LOT 463

1972 Kawasaki 903cc Z1 Registration no. RRN 455K Frame no. Z1F-00285 Engine no. Z1E-00207

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

Lot 463

1972 Kawasaki 903cc Z1
Registration no. RRN 455K Frame no. Z1F-00285 Engine no. Z1E-00207

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1972 Kawasaki 903cc Z1
Registration no. RRN 455K
Frame no. Z1F-00285
Engine no. Z1E-00207

Kawasaki had been planning a larger four-cylinder machine when Honda dropped the bombshell of the CB750 four – exactly the size Kawasaki were planning. The plan was shelved, and Kawasaki retreated to lick their wounds and consider the future. A new plan was formulated, and the intention was to be bigger and better, but it took a full four years to design, test and build the bike which was eventually to become the Z1 900cc Kawasaki, released at the end of 1972 for 1973. Imported to the UK from USA, this Z1 is an early example, dating from September 1972, bearing frame number 00285, and was therefore one of the earliest sent to USA, for the 1973 model year. It was registered in the UK in 1992, and purchased by the vendor in 1995. He used it regularly every year for Summer use only, and in winter the bike was kept in a dehumidified storage 'cocoon' to preserve its condition over the winter months. In 2009, when he laid it up, he drained the fuel, and placed the bike in the cocoon to preserve it. When the bike was recently removed from the cocoon and given some fresh fuel, it started up without any problem. Subject to basic safety checks, it should be ready to take to the road with a new owner in due course. It should be noted that RRN 455K is recorded on HPI as a category D insurance loss, damaged but repairable. Documentation comprises a current V5C, a California number plate, and a quantity of expired MoT certificates.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

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