Kawasaki Z2 750RS

The Z1 may have had a 6 month head start regarding manufacture, but by time shipping and import control regulations had taken effect in various export markets, the Z2 wasn’t that far behind the Z1 in sales dates, probably no more than 2-3 months. Z2 manufacture commenced in late January 1973 and continued until October of that year when it was replaced by the Z2A. It was an instant success with sales outstripping the Honda CB750 by 9%. In all, 3,611 units were built in this first production run. The bike went on sale in its home market for 418,000 yen, which at 1973 exchange rates was about £700 - not too far adrift from the price of a 1973 H2A. Kawasaki claimed that the top speed was 200kph, with a SS quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds and a power output of 69bhp at 9000rpm. 

 Unlike the Z1 produced for 1973 in Brown/Orange and Yellow/Green, the Z2 was only produced in the Brown/Orange colours. In some ways the bike was a cross between the European and USA versions of the Z1. For example, the switchgear / headlight was UK spec, as was the seat and the fixed footrests, but the rear mudguard was the US type, as were the shocks (albeit with orange reflectors rather than the US red ones). The sidepanel badges were identical to the 900 versions apart from the cc size, and of course it had a KPH speedo with a "red line" of 80kph - Anything more than 80kph and a switch under the fuel tank is tripped and a warning light fitted on top of the headlight comes on! The only other cosmetic change would be for the eagle eyed, that being a 42 tooth rear sprocket in place of a 35 tooth Z1 item.  

With regards to the speed warning set up mentioned above, a mini-loom ran from the switch in the speedometer to the speed warning unit 25025-003 under the tank. This item was never offered as a spare part but the wires were later incorporated into the Z2A instrument light loom which adopted a new part number (compared to the Z1A item) for this purpose.

As mentioned earlier, the only other major differences relate to engine internals and carburettor specifications. However, for those interested in changes within the ‘first’ model specification, the engine changed from a one piece to the 2 piece head gasket at engine number Z2E01086 (Z1E-14319). Also, the camshaft sprockets had a location mark put on them from Z2E01758 onwards. This was to provide accurate positioning for tappet clearance (the marks should level up with top face of cylider head).