Kawasaki 1300

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section needs to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.
Please help improve this article with relevant internal links. (July 2007)

The Kawasaki 1300 is a water cooled 6-cylinder 1300cc Kawasaki motorcycle that was manufactured between 1979 and 1989. There were a few different models, referred to as a Z1300, KZ1300, ZG1300 and ZN1300. Originally planned as a racer, it was turned into a tourer before presentation in 1978.

Due to its weight and the high purchase price, as well as high fuel consumption, these models did not sell very well, especially in Europe. Despite that, the Z1300 became somewhat legendary, mainly due to its smooth well-running six cylinder engine. When it was released its output in excess of 120 h.p. led to new laws in Europe limiting horse power.

This model release led to the term Superbike due to its horsepower and size. Six cylinder, water cooling, and shaft drive were all cutting edge technologies when this model was introduced. What made this motorcycle special is that all these were standard equipment when it was released. During the 10 years that it was sold, the model was switched from carburetors to electronic fuel injection and its suspension was upgraded to air systems front and rear. Although the injection system was installed primarily to improve fuel consumption, even with no other changes to the motor, maximum power jumped to 130ps@8,000 rpm and maximum torque to 11.8kg-m@7,000 rpm.

In the U.S., the model was equipped with a windshield, suitcase, and a redesigned frame. This new model was called "Voyager". While in Europe, the traditional model was still available. The last 200 models (built in America as all 1300's were), built in 1989, have been called "Legendary Six", and were equipped with a special logo on the fuel tank to show that to the public. After a twelve-year production run, Kawasaki's first and only liquid-cooled six-cylinder engine bowed out in 1989 after 20,000 KZ1300/Z1300s and 4,500 Voyagers had been produced.

The rarity of that model today is largely responsible for the public's fascination with it. Many owners have organized themselves into clubs and interest groups to keep the model alive and running.