Honda had the 750 - 4 which shocked Kawasaki as they had a wooden mock up of the Z 900 it was one of the best kept industrial secrets.
Not to be out done Kawasaki bides its time and hits back with the Z'ed, for those of us who have owned and ridden the Z-900's won't forget them ever.
The motor was bullet proof but sadly the frame was not up to the demands the motor could place on it as they tended to gyrate around if pushed really hard round corners,
besides the tyres were not really up to it either I was running Metzler's on mine only because they were a relatively soft tyre.
I owned 2 Z900's both 1976 models the twin discs were a bonus but it still had the issues of its predecessors and my ZIR MkI whilst quicker still had handling issues and that small tank saw you pushing it down the road at 200 Klm.
I wanted to see how far the MkI would go so had a car following me on a run from Geraldton to Perth and that 200 was pulling the choke on to get the last out of the carby bowls.
But nothing will ever erase the memories of the years I had riding the Z9's.
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I only once tried one but was a bit spoiled by my Yamaha FZ 750, which was another one of those jewles of the past.
I liked the character of the engine, really, but frame and tyres were just not at the necessary level.
I remember the feeling of “bending” of the whole thing when really working the throttle. Scared me quite a bit.
Also the curves and bends were difficult. My friend called it “The Fence”, because it was like trying to ride (see, ride. I learn) an iron fence at higher speed or on a mountain road.
But it had character, mean looks and a great sound.
Merry Christmas, Cinders!
Duct tape, smokes hangin' from the mouth, shirtless dudes,,,,That's how records should be attempted and/or broken. No sissy space age polymers, NO smoking signs or stupid reflective safety vests.
We all have a favorite bike from our past. Mine isn't my first, but my second. Bought in Oct 1964 a Honda 305 Superhawk. Maybe because I met my wife when I had it and we rode everywhere on it. I didn't get my first Harley unil 1972.
It came white. Tore it completely down and painted it green with chopped glass for a sparkle. Chromed a few pieces. Had it from 1964 to 1971, over 100,000 miles. Rebuilt, bored three times.
Things you remember and miss. Top bike was my first a 160 Honda
Last edited by JimF4M1s (Deceased); 12-26-2017 at 12:00 AM.
I have a permanent scar on my left thigh from a "few" touches when dismounting. I was 14 at the time. But you notice my second bike has low pipes, I learned.
Thanks for the post. I love that bike. I inherited a 1980 Kawasaki KZ-1000 Classic G-1 from my younger brother who passed on several years ago. I am restoring it in his memory.
Good for you FJ it will only increase in value but for you the value is in the memory of your younger brother. It's been a while now since my older brother past away suddenly at the age of 43 in 1990 and I still miss him dearly but you cannot dwell to much as the wheel of life well it just keeps turning.
When you have finished it it would be nice to see the time line I hope you get many years of enjoyment from it apart from the engine note the Z-9's had the distinctive clutch whine which I thought was pretty cool
PM
) an iron fence at higher speed or on a mountain road.
