**Vendor supplied images**
Highlights
- Only made for the American market – very rare in Britain
- The subject of a comprehensive, newly-finished restoration
- Excellent working order mechanically
- No mileage at all since restoration
The Appeal
On the one hand, New York Steak sounds a strange codename for the secret Kawasaki project that was to become the KZ900 but, on the other, it was a beefy motorcycle and although very well-done by Kawasaki’s engineers and designers, it’s a rare machine today.
In the late 1960s, Kawasaki was working on a new bike which, according to Ivan J. Wagar writing in Cycle World in 1972, should have been “a Super-cruiser, a machine to replace the legendary Vincent HRD of yesteryear.” Alas, just as the exciting four-cylinder, four-stroke 750cc project was nearing completion, Honda launched its CB750 and stole Kawasaki’s thunder.
Kawasaki went back to the drawing board and resumed work on New York Steak, increasing its displacement to 903cc to get one-up over the CB750. The project became a production reality in 1972 as the Z1 – the most powerful (82bhp) four-cylinder, four-stroke bike ever sold by a Japanese manufacturer. At Daytona in 1972, a Z1 set the 24-hour endurance record, covering 2,631 miles at an average speed of 109.64mph, while a modified example was taken up to 160.288mph. It duly received the Motorcycle News Machine of the Year accolade every year between 1973 and 1976.
Z1 production ended in 1975, but the story continued with the KZ900 of 1976, essentially the same bike but with minor modifications including smaller carburettors, a thicker frame, locking fuel cap and subtle cosmetic updates. The KZ900 was sold only in the US market (other markets got the Z900), and was short-lived, being replaced by the bigger KZ1000.
To buy a KZ900 is to buy a bike which was not only ground-breaking and unrivalled when new, and which remains competitive and sophisticated by modern standards; it is to acquire a scarce collectors’ piece which is very rarely seen in Europe. This one is better still, being so fresh from a comprehensive restoration that it was only registered with the DVLA a few weeks ago and has not even been ridden for so much as a single mile.
The History and Paperwork
- As with other KZ900s, this bike would have originally been sold in North America
- Recently imported into Britain and subjected to a full, ground-up restoration to the highest standard by a respected and experienced restorer of classic Japanese motorcycles
- First registered with the DVLA in August 2022, it is sold with its current V5C
The Condition
- Finished in the original KZ900 metallic colour Diamond Dark Green
- Beautiful presentation
- Retains its original Kawasaki wheel rims
We have seen some of the other motorcycles restored by the Kawasaki’s vendor and, although we should be used to his standard of workmanship by now, we cannot help being staggered by every new project he completes. There are few restorers as consummate, thorough and expert as he is, and we say as much based solely on the condition of the bikes we have seen.
If you suspect we are guilty of either sycophancy or hyperbole, we would invite you to examine the photographs of the KZ900 and see if you can find the slightest thing to hold against it. It has been fully repainted in the original Diamond Dark Green with the correct green and gold coach lines and black frame. The chrome is obviously all new and is like looking into a mirror. We will apologise to you if you think you have seen better paint or chrome but, as far as we are concerned, it is as close to perfect as anything is likely to get.
Obviously, the seat has been recovered and, since the bike has barely been ridden, we don’t suppose it has even been sat on more than a handful of times. The wheels have new spokes but retain their original Kawasaki rims (although even they look like new) and all the ancillary parts such as the gauges are either new or have been refurbished to an equal standard.
The Mechanics
- Extensive mechanical rebuilds
- In full working order
- Never run on British roads
When we say the KZ900’s restorer is thorough, we mean it. Whatever mechanical jobs needed doing, he will have done, and he’ll have done a lot more besides just for the sake of it.
Just from the excellent external condition of the engine, it is apparent that it has come apart and been rebuilt. Obviously, parts such as spark plugs, HT leads and filters will be all-new. The vendor always takes pains to overhaul the carburettor, and the brakes and suspension, so we’re sure this bike is entirely ready to use.
The vendor tells us that it is in full working order, with the engine, gearbox, brakes and so on all functioning beautifully, and we can easily believe it.
As the bike has not been submitted for an MoT test (although it is exempt) we would advise bidders to satisfy themselves as to its roadworthiness before taking to the road but we hardly need to say that we have every confidence in the quality of the work and would not hesitate to take to the road immediately.
Obviously, since the bike has not been used since being rebuilt, the engine will require careful running in for the first 500 miles or so.
The Summary
We’re not overstating things when we say that this is an opportunity to acquire one of the greatest motorcycles of all time, which also happens to be extremely rare in Britain, in the best possible condition. Rebuilt to the very highest standard by one of the most accomplished motorcycle restorers, this bike really warrants superlative after superlative after superlative.
Having never been ridden on British roads, this is your opportunity to enjoy a KZ900 as it would have been when new and also visit shows and rallies with a bike which no one else will have seen. It could be the ideal centrepiece in any collection. Don’t miss it, because you’re unlikely to see one this good for a very long time to come.
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