1974 Kawasaki 900cc Z1

In 1969 Honda changed the game with the introduction of the first real production multi-cylinder superb bike with the CB750. Phenomenal sales results had the competition grappling for similar machines. Triumph and BSA brought out 3-cylinder machines quickly, but Kawasaki hit the market in 1973 with the fantastic 900cc Z1.

Originally penned as a 750, the Honda success had to be outperformed, so it was hastily redesigned as a 900 with twin overhead camshafts. Launched in 1972 at the Cologne Show, the bike set new road-bike performance standards, at least as far as straight line speed was concerned. With 82bhp on tap, top speed was around 130mph, but if the rider used all that power on twisty roads, things could get exciting. In 1972 the Z1 set a new world record for 24-hour endurance at Daytona with an average speed of 109.64 mph.  A specially tuned Z1 ridden by Yvon Duhamel set a one lap record of an astonishing 160.29 mph.  The consumer version pulled to a top speed of 130 mph and ran the 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds. Few bikes from Japan have had as big an impact on the motorcycling world.

The motorbike offered

The 1974 Kawasaki 900cc Z1 on offer here was recently liberated from long-term storage with an indicated 3,056 miles on the odometer and treated to a full recommissioning and service, consisting of a new battery and an overhaul of the fuel system, including a carb clean, and a check through the spark system. The bike starts well, idles smoothly and rides exceptionally well.