Kawasaki Z1 (1973)

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The Kawasaki Z1 is a motorcycle produced in 1973 that features a four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder, DOHC engine with a capacity of 903cc / 55.1 cu-in with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It is air-cooled and has a 5-speed transmission with a chain final drive. The bike has a maximum power of 82hp / 59.8kW @ 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 73.5 Nm / 54.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm. The front suspension features 36mm telescopic forks while the rear suspension is a dual shock with 5-way preload adjustment. The bike has a front braking system with a single 296mm disc and 2 piston caliper while the rear braking system is a 200mm drum. The frame is a double tubular steel cradle and the bike has a length of 2209.8mm / 87.0 in. and a wheelbase of 1498.6mm / 59.0 in. The dry weight is 230kg / 507lbs and the wet weight is 247.6kg / 546lbs. Its fuel capacity is 18 litres / 4.7 gallons and has an average consumption of 48 mpg. During testing, the braking distance for 30 mph – 0 was 29.00 ft. and the braking distance for 60 mph – 0 was 126.00 ft. Its acceleration from 0-30 mph is 2.7 seconds, 0-60 mph is 4.8 seconds, standing 1/4 mile is 12.61 seconds at 105.63 mph while its top speed is 135 mph.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki Z1

Year: 1973


Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.
Capacity: 903 cc / 55.1 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 66 x 66 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Lubrication: Wet sump, trachoid pump
Air Filtration: Treated synthetic fiber
Induction: 4 x 28mm Mikuni VM28SC
Ignition: Battery and coil
Starting: Electric & kick
Max Power: 82 hp / 59.8 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque: 73.5 Nm / 54.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain

Primary Drive: Straight cut gears
Gear Ratio: 1st 12.79:1 2nd 8.84:1 3rd 6.74:1 4th 5.58:1 5th 4.92:1
Frame: Double tubular steel cradle
Front Suspension: 36mm Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Dual shock, 5-way preload adjustment
Front Brakes: Single 296mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: 200mm drum
Front Tyre: 3.25 H19
Rear Tyre: 4.00 S18
Rake: 27 o
Trail: 3.75 in.
Dimensions: Length 2209.8 mm / 87.0 in.
Wheelbase: 1498.6 mm / 59.0 in
Handlebar Width: 818 mm / 32.2 in.
Seat Height: 812.8 mm / 32.0 in.
Ground Clearance: 170 mm / 6.75 in.
Dry Weight: 230 kg / 507 lbs
Wet Weight: 247.6 kg / 546 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 18 Litres / 4.7 gal
Consumption Average: 48 mpg

Braking Distance 30 mph – 0: 29.00 ft.
Braking Distance 60 mph – 0: 126.00 ft.
Acceleration 0-30 mph: 2.7 sec
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing 1/4 Mile: 12.61 sec / 105.63 mph
Top Speed: 135 mph

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