The classic Kawasaki Z1A is the best looking of the lot, but the Z900 has better handling and brakes, thanks to stronger forks and twin discs as standard. Despite manufacturer's power figures showing only a slight power loss, Z900 are noticeably slower. They also sound a lot less mean, because anti noise legislation was beginning to bite by then. Whether any of this makes much difference on real-world roads is doubtful. Even after thirty years, any classic Kawasaki 900 is still potentially faster than most things on the road in a straight drag. Up to about one hundred miles per hour a Z one won't lose out that much to a current sports bike, because no matter how much horsepower there is on tap, tremendous skill is required to apply it all to tarmac effectively. What you must remember is that this only applies if the road is straight and smooth. As soon as a corner or a bump looms, slow down and let your pal on the Suzondakahsa GSXRRZX Thunderblinja disappear into the distance, if you want to live a bit longer. Fitting a set of modern tyres will improve the handling of any nineteen seventies or eighties bike, but don't expect miracles.
Health warning over, it's a gross exaggeration to say that classic kawasaki Z1 or Z900 are dangerously unstable, as claimed by some people who should know better. Certainly they don't go round sweeping 1one twenty miles per hour bends like a Ducati nine ninety, but when ridden with a reasonable amount of thought you'll have absolutely no problems with the handling. It's also worth pointing out that at speeds more typical of everyday use, average speed of London traffic is eight miles per hour, a Z one or Z nine hundred actually handles better than a modern race replica, thanks to wide handlebars and an upright riding position. You also won't get cricked wrists after ten minutes in town, and being able to see over cars is a safety aid in itself.
If you are interested in finding out more about this bike you can read this complete article by clicking here.
Labels: Classic Kawasaki, kawasaki, Z100, Z900
