1973 Kawasaki 903cc Z1

•One of the most iconic Japanese motorcycles of all time
•Restored by acknowledged expert Mike Hunnisett
•Only 1,011 miles since restoration
•Present ownership since 2019
•Offered from an extensive private collection

Having established its performance credentials with the Mach III two-stroke triple, Kawasaki went on to ace the opposition yet 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 owners club and are increasingly sought after today. Few bikes from Japan have had as big an impact on the motorcycling world.

The accompanying V5C Registration Certificate records that this Z1 was first registered in the UK on 2nd July 2013, while the customs documents on file show that it was imported from the USA. A Kawasaki Motors UK dating letter records the machine as manufactured on 26th June 1973. The Z1 was purchased by our private vendor in August 2019 from the noted Kawasaki collector and restorer Mike Hunnisett, who had restored it to a very high standard, including refinishing it in Candy Tone Brown/Red. (Please note that although the purchase receipt is on file there is no restoration-related documentation available.) Since acquisition the machine has been dry stored in the owner's climate controlled facility as part of his significant private collection; it was last MoT'd until 25th June 2018 and has covered only 1,011 miles since restoration. Additional documentation includes a number of expired MoTs, SORN paperwork and sundry invoices, and the machine comes complete with a Kawasaki tool kit beneath the saddle.