The full story of one of the first Japanese superbikes.

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.

Reprinted articles from Modern Cycle, Cycle World, Motorcyclist and other magazines deal specifically with the Kawasaki Z1 900. Filled with road tests, specs, model introductions, performance data, long term reports, and engine rebuilds on Kawasaki's Z1, Z1-A, Z900, KZ900 LTD, and Dunstall Kawasaki.

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.

This new book reviews the early years of Kawasaki motorcycles with special emphasis on the history of those models built from 1976 to the present. In addition to covering all models sold in all markets, the author includes: -- Extensive specification tables highlighting the variations in seemingly similar models -- Information to help the read match model and marketing codes, essential when ordering parts or servicing a machine -- A model chart that matches full codes to their exact year, shows the years in which models were built, and explains the relationship between similar codes The book is illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs of the various models and their variants.

After its introduction in 1972, Kawasaki's 903cc Z1 shot to the top of its class, surpassing even the Honda CB750 in sales and performance. All subsequent installments in the Z series are covered through to 1976, with design explanations and examinations of engines, transmissions, frames, performance, and more. Precise information is equally indispensable to buyers, restorers, and enthusiasts alike. Extraordinary, specially commissioned all-color photographs accompany a minutely researched text.