KAWASAKI Z400 (1974-1983) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki Z400, also known as the KZ400, was a street motorcycle manufactured by the Japanese maker from 1974 to 1984. For the Z440 version, the maker increased the twin-cylinder engine displacement to 443cc, while for the later KZ400-J, they introduced a new 399cc four-cylinder unit.

The first Kawasaki Z400 featured a 398cc twin-cylinder engine and was manufactured for 10 years from 1974 to 1984. The engine was fitted with twin-balancer shafts for fewer vibrations, one in front and one to the rear of the crankshaft, both rotating in the opposite direction than the crankshaft.

In the appearance department, the 1974 Kawasaki Z400 packed a round headlight with a color-matched housing, a stylish fuel tank with pinstripes and a Kawasaki logo, a single-piece dual seat with a passenger grab rail, a color-matched air filter cover with the Z400 designation on it, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike's suspension was handled by a telescopic fork on the front and dual side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear. The braking performance was achieved by a 226 mm disc on the front wheel and a 180 mm drum unit on the end.

As for the power, the 1974 Kawasaki Z400 was fitted with a 398cc four-stroke twin-cylinder air-cooled engine, boasting 36 hp on tap at 8,500 rpm and 33 Nm (24 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.