Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki Z1"
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*Shop Manual No.: 99997-700 | *Shop Manual No.: 99997-700 | ||
For 1974 Kawasaki changed the colors and markings, and the engine dropped the black paint to simply be an aluminum color. | For 1974 Kawasaki changed the colors and markings, and the engine dropped the black paint to simply be an aluminum color. In mid 1974 there was a slight [[carburetor]] change to improve cold running. At the end of 1974 Kawasaki had produced over 80,000 units of the Z1 and [[Kawasaki Z2|Z2]]. | ||
==1975 Z1B== | ==1975 Z1B== |
Revision as of 18:43, 28 November 2010
Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
---|---|
Also called | Z1, Z900, KZ900 |
Production | 73-75 |
Successor | Kawasaki KZ900A |
Engine | 903cc air-cooled DOHC inline-four |
Bore / Stroke | 66 x 66mm |
Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
Top speed | 130mph |
Horse Power | 82 HP @8,500 rpm |
Fuel system | 4x Mikuni VM 28mm carburetors |
Sparkplug | B8ES 73-75 |
Battery | 12N14-3A 73-75 |
Transmission | 5-Speed Return Shift |
Frame type | tubular steel, double cradle |
Suspension | Front: telescopic forks Rear: swingarm / twin shocks |
Front Tire | 3.25-19 73-75 |
Rear Tire | 4.00-18 73-75 |
Fuel consumption | 45 mpg (average) |
Related | Kawasaki KZ900A Kawasaki KZ1000A |
Competition | Honda CB750K Triumph Trident Suzuki GT750 |
Manuals | Service Manual |
Tech Specs · Brochures · Reviews · Ads · Videos |
The Kawasaki Z1 is a high performance superbike motorcycle produced by Kawasaki from 1973 to 1975.
Intro
Kawasaki's earlier two and three-cylinder bikes such as the H1, and H2 had bestowed Kawasaki with a high performance image. But these bikes had known problems: excessive fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and less than perfect handling. Their sparse comfort relegated them to the role of street racer. Kawasaki engineers had outlined these limitations of their two-stroke triples as early as 1967. This led to the beginning stages of planning a four-stroke super cruiser in the mold of the 1000cc Vincent, that could be ridden in any situation, and would be "THE" bike all experienced riders lusted after.
New York Steak
The Kawasaki Z1 gave the world its first true superbike. Introduced in late 1972, the Z1 was Kawasaki's first four-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle. During its planning stages it was called the codenamed the T-103 and nicknamed the 'New York Steak'. Before the introduction of the Honda CB750K to the world at the October 1968 Toko Motor Show, Kawasaki had already sent a mock-up double overhead camshaft Z1 to US Kawasaki's Sam Tanegashima. Honda's head start caused Kawasaki to be patient and carefully judge the revolutionary bike's impact.
Reception
The Z1 became the "King of the Road" and an industry leader; as the first production motorcycle to bring such high performance and prestige to the general public. Cycle Magazine recorded a standing quarter mile time of 12.83 seconds @ 101.7 mph.
1973 Z1
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Yellow, Candy Brown
- Front Fender: Chrome
- Engine No.: Z1E000001-
- Frame No.: ZIF-000001-
- Parts Catalog No.: 99997-603, (E) 99997-608S
- Owner's Manual No. : 99997-800
- Shop Manual No. : 99997-700
The First Z1.
1974 Z1A
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Orange
- Front Fender: Candy Yellow
- Engine No.: Z1E020001-
- Frame No.: Z1F-020001-
- Parts Catalog No. : 99997-627, (E) 99997-627-01S
- Owner's Manual No. : 99997-808, (E) 99997-021, (F) 99983-009, (I) 99983-010, (W) 99983-011
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-700
For 1974 Kawasaki changed the colors and markings, and the engine dropped the black paint to simply be an aluminum color. In mid 1974 there was a slight carburetor change to improve cold running. At the end of 1974 Kawasaki had produced over 80,000 units of the Z1 and Z2.
1975 Z1B
- Color
- Fuel Tank: Candy Super Blue, Candy Super Red
- Front Fender: Chrome
- Engine No.: Z1E047500-
- Frame No.: Z1F-047500-
- Parts Catalogue No.: 99997-627-50S, (E) 99997-627-51S
- Owner's Manual No.: 99997-832
- Shop Manual No.: 99997-700
- Major Changes: Color and marking. Special chain provided with sealed-in grease. Automatic chain oiler discontinued.
1976 Z1
The model designation was changed to KZ900A and started in 1976 with the KZ900-A4 model.
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