Kawasaki Z1, Z 900 and KZ 900: books - history

Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 (1972-1976) - Covers Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z 900 & KZ 900 - Essential Buyer's Guide

Veloce's Essential Buyer's Guide with practical advice for purchasing Kawasaki Z1 and Z900 motorcycles.
Models: Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and KZ900.
Years: 1972-1976.
Does not cover the Z1000A1/A2 or Z1R models.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the Kawasaki Z1 and Z900 will help you find the right bike at the right price and answer the following questions:

• Stay or walk away? Initial evaluation of a Z1 or Z900.
• What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
• How to check authenticity?
• Which models are most suitable?
• What are known defects?
• What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
• What are the maintenance costs?

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Kawasaki Z1

This book offers a detailed history of the iconic Kawasaki Z1.
It explains how the 'King Zed' became a sensation after its launch in 1972, known for its outstanding performance, reliability, and practicality.
Although the Honda CB750 was the first four-cylinder 'superbike' in 1969, Kawasaki responded with the more powerful Z1, reaching a top speed of 135 mph and surpassing its rivals. As the fastest production motorcycle of its time, the Z1 received high praise from motorcycle magazines.

Rod Ker explores the updates the model received during its production and how it evolved into the fuel-injected GPZ1100. Although replaced in 1984 by lighter, more efficient models like the water-cooled GPZ900R, the Z1 was already recognized as a classic and a valuable collector's item.

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The Kawasaki Z1 Story : The Death and Rebirth of the 900 Super 4

Just as Kawasaki was preparing to launch the world's first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle, Honda revealed the CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968, sparking a revolutionary decade in motorcycling.
This book uncovers the story behind the development of Kawasaki's Z1, code-named 'New York Steak, ' through exclusive interviews with those involved. It details the secret testing program in the United States, where a team, including Imola race winner Paul Smart, rode pre-production models disguised as Hondas across the country.

The book also explores the myth and truth behind the Z1's first race victory, a success even Kawasaki was unaware of at the time. Additionally, it recounts the remarkable three days at Florida's Daytona Speedway, where three Z1s set over 50 speed endurance records.
Covering the period from 1837 to 1978, with a special focus on 1972, this illustrated book provides an in-depth look at the history and impact of the Kawasaki Z1.

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Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 and KZ900 - The Restorer's Guide to All Aircooled 900cc Models, 1972-1976

The Kawasaki 900 Z1 was the world's first true 'superbike', launched in late 1972 as Kawasaki's first four-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle. It was designed to compete globally in performance, handling, safety, and style, surpassing even Honda's CB750. Powered by a robust 903cc DOHC engine, the Z1 produced 82bhp and exceeded 130 mph, making it the most powerful Japanese motorcycle of its time. Its striking design, featuring a black engine with polished aluminium cooling fins, made it one of the most attractive motorcycles of the 1970s. The Z1 evolved into the Z1-A, Z1-B, and later the Z900. This book covers all models from 1972 to 1976, including the Z900 LTD (the first Japanese custom bike for the US market) and the Japan-only 750 cc Z2. Written by David Marsden of Z-Power, the book provides detailed information on original specifications and equipment. It explains the design and development of the engine, transmission, frame, running gear, electrics, and instruments throughout the series. With over 200 specially commissioned color photos, it illustrates every aspect of the design and engineering, highlighting the key changes across the models.

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Kawasaki Z1 900 (1972-1977) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Kawasaki Z1 900 motorcycles from the years 1972-1977. Describes the Kawasaki Z1, Z1-A, Dunstall Kawasaki, Z900 and KZ900 LTD.

• The 29 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books