1973 Kawasaki Z1
Now offered without reserve

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Z1F-11857
Engine No: Z1E-11734
CC: 1047
MOT: Exempt

• Part of a private collection of Japanese classics recently brought in from Finland
• Authentically restored by a former chairman of the Finnish VJMC
• Engine bored out to 1047cc and fitted with Wiseco High Compression pistons
• Excellent quality authentic restoration keeping a good degree of originality

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is one of the largest corporations in Japan producing a wide range of products from rolling stock to ships. After taking over the ailing Meguro Motorcycle Company they began manufacturing motorcycles under the Kawasaki name in the early sixties, first continuing development of the K1 BSA A10 copy but soon moving on to build a reputation for high performance 2 stroke twins and triples. In the early 70s the four-stroke four-cylinder Z1 was initially developed as a 750cc to compete with the new Honda SOHC 750 but Kawasaki held the bike back until it could be increased in capacity to set a new benchmark for superbike performance. Finally released in late 1972, with its DOHC 900cc engine offering a top speed of over 130mph it easily became the fastest mass-produced bike in the world.

This first generation Z1 was sold new in 1973 by a Kawasaki dealer in Turku, Finland and has been part of a private collection, owned and restored by a former chairman of the Finnish VJMC. He has carried out an authentic restoration keeping a good degree of originality, as many parts as possible are genuine Kawasaki with some good quality reproduction parts such as the distinctive chrome 4 into 4 exhaust supplied by Z-power.

The frame has been sandblasted and powder coated with the fuel tank, tail section and side covers repainted, the rims, headlight brackets, handlebars, and mudguards have all been re-chromed and the seat base powder coated, new foam cushion, new seat cover and strap with correct (half-moon shaped) strap buckles fitted. There is a new wiring loom plus an Electrex rotor and Dyna electronic ignition along with a modern solid-state regulator/rectifier unit fitted under the battery box. The fork legs have been hard chromed, taper roller steering bearings fitted and needle roller swing arm bearing kits installed together with new brake lines and a factory option second front disc. The bike has rare genuine rear-view mirrors, they are heavier than aftermarket mirrors and don’t vibrate as much and it comes with the original chain oil tank (no pump).

The engine has been bored out to 1047cc with 71mm Wiseco high compression pistons and adjustable camshaft sprockets, which adds up to an improved torque output of 90Nm over the 80Nm stock, as shown on a supplied dyno sheet. This bike has been displayed in the Finnish Motorcycle Museum in Lahti and has recently been on display in the foyer of Sumeko Oy, the Finnish Kawasaki concessionaire to celebrate 50 years since the launch of the ground-breaking Z1. A beautifully presented example of one of the most important bikes of the 1970s.

PLEASE NOTE. This bike has been brought in from Finland on a temporary basis. If it is to stay in the UK when sold it will need to get a NOVA Certificate, details on the DVLA website. This normally involves paying 5% VAT on the total sale price and about £125 in customs declaration paperwork. Please check these details and bear this in mind when bidding.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189