As expected, Kawasaki unveiled a new mid-sized model to its Z lineup at the  2012 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. The new 2013 Z800 slots into Kawasaki’s European lineup replacing the Z750 below the Z1000. The Z800 also arrives as Kawasaki celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original Z1.

The Kawasaki Z800 is powered by a 806cc liquid-cooled Inline-Four engine. Kawasaki claims a maximum power output of 111 hp at 10,200 rpm and 61 ft-lb. at 8000 rpm. The engine is framed by a tubular backbone chassis and subframe.

Suspension is provided by a 41mm KYB upside-down fork with adjustable rebound damping and preload. The rear suspension system uses a KYB shock with a piggyback reservoir also offering rebound damping and preload adjustability. Continue Reading »

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking Kawasaki Z1 which made its public debut in 1972, becoming what many would regard as the world’s first superbike.

Kawasaki’s first large-capacity four-stroke multi-cylinder motorcycle took center stage at the 1972  IFMA, the precursor to the INTERMOT show in Cologne, Germany. Together with the Honda CB750, the Kawasaki Z1 helped spearhead the popularity of the Japanese Inline-Four.

The Z1 trumped the CB750, which hit the market in 1969, by offering a larger engine (903cc vs 736cc) and double-overhead cams. Some of the Z1′s design elements such as the four-pipe exhaust layout carry on in today’s Kawasaki Z1000. Continue Reading »