1975 Kawasaki 903cc Z1B

Registration no. LEH 51P Frame no. Z1F-83345 Engine no. Z1E-083688

• 6,414 miles from new
• Recommissioned in 2020
• Purchased new by the vendor

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.

The machine offered here is an example of the mildly revised Z1B model. Introduced in 1975, the latter featured different tank livery and the plain alloy finish for the engine's upper half (first seen on the Z1A, the Z1's having been black).

First registered 23 August 1975, the then 22-year-old vendor purchased the Z1-B new from Hill Street Kawasaki of Stoke, and vividly remembers taking delivery on Saturday 26 August 1975, immediately taking a long trip to St Tropez, his friend riding alongside on his H2 Kawasaki. The vendor opted for the optional extra 'double disc' from new (an extra £108) and whilst a common modification today, very few are thought to have been specified as such in period. The motorcycle was registered to the vendors brother in November 1985 whilst working overseas hence the V5 lists one previous keeper but is effectively a one owner example.

Unused since 1980 and stored in a dehumidified garage, the vendor, a competent Aston Martin mechanic took the decision to recommission the motorcycle in 2021 which included cleaning the carbs, replacing the brake seals (original parts offered with the machine), and re-chroming the front mudguard. The machine now fires up at touch of the button (video on file).

Aside from the tyres, which were changed almost immediately after purchase and the re-chromed front mudguard, the private vendor advises the Kawasaki remains otherwise standard, including original paintwork, original exhausts, brake pads/shoes, chain, sprockets, wheels, spokes and the engine untouched. Offered with original toolkit, two keys and an old V5 Registration Document.