Kawasaki’s 903 Z1 is generally credited with inventing the super bike and introducing a new era of affordable, high performance, hi-tech bikes to usher in the heady days of the 70s. For the 1974 season Kawasaki gave the bike a cosmetic makeover, incorporated the earlier modifications and re-named the bike Z1A. Z1A production started in 1973 and continued to mid season of 1974, when a further cosmetic revision introduced the Z1B.
In 1974, this four-cylinder, 903cc, 81bhp, 132mph projectile was the fastest, most glamorous thing on two wheels. Priced at just over £1,200 when launched, about the same as an upmarket Austin Allegro, the big Kwacker never lost its appeal. Even during the bleak years of the 1980s when bike sales crashed, a tatty Z1 was still worth saving.
Specification:
Model: Kawasaki Z1A 1974
Category: Naked Bike
Type: 903 cc, air cooled, 4-cylinders in line, 4-stroke
Power: 82hp @ 8500rpm
Compression ratio: 8.5:1
Torque: 73.5nm @ 7000 rpm
Fuel capacity: 18 liter
Dry weight: 232 kg
