Z1300
The
gigantic six-cylinder Z1300 arrived in 1979 to mark the end of a
decade that had seen great change in superbikes' performance, size
and technical specification. This 120bhp behemoth was not simply the
world's most powerful production motorcycle, it was fully 15bhp more
potent than its closest challenger, Honda's CBX1000, and also
produced more power than many cars.
Ironically
the Kawasaki was not the brutal performance machine that its vital
statistics and enormous slab-sided bodywork suggested. The Z1300 was
notable for its sophistication and smoothness, as much as for its
horsepower. With its upright riding position, liquid cooling and
shaft final drive, the big Six was less of an aggressive sports
machine than a grand tourer, albeit one without the convenience of a
fairing.
Fast and torquey
The
Z1300 was mighty fast for all that, with a top speed of almost 140mph
(225km/h) despite the aerodynamics of a small building. Although it
weighed over 6701b (304kg) with fuel, it was awesomely quick off the
line, matching even the best rival four-cylinder rivals. And the
Kawasaki had superbly strong mid-range power delivery too, giving
instant throttle response that made the big bike effortless to ride.
That
performance came from a 1286cc motor that was conventional in its
dohc, two-valves-per- cylinder top-end layout, if in nothing else.
Liquid cooling allowed the cylinders to be spaced more closely
together than with an air-cooled design. Long-stroke dimensions of 62
x 71mm also helped keep the motor reasonably narrow, despite its
alternator's location on the end of the crankshaft.
Like the
engine, the chassis owed much to Kawasaki's previous fours. The
twin-cradle frame's steel tubes were thicker than normal, and held
strong 41mm leading-axle forks. Simple twin shocks took care of
suspension at the rear. Wheels and tyres were broad, in an attempt to
control all that power and weight.
Considering
the Kawasaki's size, it handled surprisingly well. The combination of
strong frame and competent suspension made the Z1300 much less of a
handful than it might have been, giving a reassuringly stable feel
even at high speed. The big bike even felt respectably agile in
tighter bends, and its triple-disc brake system worked well.
Even
so. the Z1300 failed to sell in large numbers. That was partly
because it was much more expensive than rival fours, but ultimately
no faster, more practical or more exciting to ride. The bike was
capable of cruising at 1 OOmph (161km/h) indefinitely, but its high
handlebars and forward-set footpegs meant its rider was not, at least
not for long. Throttle response was slightly snatchy and, although
the Six was smooth, it had a busy feel that did not make for relaxed
cruising.
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| Z1300 |
That
did not happen, but the Z1300 proved a turning point because, from
then on, manufacturers aimed to improve performance through increased
engine, aerodynamic and chassis efficiency, rather than simply raw
power and size. The mighty Z1300 gained a certain cult status though,
and remained in production, with very few changes, right up until
1989 - serving as a rolling reminder of 1970s' superbike excess.
KAWASAKI Z1300 prices 2014
MINT $7500 £6,000
GOOD $6,000 £4,700
FAIR $4,000 £3,200
PROJECT $1,000 £1,000
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