Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki KZ1300A"

At the end of the Seventies, [[Kawasaki]] was riding high. Several of its models had proved a fantastic success, from the [[Kawasaki Z1|900cc Z1]] to its three-cylinder two-strokes ranging from the [[Kawasaki S1|250cc S1]] to [[Kawasaki H2|750cc H2]]. The marque had carved itself a solid sporting image, crowned in 1978 by the 250 and 350cc world championships. More crowded than ever, that year the range consisted of no Fewer than 16 models -including three 1000cc machines! The time could not have been better to make a grand gesture, and Kawasaki seized the moment by launching its flagship KZ1300 at the Cologne Show in 1978. Deisgned to be the successor to the [[Kawasaki Z1|900cc Z1]], the KZ1300 took the concept of motorcycle size beyond previous boundaries and while it seemed almost excessive, it was ahead of its time. 

Even so, Kawasaki could justifiably be proud of having made the most impressive two wheeler, though it proved a bit over the top for Europe, which only gave a half-hearted welcome to this very efficient(in terms of sheer performance) six-cylinder, which seemed too heavy and insufficiently sporting. In America, too, early enthusiasm faded away and the KZ1300 failed to make its mark, for the US market seems indissolubly wedded to the big [[V-twin]].  The Z1300 was produced until 1989, where it had gained among other improvements, digital fuel injection and a second 200 watt alternator.  [[Don Vesco]]'s World Speed record streamliner was propelled by two turbo charged KZ1300 motors.