Kawasaki Z 1300 Prototype

 The Z1300 was produced from 1978 until bowing out in 1989. In 1983 the Z1300 was given a digital fuel injection (D.F.I.) and was called the ZG1300, the system installed to improve fuel consumption gave a gain in power and torque. In march of 1983 the Voyager was launched, a fully dressed tourer:- it featured a fairing, panniers, top box, stepped seat, digital speedometer, radio/cassette deck and on board computer for trip and fuel calculations. The Voyager was a big hit with serious touring riders despite its higher price than its competitors.

 After its 12 year run the Z1300, Kawasaki's first liquid cooled six cylinder engined bike ceased production in 1989. 20,000 Z1300's and 4,500 Voyagers had been produced.

Today as we stand testament for the Z1300 is still a popular choice for many bikers.

In 1978 Honda and Benelli had a six, Kawasaki were to be different. The Z1300 was a six with water cooling and shaft drive:- the ultimate sports tourer. It was the heaviest at 297kg but the 120bhp was more than enough to power the bike to over 145mph. It soon found admirers all over the world.

1978. The Z1300 Prototype.

The 1286cc motor was smooth and a masterpiece of design and easy to work on. The Z1300 was the "King of the road".

1979. The Z1300-A1

Starting frame number: KZT30A-000101

This the first model was only available in one colour, starlight blue with gold pin stripe. The Z1300 handled better than it should have and surprised many of the reviewers at the time. The brakes were poor and it had little ground clearance. But the Z1300 was in a class of its own. 

1980. The Z1300-A2

Starting frame number: KZT30A-006201

The A2 was offered again in only one colour: ruby red. The A2 was an improvement over the A1, the sump was much bigger: A bid to counter act the crank problems the A1 had experienced. It was increased from a capacity of 4.5 Litres of oil to 6.

1980. The KZ1300-B2 Touring

Starting frame number: KZT30B-000001

This model was not released in the UK, being mainly a US model. It was basically a Z1300a with a fairing, top box and panniers. Again only one colour was offered: Royal dark red. The heaviest bike got even heavier.

1981. The Z1300-A3

Starting frame number: JKAKZAA15BA-011501

The A3 was available in two colours: Holy green and Ebony. A chrome grab rail was fitted and the outer engine cases and air filter covers were chromed. The electronic ignition was modified and gas rear shocks absorbers were fitted. The A3 was now also being built at the Lincoln factory in The USA.

1982. The Z1300-A4

Starting frame number: KZT30A-014101

1982 saw few differences in the Z1300, it was offered in two colours: Passion red or ebony. The CDI pickups were moved and the horn covers were changed.

1983. The Z1300-A5

Starting frame number: KZT30A-015901

The A5 had even few differences than previous models, the badges were changed but it was offered in the same colours.