Iconic Motorcycles Codexery

Kawasaki Z1

First large-capacity Japanese DOHC four-cylinder production motorcycle.

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Kawasaki Z1

Chuck Schultz · CC BY-SA 2.0

It was marketed under names including Z1-900, 900 Z1, and 900 S4 ("Super Four").[1] The Z1 was the first large-capacity Japanese four-cylinder production motorcycle to use a double-overhead-camshaft system.[2] Kawasaki's 1972 model, the Z1, featured a 903cc engine that was air-cooled, had double-overhead camshafts, and used four cylinders.[3][4]

Kawasaki 900 Z1
Kawasaki 900 Z1. Image: Chuck Schultz · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

How it changed

Kawasaki developed the Z1 under the project name "New York Steak" after beginning work on a 750cc four-stroke in the late 1960s.[5][4] The Z1 helped popularize the in-line, across-the-frame four-cylinder format that became known as the Universal Japanese Motorcycle.[3] It had full instrumentation, an electric start, and both kick-start and electric start were fitted.[6] The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan includes the 1972 Z1 as one of their 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology.[7]

During 1972 at Daytona, the Z1 achieved a 24-hour endurance record recognized by both FIM and AMA, traveling 2,631 miles with an average speed calculated at 109.64 mph.[8] A specially built Z1, modified by Yoshimura and piloted by Yvon Duhamel, established a Daytona one-lap speed record of 160.288 mph.[8] The Z1's engine delivered 82 bhp, and its top speed fell between 130 and 132 mph.[6] From 1973 through 1976, the Z1 received the "Machine of the Year" honor from Motorcycle News each year.[7]

KAWASAKI Z1
KAWASAKI Z1. Image: Manju · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What the maker and period sources say

A 2006 Motorcycle Classics article states the Z1's claimed power was 82 hp at 8,500 rpm and its top speed in a period test was 120 mph.[4] The same article notes the Z1 had an exactly square bore and stroke of 66mm x 66mm.[4] A 2012 Independent Online article describes the Z1's 903cc twin-cam engine as the most powerful of its time and as tough as nails, giving Kawasaki a reputation for reliability.[9] The 2012 article also states the DNA of the 1972 Z1 is still clearly discernible in Kawasaki's current Z1000.[9]

A 2006 Motorcycle Classics article on the prototype reports that the Z1 was always intended to be a DOHC, even in 1968 or 1969.[10]

References

  1. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Ker, "Kawasaki Z1: remembrance of things fast", The Telegraph, 29 September 2008; Newland, "Retro rocket", The Telegraph, 5 May 2004; "40 years of Kawasaki's 'Z' sleds", Independent Online, 5 June 2012 (we also read that source) en.wikipedia.org
  2. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: John L. Stein, "Then & Now: Kawasaki Z1000 vs. Z1", Motorcyclist, 1 August 2010; Kuhn, "Kawasaki 903 Z1 - Bikes of the 70's", Motorcyclist, 24 February 2009 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
  3. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Melling, "Memorable Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1", Motorcycle USA, 27 July 2007 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
  4. Siegal, "1973 Kawasaki Z1: King of the Road", Motorcycle Classics May/June 2006. facts only, no text reused. motorcycleclassics.com
  5. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Melling, "Memorable Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1", Motorcycle USA, 27 July 2007; Kuhn, "Kawasaki 903 Z1 - Bikes of the 70's", Motorcyclist, 24 February 2009; Siegal, "1973 Kawasaki Z1: King of the Road", Motorcycle Classics May/June 2006; "The Kawasaki Prototype", Motorcycle Classics September/October 2006; Siegal, "1973 Kawasaki Z1: King of the Road", Motorcycle Classics May/June 2006 (we also read that source) en.wikipedia.org
  6. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Walker, "Motorcycle: Evolution, Design, Passion", The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 October 2006, p. 150 (we also read that source) en.wikipedia.org
  7. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: "Kawasaki official site"; "Kawasaki 900 Super Four", 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
  8. Wikipedia, "Kawasaki Z1" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Motorcycles, LJK Setright, 1976, pp.138-143 Weidenfeld & Nicolson London. Accessed 29 June 2019; Boehm, "The Legendary Kawasaki Z1", Motorcyclist, May 5, 2016; Motorcycles, LJK Setright, 1976, pp.138-143 Weidenfeld & Nicolson London. Accessed 29 June 2019 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
  9. "40 years of Kawasaki's 'Z' sleds", Independent Online, 5 June 2012. facts only, no text reused. iol.co.za
  10. "The Kawasaki Prototype", Motorcycle Classics September/October 2006. facts only, no text reused. motorcycleclassics.com

Each numbered sentence above was checked against the source it cites before publication. Sentences citing Wikipedia adapt text from the English Wikipedia article Kawasaki Z1 (contributors), used under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is available under the same licence. Other sources were used for facts only; no text or images are copied from them.

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Sources

Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.

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