Kawasaki introduced the Z1 motorcycle in 1972. Four years later they introduced the kz/z900. The original [[Kawasaki 900/Z1/Z1a/Z1b/Z900 was the first series of Japanese motorcycles with the combination of four cylinders, dual overhead cams and 903 cubic centimeters (cc's). It was one of the most powerful motorcycles produced up until that time, and set multiple world records (world record video part 1 & part 2). And even though its quarter mile times and top speeds were grossly overestimated, actual numbers were impressive enough to earn the bike the nickname “The King” (see the modern Z-King, a 2003 z1000 with a [[Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R engine). In 1977 a z1000 ridden by Reg Pridmore became the first Japanese bike to win an AMA Superbike national when it took the victory at Pocono Raceway. In 2003 Kawasaki introduced a completely revamped 30 year anniversary edition of the Z1000. It used a modified motor from the Kawasaki ZX-9R, and was bored out by 2.2 mm resulting in bigger displacement, more low-RPM torque, and only a slight power loss of 4bhp from the original ZX9 lump. In 2004, Kawasaki released the Z1000's smaller brother, the Z750. In 2007, Kawasaki released a new Z1000. The Z1000 is also known as the "Z," "Zed," and "Z1k."
- Comments
