The Kawasaki Z1 (Also called Z900, 900 Z1, an 900 S4) is a standard motorcycle introduced in 1972. Following Kawasaki's tradition in breaking world record, it was the most powerful Japanese 4-cylinder 4-stroke ever built.
A 1972 Kawasaki Z1 in original condition.
Background[]
It was secretly developed under the code name 'New York Steak'. The aim was to revolutionize production bike's capability in achieving higher top speed. It produced 82 bhp and had a maximum speed of 130 mph (210 km/hr).
1975 Update[]
Changes include power output, improved suspension, a stiffer frame, deleted automatic chain oiler, revised styling (essentially paint scheme and side cover nomenclature), and improved braking.
Replacement[]
In 1976, it was replacd by the KZ900, but it only lasted for one year, which was replaced again by the 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000/Z1000.
Legacy[]
The 1991 Kawasaki Zephyr series copied a lot of the design of the first naked Z1, as did with the Kawasaki Z1000 in 2003. It received updates in 2007 and a major redesign in 2010. The Z1 was awarded the MCN 'Machine of the Year' accolade for four years running between 1973 to 1976 (an award resulting from a readers' opinion-poll run by UK weekly publication Motorcycle News.).