· Year 1973
· Make Kawasaki
· Model Z1a 900
· Colour Candy Tone Brown and Orange
· Odometer 00050 miles
· Engine size 903cc
· Location Norfolk
· Country United Kingdom
· Price £SOLD

THE HIGHLIGHTS
・Complete and comprehensive rebuild in 2019
・Just 50 miles covered since restoration
・Excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition
・A prime example of an iconic Japanese bike

THE BACKGROUND
Kawasaki’s Z1 was a radical machine when it appeared in 1972, and remains an enduring two-wheeled legend today. It has a strong claim to the title of the world’s first superbike, and was a huge step forward for its Japanese manufacturer, becoming the first high capacity four-cylinder double-overhead camshaft production motorcycle unleashed by the country. Its development was prompted by Honda’s CB750 in 1968, which also had a four-cylinder engine, albeit a 736cc single-overhead cam unit. Kawasaki wasn’t going to let its big rival get away with that unchallenged, so vowed to come up with something even more dramatic, powerful and charismatic. It wanted, in the words of Kawasaki’s general manager T Yamada, to build ‘a bike beside which the finest motorcycles in the world would shrivel’.

Given the project name ‘New York Steak’ - something else renowned for being bigger and better than practically anything else on the globe - the Z1 was launched at the Cologne Motor Show in November 1972. It was a revelation and a revolution. With a 903cc 82bhp DOHC four-cylinder engine, it easily exceeded the specs of its Honda rival, offering 130mph plus performance. And it was beautifully designed and built too, as well as incredibly stylish; oozing attitude and machismo during an era when such attributes were all important. The press and public alike loved it, with around 85,000 being sold.

The all-conquering Z1 stayed in production in its original form until 1975, when the Z1B was introduced with more power, better suspension, improved braking and a strengthened frame. There were also styling and paint scheme updates as well. However, the basic architecture of the initial creation continued through to its successors for many years. The original, though, remains one of the all-time pinnacles of the motorcycle world.     

THE HISTORY
As with so many Z1s, this example (built in September 1973) found itself bound for the United States when new. It came over to the UK from Nevada (its first owner lived in Minnesota, so it shifted a few states westward) in early 2019, by which point it was in urgent need of renovation. Although its odometer showed only around 34,912 miles, it wasn’t running and there was rust in the frame and elsewhere, as well as many other mechanical and cosmetic issues. Its new British owner  took it to Cote Classic Motorcycles, where a very comprehensive restoration was undertaken, to take the Kawasaki back to ‘as-new’ condition. The work was completed in June 2019.  

Since then, this ‘matching numbers’ Z1A - its engine and frame are just 23 numbers apart - has covered very few miles.  

THE PAPERWORK
The V5 is present, as is a comprehensive pictorial record of the restoration, detailing everything that was done - and there was a lot. In addition, there’s also a ‘certificate of proof of year manufacture’ from the Kawasaki Triples Club (GB), as well as a page listing all the bike’s specifications. Then there’s the original owner’s warranty slip from March 1974, showing its 22-year-old first custodian lived in the wonderfully-named county of Blue Earth in Minnesota. Underneath the saddle, you’ll find the Kawasaki Z1A owner’s manual neatly tucked away in its sliding tray.  

THE CONDITION
Frankly, to say this bike is in ‘as new’ condition is understating things a tad. The care and attention to detail taken during the restoration means it’s probably even better than it was when it emerged from a factory on the other side of the world 48 years ago.

According to the restoration documentation, the frame (and other metalwork) was shot-blasted to remove all the surface rust and paint. It was then repainted in the correct (and frankly Seventies-tastic) Candy Tone Brown and Orange colours for the year. All this remains immaculate. New rubber plugs and grommets were fitted, and brightwork was either polished, rechromed or replaced - including the nuts and bolts, even ones not normally visible such as those inside the rear mudguard.

The ripped saddle was replaced with a brand new item, complete with the strap that was a feature of UK and European models. Alongside it, the fuel tank was treated to a Kreem fuel tank liner process, which should ensure that it no longer rusts inside and also, apparently, negates the effects of ethanol in modern fuel. All the badges were replaced. When the bike came to the UK, it had a four-into-one aftermarket exhaust. This was replaced by the proper four-into-four system, with new fitting kit and gaskets.  

Turning to the wheels, a new zinc-plated spoke set was installed on both wheels, while new Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart 120/90 18-inch 6SV tyres have been fitted.

The odometer was zeroed following the restoration, so that it now records just 50 miles indicates how fresh-out-of-the-box this bike still is. The speedometer shows the correct 20mph increments, rather than the 10mph markings of the later Z1B. All the switchgear is of the correct early type, having been cleaned and reconditioned. Naturally, there’s a new battery - an upgraded Gel-type item - which sends its volts through a brand new wiring loom.

It’s fair to say that this Z1A remains in exemplary order. This is almost exactly how a Kawasaki Z1A would have looked in a showroom during the mid-1970s. Except probably even nicer.      

THE MECHANICS
Frankly, how the owner who had this bike restored managed to limit himself to just riding it 50 miles is beyond us. Everything that needed to be done to bring this Kawasaki back to full health was carried out during the renovation. The engine was stripped and the exhaust valves replaced, while the cylinder head and crankcases were vapour-blasted. New valve stem oil seals were fitted and the valve seats re-cut. The pistons and rings were replaced with new ones, with the barrels rebored to 0.5mm oversize. New seals and gaskets were used throughout and the a new cam chain and guide installed. Naturally, after the engine had been put back together, all the old ignition components were swapped for new bits.  

The carburettors were completely seized due to 45 years of crud and contamination. So these were stripped down and treated to ultrasonic bath cleaning for three hours, before being reassembled with new jets, needles, float valves, seals and gaskets.

While the transmission was found to be in good order, with little wear, it was cleaned and polished inside and out, while those components that had suffered were replaced - for example, all the clutch plates are new, with heavy duty springs to complement them.     

One notable feature of this bike is the ‘side oiler’ - or drive-chain oiler pump, as fitted by the factory. This was  discontinued on later models, in favour of O-ring self-lubricating drive chain technology. However, the proper fitment, with its reservoir and dipstick, was retained here during the restoration and is another indication of how much effort was taken to maintain the bike’s originality. However, one modification (on the suspension) is a steering damper upgrade, to improve handling. This was a factory option in period. The brakes are now also a twin-disc system, with all parts new, while the new 5/8in bore brake master cylinder is also an improvement on what was previously on the bike.  

Suffice to say, once everything was back together, this Z1A was carefully tuned and tested, with the result that it runs absolutely beautifully. Everything about it is completely on the button.

OUR OPINION
The Kawasaki isn’t just one of the great Japanese bikes; it’s one of the greatest bikes created by any nation. Arguably, this particular example has to be one of the best available anywhere. It’s barely been ridden since it was painstakingly restored, so all that awaits any new owner is to simply enjoy it and the novel experience of a Z1A that is just how its maker intended back in the 1970s - albeit with a few sympathetic and sensible enhancements. In fact, there’s only issue we can immediately think of - and that’s how whoever is lucky enough to own it next is going to keep it looking as superb as it currently does.

While Greenside Cars Ltd has tried to ensure information and assessments are accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from it. We highly recommend that you examine any vehicle to check the reliability of the information supplied. Please contact us for further details, images, or to arrange a viewing of this Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000.

PRICE

£ SOLD

____________________

YEAR

1973

____________________

ENGINE

903cc

____________________

MILEAGE

00050 miles

____________________

COLOUR

Candy Tone Brown and Orange

____________________

To enquire about this vehicle or request a viewing, please contact us via phone or email.