Kawasaki Z1: The 1970s Superbike

By Dave Orritt
Published on November 21, 2013
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Original, unrestored Kawasaki Z1B – needs a lot of TLC to keep it in this condition.
Original, unrestored Kawasaki Z1B – needs a lot of TLC to keep it in this condition.
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1972 Kawasaki Z1 – the most desired model.
1972 Kawasaki Z1 – the most desired model.
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Kawasaki Z900 – beautiful on a sunny day.
Kawasaki Z900 – beautiful on a sunny day.
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1974 Kawasaki Z1A – fitted with an aftermark four-into-one performance exhaust.
1974 Kawasaki Z1A – fitted with an aftermark four-into-one performance exhaust.
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1975 Kawasaki Z1B – a stunning restored bike in Candy Super Blue – many people’s colour choice.
1975 Kawasaki Z1B – a stunning restored bike in Candy Super Blue – many people’s colour choice.
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The Essential Buyer's Guide: Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 is packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki. Covering the Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and KZ900 from 1972 to 1976, this book features a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
The Essential Buyer's Guide: Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 is packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki. Covering the Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and KZ900 from 1972 to 1976, this book features a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

The Essential Buyer’s Guide: Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 (Veloce Publishing, 2013) by Dave Orritt is packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki. Covering the Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and KZ900 from 1972 to 1976, this book features a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses. The following excerpt from section 3, “Living with a Kawasaki Z1” details the features of the 1970s superbike.

You can purchase this book from the Motorcycle Classics store: The Essential Buyer’s Guide: Kawasaki Z1 & Z900.

Living with a Kawasaki Z1 – Will you get along together?

From the start of Z1 ownership it is important to realise that the bike is a 1970s ‘superbike.’ In the 1970s the Z1 completely changed everyone’s perception of motorcycling. It gave unheard-of performance with a massive 903cc double overhead camshaft engine, 130mph top speed, four carburettors, 82bhp, and a sensational four-into-four exhaust system. Added benefits were electric starting, disc brake stopping power, and day-to-day reliability.

Modern bikes are largely maintenance free, except for routine chain adjustment and oil level checks. Owning a Z1 in the 21st century can also offer reliable motorcycling, but most Z1 owners will not use their bikes for commuting, but as a second or third bike to take out on good days to classic bike meets or shows.

Maintenance on all models is relatively straightforward. All models have the same engine configuration, and all are 903cc displacement as standard.

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