In 2022, Kawasaki celebrated the golden jubilee of its iconic Z collection, marking fifty years because the debut of its first Z motorbike by the Akashi agency. In a method, Kawasaki should be glad they went again to the drafting board as a result of a pivotal second occurred in 1972 when Kawasaki unveiled the Z1. This four-stroke, 903cc, four-cylinder superbike surpassed the Honda CB750 and reshaped the model’s trajectory. Since then, Kawasaki has persistently pushed boundaries, growing and designing some of the world’s fastest motorcycles.

Looking again on their historical past, a seventy-year retrospective reveals a set of recollections of Kawasaki bikes, some obscured by time. Many have gained notoriety on the racetrack and have now turn out to be sought-after collector’s gadgets – some pristine and untouched, whereas some gently used, all authentic proper right down to the final nut and bolt. A number of, exceptionally uncommon, command costs that surpass right this moment’s showroom bikes. Kawasaki‘s journey is a testomony to its innovation and forward-thinking.

In order to provide the newest and correct data potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Cycle World, Ian Falloon’s The Kawasaki Story, Motorcyclist Online, MCNews Australia, and Motorcyclespecs.co.za. The bikes on this checklist are ranked based mostly on their manufacturing age, from the oldest to essentially the most present.

10 Kawasaki 500cc H1R/A Racer

Current Selling Price: $73,255 (GBP 57,500)

The Kawasaki 500cc H1R/A Racing Motorcycle, a legend of the Seventies racing scene, stemmed from the manufacturing H1 mannequin. In essence, the H1R/A was tailored for the monitor. In 1970, Ginger Molloy secured second place within the FIM 500 championship astride the H1-R, showcasing its prowess regardless of a seized rod bearing. With a triple-cylinder H1 base, the racing model featured a specifically designed chassis, constructed on the experience gained from Kawasaki’s earlier racing endeavors.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

The H1R/A performed a pivotal position in Kawasaki’s racing historical past, contributing to the model’s popularity for high-performance machines. Its legacy continues to resonate amongst fanatics and stands as a testomony to Kawasaki’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of speed and innovation on the racetrack.

Just not too long ago, ex-racer Kork Ballington supplied his 1971 ex-Gregg Hansford H1RA racer for sale for an enormous amount of cash.

Model Highlights

• Cast-iron sleeves are used for optimum warmth dissipation
• The clutch is of the dry sort with sintered copper friction materials
• Fork legs machined from billet aluminum

9 Kawasaki H1 Mach III

Current Selling Price: Estimated $20,000

The Kawasaki H1 Mach III unleashed in 1969, roared onto the scene with its distinctive 120-degree-firing triple and a symphony of exhaust notes. A departure from the period’s development, it embraced simplicity over complexity, foregoing rotary intake valves for piston-controlled ports. This no-frills method made it a efficiency powerhouse, a trait amplified by its drag-strip dominance. The two-stroke triple’s setup, although criticized for its width, delivered most bang for the buck.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

Known for its rock-and-roll movement, the central cylinder stayed regular whereas the outer ones carried out with the crank shifting like a double-bladed kayak paddle, affecting carburetion considerably. The H1 became a legend, cherished by collectors for its era-defining, rebellious spirit. In 2017, a Mach III sold for $15,191 on eBay after receiving 68 bids! Expect to pay extra for the blue ones.

Model Highlights

• The crankcases had been of the horizontally cut up sort as they had been a part of the induction system
• Lubrication carried out by the Injectolube system
• The cylinder liners had been manufactured from forged iron and twenty % silicon
• A Mitsubishi three-pole rotating magnet and small induction coil changed the standard contact breaker

8 Kawasaki Z1 (900 Super Four)

Current Selling Price: $55,000

The Kawasaki Z1 marked a pivotal second, steering the model towards greatness. Faced with the restrictions of their two-stroke bikes, Kawasaki pivoted to a 750cc inline-four engine, initially named ‘Zapper.’ However, the discharge of Honda’s CB750 pressured Kawasaki to back-pedal and redesign, resulting in the legendary Z1. Aptly nicknamed ‘New York Steak,’ its sturdy 903cc DOHC air-cooled engine delivered 82 horsepower at 8,500 RPM. Its strengthened cradle body, typical suspension, disc brakes, and modern design outshone opponents.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

Weighing round 507 lbs dry, it reached 135 miles per hour, introducing cutting-edge options like an electrical starter and an automated drive chain oiler. The Z1’s success influenced a era of ‘Universal Japanese Motorcycles.’ Today, well-preserved Z1s command high prices just like the one bought on Mecum in February 2023, which displays its historic significance and enduring attraction. It initially value $1,895.

