Kawasaki Z750

The Z750 motorcycle is Kawasaki's model in the budget class of naked and half faired bikes. It is a smaller version of the Kawasaki Z1000.

The Kawasaki Z750 was launched in 2004, after its bigger brother, the Z1000 in 2003. Kawasaki kept it simple, using the same engine block and sleeving it down from 1000 cc to 750 cc, cheaper front suspension and using a conventional exhaust, making it a cut-down version of Z1000. Like the Z1000, which is considered a modern version of the Kawasaki Z900/Z1, the Z750 can be considered a modern take on the Kawasaki Z750RS Z2. A remodelled version of both the Z750 and the Z1000 was released in 2007, with changes both stylistically and mechanically. In 2011, alongside the standard Z750, Kawasaki launched the Z750R, which featured upgraded suspension and brakes components and a lightly revised styling.

Variants and timeline

• In 2004, Kawasaki launched the first model of the Z750. This was considered Kawasaki's new middle-weight sports-naked bike after the Kawasaki ZR-7.

• In 2005, Kawasaki launched the Z750S version which is more tourer, and less streetfighter. This version has a single long seat instead of the two-part seat on the Z750 similar to the Kawasaki ZXR600R, half fairing for wind protection, and excludes the rear tire "hugger" as found on the unfaired Z750. The 'S' version also uses an analog speedometer and tachometer instead of the digital instrument cluster taken from Kawasaki's supersport ZX-R models of which some riders complain that the digital LCD tachometer was harder to read while riding. Other differences include a slightly lower seat, grab rails and ZX10 style rear brake lights.

• In 2007, Kawasaki launched a newer version of the Z750. The styling was slightly changed and include a bikini fairing. The engine vibration was reduced and it was also revised for more torque. The front suspension was also changed to an Upside Down Fork. The front and rear disk brakes have been changed to a petal design. The exhaust design was also changed.

• In 2011, alongside the standard Z750, Kawasaki launched the Z750R. This model resembles the 2007 to 2012 Z750, however with upgraded front suspension for excellent steering performance and the rear suspension feature a piggyback nitrogen reservoir, radial front brake calipers with standard metal-braided front and rear brake lines, aluminium swinging-arm and black instrumentation. The headlight cluster, front mudguard and front and rear indicators were also redesigned for a more sportier look.

Specifications

External links

• Kawasaki Z750 review Road tests of both the old and new shape Z750

• Kawasaki Z750R review Road test of the Z750R