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LOT 604 N

1975 Kawasaki 903cc Z1B Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. Z1F 55247 Engine no. Z1E 55314

Sold for £6,670 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 604N

1975 Kawasaki 903cc Z1B
Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. Z1F 55247 Engine no. Z1E 55314

1975 Kawasaki 903cc Z1B
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. Z1F 55247
Engine no. Z1E 55314

Having established its performance credentials with the Mach III two-stroke triple, Kawasaki went on to ace the opposition again with the awe-inspiring Z1. The model had been planned in 750cc form in the late 1960s but was beaten to the showroom by Honda's CB750. Kawasaki's proposed superbike already had two overhead camshafts to the Honda's one, so its designers redrew the motor as a 900. Launched in 1972 at the Cologne Show, the big 'Zed' set new road-bike performance standards, at least as far as straight-line speed was concerned. With 82bhp on tap, top speed was around 130mph, but if the rider used all that power on twisty roads, things could get exciting. As a fast tourer though, the Z1 excelled. Mildly revised, the model was renamed Z900 for 1976, gaining twin front disc brakes and 26mm carburettors among other more minor changes. Charismatic in the extreme, these early 'Big Zeds' are served by an enthusiastic owner's club and are increasingly sought after today. Few bikes from Japan have had as big an impact on the motorcycling world.

Original and un-restored, this Z1B is offered from a private collection in Belgium. The machine comes with a US Title and is sold strictly as viewed.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is Z1E 055314.

Additional information

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Auction Viewings

  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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