Info About The Bikes
1973
This bike was introduced to the press in '72 and took honors as the fastest production bike in the world. This was the meanest bike there was and was "King of the Road" for several years. Originally came in rootbeer and orange (as shown) which is the most "collectable" color scheme. The engine is easily distinguishable, as this is the only year with the black colored block. This engine lived on in various forms until the '85 GPZ1100. This bike created the stereotype of Kawis having too much horsepower for too little chassis. Kawasaki frames would be willowy until the late 80s, and my pristine '75 Z1-B would flex about a half inch (my guess) when going around corners in slightly spirited riding. Air-cooled 4 cylinder DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder 903cc 82PS/8500 rpm 7.5kg-m/7000 rpm 506 lbs.
1974
1975
Tail section stripes now wrap around and nearly touch at the rear (instead of being straight;) new color schemes added. Emblem changes, and last year for the pressed tank (if you look at the bottom of the tank you will see the seam is more than 2" inside of the outer lip; newer gas tank seams are closer to the edge.)
1976
Name change to Z900, altered fuel tank, tail section, and rear light, smaller 26mm carbs, and for North America, optional dual discs at front. New exhaust baffles with a new part number. Idiot light cluster moves to between gauges; new triple clamps. Locking gas caps mandated by US government.
