The Z1 was the first of many machines to bear the Z moniker, all of which were well received by the market. On streets and racetracks around the world the Z bikes established themselves as icons of high performance.
1977 Z650 (KZ650 in N. America)
1977 Z200 (KZ200 in N. America)
1977 Z650C (KZ650CUSTOM in N. America)
1977 Z1000 (KZ1000 in N. America)
During the 1980s, the Z series models earned a reputation around the world not only for their high performance and durability but for eye-catching styling and rider-friendly handling qualities. Z1000-based racing machines racked up countless wins, further enhancing their reputation as the ultimate motorcycles.
1980 Z750E / Z750FX-II (KZ750E in N. America)
1980 KZ1300 Touring
1980 Z650 (KZ650 in N. America)
1980 Z1000 Fuel Injection
1980 Z550 (A) (KZ550 in N. America)
1980 Z440C
1980 Z400J
1980 Z250B
1981 Z1100GP (KZ1100GP in N. America)
1981 Z1100 (KZ1100 in N. America)
1981 Z1000 (KZ1000 in N. America)
1981 Z1000LTD (KZ1000LTD in N. America)
1981 Z750L / Z750FX-III
1981
Z1000CSR
(KZ1000CSR in N. America)
1981-1983 KR1000
1982 Z1000 Racer
1982 Z1000R (KZ1000R in N. America)
1982 Z1100Spectre (KZ1100Spectre in N. America)
1982 Z1000S
1982 Z550GP
1982 Z400GP
With the arrival of the Ninja (GPZ900R) in 1984, Kawasaki’s ongoing quest for speed was taken up by the Ninja series, and with that came a shift in the Z’s focus. The 1990s Z models brought even more stunning designs, and aimed to stimulate the senses through performance that could not be expressed by specifications alone.
It was the turn of the century. Once again, a new machine christened with the Z name emerged. With a powerful engine, lightweight chassis, and high-set handlebar, the Z1000 Supernaked called for a riding style that involved using the whole body, making instant fans of riders everywhere. From then on, 2000s-era Z machines remained at the centre of the Supernaked movement that blossomed in Europe and other parts of the world.
The 2010s saw the idea of Sugomi introduced as a core development concept for Z Supernaked models. This marked a major shift in the post-2003 modern Z series. During the same period, as the retro sport movement picked up speed in Europe and the U.S., the Z1-channeling Z900RS broke cover and quickly claimed its place at the centre of the movement.
2017 Z900 / Z900 ABS
2017 Z1000 R EDITION
2017 Z650 / Z650 ABS
2017 Z125 PRO
The quest for the ultimate motorcycle has now been going on for 50 years. The new Z flagship is powered by a supercharged engine, and the retro sport series has expanded into the mid-displacement class. Fortified with a solid line-up, Z models will continue to run at the forefront of the times.
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