Kawasaki Z 900 (1974)

The Kawasaki Z1-A was a popular motorcycle model produced in 1974. It featured a four stroke, transverse four cylinder engine with a capacity of 903 cc and 2 valves per cylinder. The engine had a compression ratio of 8.5:1 and a maximum power output of 82 hp at 8500 rpm. The Z1-A also had a wet sump, trachoid pump lubrication system and 4 x 28mm Mikuni VM28SC induction. The motorcycle had both electric and kick starting options and a wet, multi-plate clutch. Its transmission had 5 speeds and a chain final drive. The Z1-A’s frame was made of double tubular steel cradle, and its suspension consisted of 36mm telescopic forks in the front and dual shock with 5-way preload adjustment in the rear. Its braking system included a single 296mm disc with 2 piston caliper in the front and a 200mm drum in the rear. The motorcycle had a top speed of 135 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Its fuel capacity was 18 litres or 4.7 gallons and its average consumption was 48 mpg. The Z1-A was also noted for its braking distance, being able to stop from 30 mph to 0 in 29 feet and from 60 mph to 0 in 126 feet. Overall, the Kawasaki Z1-A was a powerful and reliable motorcycle model that was popular among riders during its time.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Kawasaki Z1-A

Year: 1974

Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.

Capacity: 903 cc / 55.1 cu-in

Bore x Stroke: 66 x 66 mm

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

Lubrication: Wet sump, trachoid pump

Air Filtration: Treated synthetic fiber

Induction: 4 x 28mm Mikuni VM28SC

Ignition: Battery and coil

Starting: Electric & kick

Max Power: 82 hp / 59.8 kW @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque: 73.5 Nm / 54.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

Transmission: 5 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Primary Drive: Straight cut gears

Gear Ratio: 1st 12.79:1 2nd 8.84:1 3rd 6.74:1 4th 5.58:1 5th 4.92:1

Frame: Double tubular steel cradle

Front Suspension: 36mm Telescopic forks

Rear Suspension: Dual shock, 5-way preload adjustment

Front Brakes: Single 296mm disc 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes: 200mm drum

Front Tyre: 3.25 H19

Rear Tyre: 4.00 S18

Rake: 27 o

Trail: 3.75 in.

Dimensions: Length 2209.8 mm / 87.0 in.

Wheelbase: 1498.6 mm / 59.0 in

Handlebar Width: 818 mm / 32.2 in.

Seat Height: 812.8 mm / 32.0 in.

Ground Clearance: 170 mm / 6.75 in.

Dry Weight: 230 kg / 507 lbs

Wet Weight: 247.6 lbs / 546 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 18 Litres / 4.7 gal

Consumption Average: 48 mpg

Braking Distance 30 mph – 0: 29.00 ft.

Braking Distance 60 mph – 0: 126.00 ft.

Acceleration 0-30 mph: 2.7 sec

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec

Standing 1/4 Mile: 12.3 sec / 112 mph

Top Speed: 135 mph