Originally destined to be a 750, the Z1 was beaten to the market place by the HONDA CB750 in 1968. Kawasaki engineers, horrified at this well kept secret launch, returned to the drawing board and redesigned the bike to be bigger and better. In late 1972 the Z1 was introduced to the world and instantly became a best seller.
The 750 Z2 followed a few months later mainly sold in the Japanese home market, due to their agreed 750cc limit. The Z1 went on to become the basis of most of Kawasaki's models for many more years, changing the face of motorcycling forever. Never before had the average man had the chance to own the fastest, biggest, most technically advanced motorcycle in the world for so little money. The true age of affordable SUPERBIKES had arrived.

COLOUR: CANDY ORANGE/BROWN OR CANDY YELLOW/GREEN FOUR CYLINDER, FOUR STROKE, FOUR EXHAUSTS, FOUR CARBS, DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAMSHAFT, FIVE SPEED GEARBOX, 903 CC PRODUCING 82 BHP
This was the first of the Z-range, the first true SUPERBIKE of the seventies. The biggest and best ever motorcycle that the Japanese had produced. THE KING OF THE ROAD.

COLOUR: CANDYTONE BROWN/ORANGE OR CANDYTONE GREEN/YELLOW
Major changes for this model were the silver engine finish, redesigned tank and tailpiece markings and a stop lamp failure light in the tachometer. The idiot light cover was also changed, the warning lights were now placed in a different order. The best gets better.

COLOUR: CANDY SUPER BLUE OR CANDY SUPER RED
Major changes for this model were paintwork and markings, larger side panel badges and the adoption of an 'O' ring chain instead of the previous built in chain oiler. The switchgear was slightly cosmetically changed and the Speedo was now in 20-mph increments. The fuel tap was changed from black to silver and the carbs were modified to improve performance.
3/4 " * 3/8" O-ring-chain - oil pump for chain left out - seal for cylinder head now two parts - new "square" logo on side-covers

COLOUR: DIAMOND DARK GREEN OR DIAMOND BROWN
Major changes for this model included colour and marking, different side panels and badges, airbox, twin front brakes, locking fuel cap, three way fuse system, hazard warning lights, audible flasher indicator, square tail light, improved instrument cluster and a change to smaller 26 mm carbs. Power was down to 81 bhp but the Z900 was a much better bike to ride. A few extra models rolled off the American production line in Lincoln in 1977 known as the KZ900-A5.

COLOUR: CLASSIC RED
This was the first Japanese custom cruiser. Assembled in the states in limited numbers for the disconcerting motorcyclist. An abundance of chrome and bolt on goodies made this Kawasaki a 'RICE BURNER WITH ATTITUDE'. The rear wheel was a fat sixteen-inch item.