For almost 40 years, the Kawasaki Z1 has been a highly regarded member of the Z family with a reputation for being incredibly versatile and punching well above its weight—particularly about lightness. Sure, it wasn’t the fastest or most technically advanced bike out there, but it was still a force to be reckoned with.
Historic Era
During all this, Kawasaki published a documentary detailing what it was like living in an era that brings back vivid memories for every motorcyclist, whether seasoned or novice.
It also offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make high-performance racing motorcycles and cars. The video is aptly called “Takes A Trip Down Memory Lane.”
The “Father of the Z” rides again! The good folks at Kawasaki have done it again with their new documentary, Kawasaki Takes A Trip Down Memory Lane, a tribute to the original Kawasaki 900cc inline-four, the first mass-produced four-cylinder motorcycle.
The piece shines on the 1973 Daytona International Speedway endurance test, where the Z1 was ridden to its performance limits with film from that very ride. It harkens back to a time when novelty and fun ruled moto design.
The machine
With an inline four,903cc, DOHC air-cooled engine, the Z1 made 81 horsepower and 54.2 lb-ft of torque.
Kawasaki released an ultra-powerful weapon on the track and a practical yet cool sport touring bike: The Z1. Kawasaki hoped to win at the track using the mighty and beefy engine for endurance races, and Yvon Duhamel, the Canadian racer and Yoshimura were commissioned to prove it. However, things didn’t go as planned and even.
In 1973 the Z1 900 set a new AMA closed course lap record of 160.199 mph at Daytona during the 24-Hour World Record.
Further, with 52 American and World records and the 24-hour speed endurance record, the Z1 showed that it runs fast and has a total of 2,630.4 miles at 109.602 mph.
The tribute
Kawasaki is doing something different in today’s highly competitive auto industry. Rather than produce another limited edition hyper stunt machine that would not sell in sufficient quantities to be profitable.
They are returning to their past and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Z1 900 by producing a limited 50th Anniversary Z900RS. The Z900RS makes 00 horsepower and backs up with 72.3 lb-ft of torque.
via Bikeurious and Jalopnik
