wet multi-plate clutch
Contact point ignition (two sets, one for cylinders 1-4, and one set for 2-3)
4 separate exhausts
Brakes: Single rotor (disc) front, drum rear
Top speed in excess of 130 mph
Initial retail price $1900
Model identification:
Frame Numbers: Z1F-000001
Engine Numbers: Z1E-000001
To keep pace with their competitors, and to maintain market share, the Z series machines were continuously modified. Cosmetic changes were typically included in each model year as were changes to the shape and size of the side panels and fuel tank.
Major changes included:
1976 Z900 -A4
Twin front rotors
Smaller carburetors (26-mm)
Frame Numbers: Z1F-085701
Engine Numbers: Z1E-086001
1977 Z1000-A1
Engine capacity increased to 1015-cc (from larger bore)
Four into two muffler system
Rear rotor replaced the drum brake
Frame Numbers: KZT00A-000001
Engine Numbers: KZT00AE-000001
1978 Z1000-D1 Z1R
First Japanese Caf- racer styling
Four into one muffler system
Front wheel diameter reduced to 18
Wire spoke wheels replaced by seven spoke aluminum design
Cockpit fairing
Drilled rotors
Electric start (kick start lever was available under the seat)
Carburetors back to 28-mm
Power increased to 90 hp
20 liter fuel tank
Frame Numbers: KZT00D-000001
Engine Numbers: KZT00DE-000001
1979/1980 Z1000-A3/A4 MKII
Power increased to 93 hp
Transistorized ignition
Cam cover ends changed to a square design
Engine painted black
Frame number: KZT00A-038427
Engine number: KZT00AE-081566
Frame numbers: KZT00E-000101
Engine number: KZT00EE-000101
1978/1979 Z1-R TC
Turbo charged variant
Power between 100 hp and 145 hp (depending on the boost)
Top speed over 150 mph
1980 Z1000-H1 EFI
Electronic fuel injection
Gold wheels
Power increased to 96 hp
Frame number: KZT00H-000001
Engine number: KZT00HE- 000001
Prices range from $18,000 for an early (1972) Z1, to around $3,000 for the later 1015-cc version.
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