Launched in 1972, the Kawasaki Z1 was the most powerful Japanese inline four to go on sale. It was also the first affordable bike with DOHC, which gave it class-leading performance.
With a capacity of 903cc and 81 hp on tap, the Z1 wowed both road testers and the general public. It’s since become popular with custom workshops, especially the high-end outfits in Japan such as AC Sanctuary.
An old saying in aviation says ‘If it looks right, it flies right,’ summarizing the idea that the most ideal mechanical designs are often the most visually pleasing. While beauty is decidedly in the eye of the beholder, there’s no debating the Rickman brothers’ performance chops, and not a single item out-of-place on this exceptional…
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This week’s edition of Speed Read lives up to its name. It starts with an endurance racing-prepped Suzuki GSX-R1000, and ends with a replica of an early 1900s land speed bike. Sitting in the middle are a 890 cc KTM dirt bike, and a totally bonkers Kawasaki Z1 restomod.
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Kawasaki Green was a marketing stunt. But, then the company had so much success with the color, it became iconic.
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A subtle but brilliant Kawasaki Z1 from AC Sanctuary, a wild supercharged Triumph Bobber from England, and a sneak peek at the new, 80s-style Honda CB-F concept.
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The Japanese custom rockstars AC Sanctuary set up shop in California. Plus a bratty Honda CB1100, a $49,500 custom kit for the…
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The new Kawasaki Z900RS had barely broken cover when custom examples started popping up. First Kawasaki Japan commissioned three builds from local…
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In the early 1970s, two Japanese superbikes ruled the roost: the Honda CB750 and the Kawasaki Z1. The Z1 was originally going…
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If you follow the race scene, you’ll probably know the name Graeme Crosby. In the 1980s he won the Daytona 200, the…
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Many of the most successful motorcycle builders—the ones running a solid, profitable business—hit on a formula. It’s usually a combination of looks,…
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The American Federation of Motorcyclists is the USA’s oldest motorcycle road racing organization. One of the fastest riders in its race series…
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Back in 1974, the Kawasaki Z1 was the most exotic thing on two wheels. And nearly four decades later, it’s lost none…
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The British firm Racefit creates beautiful titanium and carbon end cans, and full titanium exhaust systems for discerning sportsbike riders who still…
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