Kawasaki Z1, Z 900 and KZ 900: Books - History

Kawasaki Z1

This comprehensive book provides the full background and history of the groundbreaking Kawasaki Z1. The author describes how 'King Zed' became a sensation after its launch in 1972, combining incredible performance with convenience, reliability and practicality.

Although pipped to the post as the first four-cylinder 'superbike' by the 1969 Honda CB750, Kawasaki riposted with extra power and a top speed of 135mph, knocking the opposition into second place.
The fastest production motorcycle of its time, the Z1 received rave reviews in the motorcycle press.

Rod Ker describes the various makeovers that the model received later in production, and how it was given a new lease of life as the fuel-injected GPZ1100.
Finally superseded in 1984 by lighter and more efficient models like the all-new water-cooled GPZ900R, the Z1 had already become established as a classic and an appreciating asset.

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

Just as Kawasaki was about to green-light the world's first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle, Honda pulled the rug out from under them, unveiling the CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968. It lit the fuse for what was to become motorcycling's most explosive decade.

In never before published interviews, with the men responsible for the bike code-named 'New York Steak,' Dave Sheehan relates the story behind the Z1's development; the secret US testing programme in which a team including Imola-race winner Paul Smart rode pre-production bikes disguised as Hondas coast-to-coast across America.

"The Kawasaki Z1 Story" examines the myth, truth and legend surrounding the Z1's first race win - of which even Kawasaki knew nothing. Here, too, is the full story of the epic three days at Florida's legendary Daytona Speedway when a trio of Z1s broke more than 50 speed endurance records.
This book covers the period 1837-1978, but with particular focus on 1972.

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'. Introduced in late 1972, it was also Kawasaki's first four-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle, and what a way to start!
Kawasaki, the smallest of the Japanese 'Big Four' manufacturers, developed the Z1 to take on the rest of the world in all areas, including performance, handling, safety, and style.

The Z1 upstaged even Honda's outstanding CB750, its bullet-proof DOHC 903cc power unit-the biggest and most powerful the Japanese had dared to manufacture-producing 82bhp and giving a top speed of more than 130mph. Striking good looks make the Z I one of the most attractive motorcycles of the 1970s, with the black, 'across -the -frame' engine set off by bare aluminium cooling fin edges.

The Z1 evolved into the ZI-A and Z1-B, and then into the Z900; all of these 1972-76 models are included in this book. Also covered are the Z900 LTD (the first Japanese custom motorcycle, which was produced for the US market) and the 750cc Japan-only Z2.

This book, written by David Marsden of Z-Power, presents a portrait of originality in words and pictures. These motorcycles are real collector's items today when they are correct in every detail, so this book provides comprehensive information on original specifications and equipment.
It contains in-depth explanations of the design and construction of the engine, transmission, frame, running gear, electrics, and instruments, then goes on to explain how these were altered and developed during the life of the series. The author has tried to answer every question ever asked of him about the Z1.

To complement this detail, "Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 & KZ900" contains over 200 specially commissioned colour photographs. Superb examples of all models have been painstakingly photographed to illustrate every aspect of the engineering and design, and all the main points of change through the series.

Kawasaki Z1 900 (1972-1977)

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.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 (1972-1976) - Covers Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z 900 & KZ 900

Packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki, with a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses, this book covers desirable upgrades, modifications to avoid, valuation and predicting which models will become collectable (if they aren't already).
Illustrated throughout with photos of key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, and featuring details ranging from the Kawasaki community, to whether a Kawasaki Z1 or Z900 will suit you and your lifestyle, this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing, and buying the Kawasaki of your dreams.

Features:
- Full coverage of Kawasaki Z1 and Z900 models
- Where and how to buy a Kawasaki Z1 or Z900
- Advice on choosing the right model and condition
- Key checks - how to spot a bad bike quickly
- Detailed inspection guide
- In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
- Detailed information on each model's factory specification
- Market and value data, predicts which models will become collectable.