Z1300

 Z1300

 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.

 Z1300

The Z1300's arrival highlighted Japanese manufacturers' fixation with ever greater power, weight and complexity, but Kawasaki's timing was not good. In the midst of an oil crisis, the West German government had recently introduced a lOObhp power limit. Thoughts were turning towards economy and efficiency. Words such as 'overkill' were commonly used in road tests, some of which claimed the Z1300 would lead to bikes being banned.

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