Model Highlights

• Nine-piece pressed collectively curler bearing crankshaft
• Carburetion is dealt with by 4 Mikuni VM 28mm carburetors
• The camshafts are pushed by a single cam chain centrally positioned off of the crankshaft
• Ignition is offered by a dual-point battery and coil

(Original promoting worth sourced from Cycle World Magazine)

7 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV

Current Selling Price: $40,000

The Kawasaki Mach IV H2 750, an icon of the Seventies, symbolizes an period outlined by the relentless pursuit of velocity. Conceived when acceleration was of paramount importance, it lived as much as expectations, delivering mid-12-second quarter miles and heart-stopping wheelies. Despite enhancements, it retained its brute pressure, and the two-stroke triple, with its 120-degree crankpins, showcased unrestrained energy. Fitted with a Capacitor Discharge Ignition system, it ensured fixed ignition to stop fouling.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

Kawasaki’s Injectolube system lubricated the engine, enhancing its effectivity, whereas three 30mm Mikunis took care of carburetion as soon as the push-type starter lever was engaged. However, its flaws, surge, vibration, and noise had been obvious. Chassis enhancements in 1975, together with an extended swinging arm, made it safer, although its glory days had been numbered as environmental issues loomed, marking the tip of an period. Just final yr, a refurbished H2 Mach IV completed in purple with purple and yellow accents sold for almost 30 times its original price of $1,386.

Model Highlights

• It featured triangular counter-weights to enhance crankshaft steadiness resulting from the usage of heavy pistons
• The smallest foremost bearing on the 750 was the identical measurement as the biggest on the five hundred
• Carburetion dealt with by three Mikuni VM30SC carburetors
• The prime triple clamp is made out of aluminum

(Original worth sourced from Cycle World Magazine)

6 Kawasaki Z1-R

Current Selling Price: $22,000

The Kawasaki Z1-R emerged as a slick new standard in superbikes, captivating both onlookers and riders alike. With its distinctive design and efficiency modifications, the Z1-R stands as a café racer with out the standard drawbacks, a manufacturing racer outfitted in road apparel. The mannequin, based mostly on the KZ1000, receives enhancements in bodywork, paint, brakes, and engine elements, whereas underneath the fairing lies a powerhouse – the KZ1000 engine with meticulous tweaks.

Equipped with 4 28 mm Mikuni carburetors and a specialised exhaust system, the Z1-R has a claimed energy improve from 83 to 90 horsepower. This units the stage for potential road-racing and, by way of dealing with, the Z1-R navigates easily inside sure limits.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

Visually beautiful, the Z1-R’s seafoam inexperienced metallic paint, sculptured gasoline tank, and slim cockpit fairing with a smoked display screen outline its aesthetic attraction. Beyond its appears to be like, the Z1-R introduces modern concepts that embody a distant brake reservoir and a self-canceling flip sign.

Despite some quirks, like a slight lack of steering path and a necessity for aftermarket shocks for optimum dealing with, the Z1-R represents a major leap ahead in Kawasaki’s lineup. Well-kept Z1-Rs that originally cost $3,695 can sell for over $20,000. It’s a motorcycle that not solely turns heads at stoplights but in addition raises the bar for café racer fanatics and racers.

Model Highlights

• Shocks with 5-way spring preload
• The most identifiable characteristic was its Dunstall fiberglass quarter fairing
• Features a four-into-one exhaust system
• The first manufacturing motorbike to attain a standing quarter-mile in underneath 12 seconds

(Original worth sourced from Cycle World Magazine)

5 Kawasaki KR250 Racer

Current Selling Price: $35,000

Kawasaki’s KR250 Racing Motorcycle, born in 1974, carved its title within the historical past books by securing eight world championships between 1978 and 1982 underneath the knowledgeable palms of riders Kork Ballington and Anton Mang. The tandem twin KR collection was light-weight but formidable, overcoming rivals in an era dominated by Yamaha production racers. Kawasaki’s incursion into Grand Prix street racing began within the Nineteen Sixties, evolving from a 125 GP prototype to the 250 A1 “Samurai” and 350 A7 “Avenger.”

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

In 1974, engineer Nagato Sato crafted the KR250 with a singular tandem twin design. Despite preliminary challenges that included heavy vibrations, the KR250 turned a dominant pressure, clinching titles and leaving an indelible mark on motorbike racing historical past.

Well-maintained KR250 racers can fetch upwards of $25,000.

