50 years of Zeds
The Z1 is more than a bike: it’s the start of something huge. Here, we trace the Kawasaki line from 1972 to where we’re at right now
Kawasaki’s motorcycle operation continues to be shaped by the Z1’s legacy as their first fourcylinder superbike. Each model informed the next to a greater or lesser extent, and the line-up can be traced all the way through both the 1000-1400cc big-bore machinery, and the middleweights too, starting with the Z650.
We’ve focused on major model or engine platform changes, rather than every single incremental change, and only on the inline-fours (save for the Z1300 six) from Z650 and up. That’s a whopping 73 bikes alone: there are further offshoots from the family tree; the 250/400cc inline fours, and further derivations of the model lines we’ve followed through here. But we had to draw the line somewhere (short of publishing a very thick book) so we’ve kept to those models that still reflect the ethos of the first Z1 in some way.
Z1 – Z1000H
Z1-Z900 (1972-1976) 903cc, DOHC, 8V inline-four, 82bhp@8500rpm, 245kg, 135mph
Clean sheet design initially developed as a 750 to take on Honda’s CB-Four. Bored out to 903cc when Kawasaki realised it needed more poke to make a proper impact; it’s a Kwak so it needed to be the most powerful in class (a 750, starting with the 750RS Z2 ran alongside in Japan). Updates included stronger camchain tensioner (Z1A) and twin front discs (Z900).
Z1000A (1977-1978) 1015cc, DOHC, 8V inline-four, 85bhp@8000rpm, 245kg, 131mph
More cubes (an extra 4mm on the bores), increased power/torque by 3bhp and 4lb.ft Crank and ’cases also strengthened. Rear drum brake dropped in favour of a 250mm disc. Stylish four-into-four pipes also replaced by a more conservative 4-2 set-up. 1978 A2 model has front calipers mounted behind the fork legs and improved swingarm bearings.
Z1-R (1978-1980) 1015cc, DOHC, 8V inline-four, 90bhp@8000rpm, 246kg, 125mph
Stylish rascal with distinctive bikini fairing, angular bodywork and futuristic (for the time) silver paint. Seven-spoke alloys and triple discs add a touch of modernity to what was still basically a Z1. D3 model (1979-’80) got a 19- inch front wheel and three extra bhp. Still more revered in Japan than the Z1.
Z1-R TURBO (1978-1979) 1015cc, DOHC, 8V, turbo inline-four, 145bhp@8300rpm, 260kg, 155mph
Insane America-only side project that saw the US importer slap a Rayjay 370F40A turbocharger onto a stock Z1-R – instant 55bhp increase with no braking/handling updates. No wonder Kawasaki didn’t offer a warranty, even from new… frightening to ride on max bo
