Kawasaki Kz1000
Kawasaki Kz1000
Kawasaki Kz1000
Introduction
Kawasaki introduced the Kz1000 in late '76, replacing the previous Kz900(cc) motorcycle in an attempt to appease motorcyclist interest in foreign made bikes.
The only differences between the Kz900 and the Kz1000 are that the latter of the two has a heavier crankshaft for less engine vibration, smoother acceleration and a larger displacement.
There were various different configurations of specifications and assembly, such as having the choice between chain-driven and shaft-driven wheels.
Performance
When it first entered the production line, it was the fastest motorcycle of its era, and was a popular platform for a lot of top-fuel and pro-stock drag bike competitors.
Kawasaki swapped the traditional 4-4 exhaust (available on Z-1 and Kz900) for the cheaper 4-2 exhaust. This was a move made by Kawasaki to supposedly keep up with the sheer demand for the motorcycle and to target a broader consumer range. The Kz1000 series came in either a chain drive or shaft drive ('79-) to turn the rear wheel.
Tires and Rims
The Kz1000P (police) sits on 18inch wheels with Dunlop run-flat tires. The front tire is size MN90-18, and the back tire is size MR90-18. They came in either a cast magnesium or chrome-plated wire spoke rims.
Accessories
The Kz1000 came optional with a Windjammer brand fairing, saddle bags, a sissy bar and highway bars - all of which were removable without any interference with performance or function.
The fairing and saddle bags were molded fiber-glass resin made by Vetter, while the sissy bar and highway bar were chrome plated to accentuate the look.
Highway bars were also used for comfort on long trips that didn't require constant shifting or braking and usually held additional lighting, in combination with the single 7inch halogen head lamp. Some newer accessories readily available include cafe fairings made by EMGO and Lockhart. For drag racing applications, POD filters often replace the stock airbox for an increase in air volume and velocity.
Ride, Comfort and Size
A Kz1000 today, with some customization
The Kz1000 series weighed about 525 pounds dry and could approach 140mph. With little modifications, such as a 4 into 1 exhaust, and Mikuni smooth bore 29mm carbs this bike could make speeds better than 150 m.p.h. Compared to modern superbikes, handling and braking only barely accommodated its monstrous power. It did, however, ride smoothly. And on back roads it was king, and did handle superbly. As a 'middle child' (not a fully loaded cruiser and not a light weight), the Kz1000 rode smoothly and easily took to the open roads for long trips or local errand running, and was perfectly snug in a back corner of the garage.
The frame on the Kz1000 is a very conventional featherbed design, but has not been significantly changed in over 30 years of production. The KZ is generally stable at high speed, but can become "squirrelly" above 100mph. This can usually be remedied by replacing one or both tires and/or the rear shocks. It can also be remedied by replacing the front fork springs. Rider weight is a consideration when replacing these; refer to your local bike shop. The large disk rear brake can lock up easily under hard braking but in general the condition is predictable if the front end is properly set up. Dropping the front forks through the triple clamps by 25mm (1inch) generally speeds up the cornering, as it will on any bike. Frame flex on non "j" model bikes is an issue when cornering hard (knee down) and can be remedied by strategically placed plates around the headstem and additional strengthening in the frame. Removing some of the seat padding in the riders seat lowers the centre of gravity and assist in high speed cornering.
Police Use
As a fast, reliable, and relatively maneuverable bike-the Kz1000P was a favorite among Police Departments that utilized motorcycles (Kz1000P and Kz900P were used as the police bikes in the popular tv show C.H.i.P.s.)
Its quick acceleration, quiet exhaust and relatively light weight made sure that a running criminal wouldn't get very far, the officer would be able to use his radio and if the officer dumped the bike over at any time, chances are, he'd be able to pick it back up without any help. For this and other reasons, caseguards are often seen on these models-protecting the lower engine casing from sustaining any damage or potential oil leakage from falls. The Kz1000 can be outfitted with police gear.
References
^ a b c d e f Robert Smith (November/December 2009). "Kawasaki Kz1000 Z1-R". Motorcycle Classics. http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/kawasaki-Kz1000-z1-r.aspx. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
^ Ker, Rod (2007), Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide, Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing, pp.126127, ISBN 184425335X
Categories: Kawasaki motorcyclesHidden categories: Articles lacking reliable references from November 2009 | Orphaned articles from February 2009 | All orphaned articles | Articles needing cleanup from October 2007 | All pages needing cleanup | All pages needing factual verification | Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from November 2009
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