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Kawasaki Z1
 1972 Kawasaki Z1 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Also called | Kawasaki 900 Super Four [1] |
| Production | 1972–1975; 85,000 units (est.) [2] |
| Successor | Kawasaki Z900 [3] |
| Class | standard |
| Engine | DOHC 903 cm3 (55.1 cu in) air-cooled, inline-four[2] |
| Bore / stroke | 66 mm × 66 mm (2.6 in × 2.6 in) |
| Top speed | 130–132 mph (209–212 km/h) [4][5][6] |
| Power | 82 PS (81 hp) at 8500 rpm [1][5] |
| Torque | 54.2 lb⋅ft (73.5 N⋅m) at 8500 rpm [4] |
| Ignition type | Battery |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Frame type | Full duplex cradle |
| Suspension | F: Telescopic, R: Swing arm |
| Brakes | F: 11.5 in (290 mm) disk (optional 2nd disk) R: 7.9 in (200 mm) drum[7] |
| Tires | F: 3.25-19, R: 4.00-18 |
| Wheelbase | 1,490 mm (59 in) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,200 mm (87 in) W: 685 mm (27.0 in) H: 1,170 mm (46 in) |
| Weight | 510 lb (230 kg) [1] (dry) 542 lb (246 kg) [8] (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal) |
The Kawasaki Z1 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, double-overhead camshaft, carbureted, chain-drive motorcycle introduced in 1972 by Kawasaki. Following the introduction of Honda's CB750 in 1968, the Z1 helped popularize the in-line, across-the-frame four-cylinder,[9] a format that became known as the Universal Japanese Motorcycle or UJM.
The Z1 was noted for being the first large-capacity Japanese four-cylinder motorcycle to use the double-overhead-camshaft system on a production motorcycle. When it was introduced, only the MV Agusta 750 S used this system; it was a very expensive limited-production machine, as opposed to the Kawasaki which was less than half the price.[8][10]
Marketed variously as the Z1-900, 900 Z1 or 900 S4 ("Super Four"), the Z1 was the first of Kawasaki's Z models.[3][4][11]
- ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference
JSAEwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
siegalwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Ker, Rod (29 September 2008). "Kawasaki Z1: remembrance of things fast". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
While I don't have a clue what I was doing when Kennedy was shot, I can clearly remember the first time I saw a Kawasaki Z1. In 1974, this four-cylinder, 903cc, 81bhp, 132mph projectile was the fastest, most glamorous thing on two wheels. Only a handful had been sold in Britain, and only the lucky few had even seen one.
- ^ a b c Newland, Martin (5 May 2004). "Retro rocket". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
The 1973 Kawazaki Z1 was the world's first superbike and its spiritual successor, the Z1000, relies on the same stripped-down looks and raw, steady power for its appeal. It's the ideal big boy's toy…
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
walker evolutionwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Brown, Roland (2006), The Ultimate History of Fast Motorcycles, Bath, UK: Parragon, pp. 214–215, ISBN 1-4054-7303-7
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
son of z1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b John L. Stein (1 August 2010). "Then & Now: Kawasaki Z1000 vs. Z1". Motorcyclist. Source Interlink Media. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
During its development, the 1973 Kawasaki Z1 was codenamed New York Steak. And it was just that: 23 percent larger than Honda's benchmark 750cc Four, it busted open the fledgling superbike ranks and would soon make its impact in racing, too. Blasphemously heavy at 542 lbs. wet, the Z1 did everything to excess, from its audacious 903cc DOHC four-cylinder engine to its roomy cockpit, enormous linkless chain with proprietary oil pump, and quartet of chrome-plated megaphones.
- ^ Melling, Frank (27 July 2007). "Memorable Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1". Motorcycle USA. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
It's time to correct one of the popular myths which is becoming ever more prevalent in the motorcycling world. Thus: 'When Honda launched its 750 '4' in 1968, the biking world fell on its knees and worshipped the new arrival.'
- ^ Kuhn, Fran (24 February 2009). "Kawasaki 903 Z1 - Bikes of the 70's". Motorcyclist. Source Interlink Media. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
By now you must've already heard the story of how the Z1--code-named 'New York Steak' for some ridiculous reason or other by Kawasaki--was originally intended to be a 750, and of how Kawasaki brass nearly suffered a corporate coronary when Honda introduced its own 750cc four-cylinder in late 1968. Kawasaki, cornered, had no choice but to make the Z1 even bigger and stronger and tricker than the mighty CB750.
- ^ "40 years of Kawasaki's 'Z' sleds". Independent Online. Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited. 5 June 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
…the DNA of the 1972 Z1 is still clearly discernable in the Kawasaki's current litre-class musclebike, the Z1000.
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