How The Kawasaki Z1 Changed The Course Of Japanese Motorcycle History

When first unveiled at the Cologne Motor Show in 1972, the Kawasaki Z1 900 set the motorcycling world aflame with its sophisticated delivery of unmatched acceleration, speed, and looks. The Z1 rapidly became a best-seller in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, with many traffic police adopting it as their pursuit vehicle of choice. Four years earlier, the Honda CB750 had set the benchmark for large-capacity, four-cylinder Japanese motorcycles — but with its 903cc Z1, Kawasaki engendered a whole new class: the superbike.
With a top speed of more than 130 mph, the Z1 was the fastest production motorcycle of its day. Praised by motorcycling journalists and desired by riders, the Z1 smashed 45 records on debut, including a world speed and endurance record after averaging more than 109 mph in a 24-hour period at Daytona in 1973. One of the fastest motorcycles from the 1970s, the Z1 stayed streets ahead of its Japanese rivals until Suzuki took the crown with its four-valve-per-cylinder GSX1100E in 1980.
The Z1’s influence on Japanese motorcycle makers endured long after its top-dog status was lost. It became the go-to platform for drag bikes for years to come, with its roller-bearing crank providing bedrock stability for large-displacement cylinders producing rapid-fire, twin-cam power. In fact, Kawasaki deemed its double-overhead camshaft design worthy of emblazoning the acronym