KAWASAKI Z1 (1972-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki Z1 was a standard motorcycle manufactured by the Japanese maker in 1972. the bike was powered by a four-cylinder air-cooled DOHC engine. The bike helped popularize the in-line, across-the-frame layout of the four-cylinder engine, which soon was known as the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM).

The Kawasaki ZI was the first large-displacement four-cylinder Japanese motorcycle that used the DOHC system on a production machine.

The bike remained unchanged until 1975 when the maker introduced a new 903cc engine with more power. In addition, the 1975 motorcycle received an improved suspension system, a stiffer frame, dropped the automatic chain oiler, revised styling, and an improved braking system.

The bike was built on a double cradle tubular steel frame with a 36 mm telescopic fork handling the front. The rear end was operated by two shock absorbers with five-way preload adjustability.

The braking performance was achieved by a dual-piston caliper with a 296 mm disc on the front wheel and a 200 mm drum braking unit mounted on the rear wheel, delivering optimum braking performance.

As for power, the 1972 Kawasaki Z1 used a 903cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine fed by four Mikuni carburetors, delivering an output power of 82 hp with a peak at 8,500 rpm and 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The power was handled by a five-speed transmission and delivered to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 217 kph (135 mph).