1975 Kawasaki Z-1

The 1975 Kawasaki Z1 was built from the start to unseat Honda from the top rung of the motorcycle performance ladder. In 1967 the new high performance engine began development under the code name “New York Steak” first as a 750cc engine but was quickly bumped up in displacement to 900 cc’s after the launch of the Honda CB750 in 1969. Whereas Honda’s multi cylinder 4 stroke had a single overhead camshaft, the new Z1 had twin cams, allowing for higher engine redline due to a lighter valve train.

Before introduction to the public with the US market in mind, Kawasaki engineers disguised the Z1 with Honda paint and badges and drove the bike on US roads and freeways to see what would break. The answer was very little although the bike was fitted with an automatic drive chain oiler to reduce wear. Sales took off for Kawasaki who now offered 3 motorcycles that could achieve sub 13 second quarter mile acceleration times. The Z1 was a pretty motorcycle with flowing painted bodywork from fuel tank to tail light giving the look of speed even when standing still. It was determined that the fastest bike available at the time would be given disk brakes in the front, with an option for twin disks in later models. Handling was considered adequate for the time but the frame was reinforced and improved in 1975 with the introduction of the Z1-B.

At 510 lbs the bike was not a lightweight and the combination of high horsepower with a substantial curb weight meant that tires and brakes did not last long on a Z1. Still, the Z1 was easily the king of the road and many racing teams fitted the Z1 engine to custom frames for endurance road racing and drag racing throughout the decade. The basic DOHC engine and frame design was to grow to 1000cc’s culminating in the race inspired Z1R and KZ1000LTD in 1979.

**Specifications:**

* Engine displacement : 903cc

* Horsepower: 82hp

* Top Speed: 132 mph

* Quarter mile time: 12.2 sec