Beschreibung
Wed, 20th Jul 2022 13:00
National Motorcycle Museum
1973 Kawasaki Z1
An excellent example of the first Z1
Estimate
£14, 500 - £18, 500
Lot details
Registration No: EVN 153L
Frame No: Z1F 16414
Engine No: Z1E 16579
CC: 900
MOT: Exempt
Authentically restored first version of the classic Z1 in fantastic condition
Engine rebuilt by Engine Techniks and fitted with a genuine exhaust system
Supplied with the much sought after original chain oiler pump and tank
Original toolkit, owners manual and UK registered on a current V5C
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is one of the largest corporations in Japan producing a wide range of products from rolling stock to ships. After taking over the ailing Meguro Motorcycle Company they began manufacturing motorcycles under the Kawaski name in the early sixties, first continuing development of the K1 BSA A10 copy but soon moving on to build a reputation for high performance 2 stroke twins and triples. In the early 70s the four stroke four cylinder Z1 was initially developed as a 750cc to compete with the new Honda SOHC 750 but Kawasaki held the bike back until it could be increased in capacity to set a new benchmark for superbike performance. Finally released in 1973, with its DOHC 900cc engine offering a top speed of over 130mph it easily became the fastest mass produced bike in the world.
This authentically restored early Z1 has been part of a private collection of 1970s super bikes for the past 12 years. It has undergone a full no expense spared rebuild using original Kawasaki spares where possible including a full genuine four into four exhaust system, indicators and mirrors. The frame was painted with 3 coats of undercoat and 5 coats of cellulose, not powder coat, to retain originality. All the wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swinging arm bushes and cush drive rubbers in rear hub have been renewed and the brakes have had a full overhaul including new seals, pads & shoes. The rear brake drum has the correct curved brake arm with reverse bolt fitment and all the original fasteners have been replated.
The engine has enjoyed a full overhaul by Engine Techniks (who do Dave Marsden of Z Power’s engine rebuilds) including new piston rings and valve guides and a full set of new inlet and exhaust valves. A genuine Kawasaki cam chain including guides and rollers has been fitted as well as a new clutch basket at the same time. An O ring sealed chain and new sprockets have been fitted so no chain oiler is needed, however the much sought after genuine oil tank and oil pump come supplied with the machine for originality. The fuel tank has recently been professionally relined by Tank Care Products to resist up to 100% ethanol and the carburetors have been fully overhauled. All the control cables have been renewed and a new wiring harness and battery fitted. It even still has the very rare throttle friction damper fitted (most are missing), a toolkit under the seat and an original owners manual. A beautiful example of the first and most sought after Z1 supplied with a current V5C.
For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
using the button below
the details below
