Model history
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- Written by kzrider kzrider
- Parent Category: Z Information Z Information
- Category: Model history Model history
We have started collecting technical spesificatons for all Kawasaki Z / KZ models. Only got a few so far, but we'll get all models covered slowly but surely. If you want to help, scan the model specs from your original Kawasaki manuals, send it to me by email (forum(at)kzrider(dot)com) and I'll publish it.
I'm sure there are some errors here as well, so please let me know if you find any, and I'll update the specs.
Z Information
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- Written by kzrider kzrider
- Category: Z Information Z Information
This section of KZrider.com is dedicated to technical information on the Kawasaki Z / KZ series. Here you'll find everything from stock photos and wiring diagrams to test articles and brochures. We're also putting together a complete model history loaded with specs and pictures.
Please drop us a line if you have information or documents you want us to publish.
Z1 History and background
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- Written by kzrider kzrider
- Parent Category: Z Information Z Information
- Category: The Kawasaki Z1 - 1973-1975 The Kawasaki Z1 - 1973-1975
The idea of a four-cylinder four-stroke was conceived way back in 1967, when Kawasaki focused mainly on developing two-stroke motorcycles. The decicion was made to develop a high-performance motorcycle which would far exceed the 650W1, the largest motorcycles in Japan that time. The goal was a fast, yet comfortable 750cc motorcycle with good handling and brakes - a modern version of the Vincent H.R.D - Black Shadow. Coordinated by Sam Tanegashima, a project planning group was established and development code T103 was born.
The Kawasaki Z1 - 1973-1975
This section of KZrider.com features the history, background, and spesifications of the different Kawasaki Z1 models. Use the links below to navigate.
Model year - much like the automotive industry, the motorcycle model year does NOT follow the calendar year. With the exception of the prototypes and very early production bikes, the Z1 production started in earnest in July 1972. The last of the 1973 Z1's was produced in July 1973. The first 2200 Z1's produced were considered 1972 bikes by the factory - although you will sometimes see an early Z1 advertised as a 1972 bike - being produced in 1972 just means is was one of the first 4,895� Z1's produced.
The largest number of Z1's produced in any one month was in November 1974.� A total of 3,660 bikes were produced by the factory in Japan - an average of over 120 bikes per day.
June 1976 saw the most KZ900's produced, 3,000 of these produced in Japan, another 1840 produced in Lincoln, Nebraska USA
The mighty Z1 was not cheap back in 1973 - the price was right around $2,000.00 in the USA. A little more than that in Canada.
Did you know all the Z1's sold in Canada came through the USA first? So they have the USA frame number sticker on the steering head.
(Source: Z1Enterprises - http://www.z1enterprises.com)