Model Highlights

• It utilized rotary inlet valves
• The pistons characteristic a single-piston ring
• Each cylinder had a separate crankshaft with the entrance working backward and the rear ahead

4 Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica

Current Selling Price: Anywhere between $28,500 and $36,000 in showroom situation

The Kawasaki KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica, born from the triumphs of Eddie Lawson within the AMA Superbike Championship, emerged as a vibrant motorbike on each monitor and road. The modern retro Z900RS takes loads of inspiration from it. This inexperienced meanie, instructions consideration with its painted colours. With a hanging inexperienced gasoline tank adorned with blue and white stripes, the KZ1000R proudly declares its Superbike Champion status with a “Number 1” positioned above Eddie Lawson’s signature, reinforcing its racing pedigree.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

The highly effective KZ1000 engine, encompasses a curler bearing crank, twin overhead cams, and a potent 998cc displacement. While restricted to 750 models on the time, we found a couple of ELRs that were shipped by a seller from the US to Japan with NOS (New Old Stock) elements that bought for over $25,000. The vendor has yet one more Replica, and he says the 2 he bought are nowhere as good as the present one he nonetheless has. If you’ll find one at a extra affordable worth, the KZ1000R Eddie Lawson Replica guarantees an exhilarating journey simply like modern sports bikes that mix exclusivity, velocity, and the invincible spirit of racing.

Model Highlights

• Special Showa gas-charged shock absorbers deal with the rear suspension
• The 1983 model featured Kerker’s exhaust techniques
• The 1982 model examined by Cycle accomplished the standing quarter-mile in 11.72 seconds at 114.06 MPH

3 Kawasaki Zephyr 750

Current Selling Price: Estimated beginning worth of $10,000

The Kawasaki Zephyr 750 is a reincarnation of yesterday’s late seventies and eighties superbikes and emerges as a robust contender. Positioned alongside Honda’s Nighthawk 750, the Zephyr has a distinct personality, drawing inspiration from the hot-rodded street bikes that when dominated American roads.

Born from the venerable KZ750, the Zephyr undergoes a metamorphosis with wider cooling fins, a high-output alternator, and revamped cylinder heads. The result’s a torquey, responsive engine, its efficiency enhanced by trendy touches like Keihin carburetors.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

The chassis, marked by large-diameter metal tubes and a sturdy aluminum swingarm, endows the Zephyr with outstanding dealing with. It challenges the usual classification, presenting itself not as a run-of-the-mill however as a sportbike in disguise, a flexible street companion that blends old-school charm with contemporary energy. We discovered a custom-built one-of-a-kind Zephyr with 3,824 miles on all of it the way in which over in Australia which could fetch a handsome price given the Ohlins’s suspension, Brembo brakes, and different trick elements.

Model Highlights

• The chassis is steel-framed with an aluminum swingarm
• Fueling is dealt with by a set of Keihin CV 32 mm carburetors
• The 1996 model gained wire spoked wheels

2 Kawasaki ZRX1100

Current Selling Price: $13,500

The Kawasaki ZRX1100, a resurrection of the long-lasting Eddie Lawson Replica, bridges the previous and current, invoking the nostalgia of the Eighties Superbike racing period. With lime inexperienced paint, blue and white stripes, and distinctive options like piggyback shocks and a bikini fairing, the ZRX exudes a retro attraction paying homage to the KZ1000R. Its motor is loosely derived from the ZX-11 that prioritizes mid-range punch over top-end energy, delivering a flat torque curve.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

The chassis, regardless of traditional parts like twin shocks, boasts modernity with adjustable suspension, six-piston entrance calipers, and modern wheel sizes. The ZRX’s journey is a mix of consolation and pleasure, excelling in metropolis outings with low-end torque whereas paying homage to the superbike legends of yesteryears. Modern classics impressed by the Eddie Lawson reproduction can command an honest worth. Bring A Trailer sold one in pristine condition with 5,000 miles for just under $14,000. Originally, they bought for $7,199 and are nicely appreciated for his or her efficiency and styling.

Model Highlights

• Powered by an engine developed from the GPZ1100
• It has a 5-speed transmission
• Brake calipers are six-piston Tokicos

(Original worth sourced from Cycle World)

1 Kawasaki KR500

Current Selling Price: Estimated $76,248 – $101,653 (£60,000 to £80,000)

The Kawasaki KR500, born in 1979, was a particular enterprise by Kawasaki into the racing area, that includes an alloy monocoque chassis housing a singular square-four, 2-stroke engine with rotary disc valves. Departing from its KR250/350 predecessors, the KR500 showcased individuality. Kork Ballington, throughout its 1980 improvement, found its power competitive but criticized its weight and extended wheelbase. The 1981 model, regardless of enhancements like a lighter monocoque and improved aerodynamics, struggled to make a major leap.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from motorcyclespecs.co.za)

Eddie Lawson’s journey in 1982 was noteworthy, with a redesigned chassis and formidable energy. Hindered by a 16-inch entrance wheel and the shift to Showa suspension, the KR500’s racing legacy concluded abruptly in 1982 after solely three years. Kawasaki KR500 racers now command prices estimated at over £50,000.

Model Highlights

• The engine has particular person cylinders, although it appears to be like like two 250s subsequent to one another
• It has a dry clutch with eight friction plates and 9 metal plates
• The steering head, gasoline tank, rear engine mounts, and suspension attachments are integrated right into a heavy aluminum backbone
• Ducts fitted underneath the fairing to stream air to the rear shock absorber to stop over-heating