We've all heard the story, Kawasaki is all set to introduce a 750 four stroke in 1970, but is beat to the bunch by the CB750 Four. Kawasaki regroups and come back to one-upmanship Honda in 1972 with the 900 Z1. We're all blown away.
From the last page of the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of Motorcycle Classics Magazine (still a great print magazine) comes this picture and a great story of the original concept. It see it also went through the net about that time.
The engine (surprisingly DOHC) loosely resembles the MV four, the bodywork is much sportier than the CB750 or even the contemporary H1 and actually shows signs of being an influence in the styling of the later Z1-R, released in 1978. As the article says, signs of it being the design influence for the 1972 and later triples are also there. There is a front drum brake (as expected) and you have to wonder why the Trident muffler ripoff was used.
More Z1 prototype stuff here.
4 comments:
that bike looks is very extra great. paint it this metal flake- https://www.ebay.com/itm/113534069684?var=413710899842&hash=item1a6f286bb4:g:gIsAAOSwRY1cM~uS
Then it will match my helmet!
"https://www.ebay.com/itm/113534069684?var=413710899842&hash=item1a6f286bb4:g:gIsAAOSwRY1cM~uS"
So *that's* why I was keeping those bellbottom jeans!
Like I could fit into them...
Maybe it's just me, but the grab rail and those bars kept me from seeing the Z1-R. But once pointed out, yep, there it is.
rdguy
Post a Comment