THE MITZEL BUILDERS MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION - PRESENTED BY LEE MITZEL Kawasaki released the KZ1000 in 1977 as a replacement for the aging Z1-series. On the surface, the Z1000 seems to be little more than a bored-out Z1. The styling is largely the same—long, roundish tank, flat seat, body-color tail fairing, bullet-shaped gauge buckets, etc.—with the most visible difference being a Jardine- sourced 4-into-1 exhaust instead of the Z1’s iconic 4-into-4 setup. The engine, however, was substantially different, despite looking just like the older Z1’s mill. The 1015cc, air-cooled, DOHC inline-4 that powered the KZ1000 produced a claimed 83 HP, just two more than the Z1’s 900cc engine, but it had a higher top speed, smoother acceleration and vibrated less, thanks to a heavier crankshaft. In 1978, the KZ1000 got a power boost and put out around 90 HP. Other upgrades included an optional dual-disc front brake setup, a rear hydraulic disc brake, improved swingarm bearings and various minor upgrades that improved handling and performance overall. It was, as stated by the motoring press at the time, a worthy successor to the legendary Z1. From its introduction in 1977, the KZ1000 soldiered on in one form or another until 2005. In that time it came in different body configurations, boasted both chain and shaft final drive setups, and even lost some displacement (reduced to 998cc in 1981) due to racing homologation rules. The mass-market Z1000 was discontinued in 1983, replaced by the GPZ900R Ninja. All KZ1000s produced from then until 2005 were KZ1000P police bikes, complete with fairings, floorboards, hard panniers and beefed-up electrical systems to handle the various lights, sirens and radio equipment needed by motor cops. The bike featured here is a first-generation 1977 KZ1000 from the Mitzel Builders Motorcycle Collection. It’s painted in a stately maroon livery with gold stripes and rides on Dunlop rubber. Of note is the fact that this bike has the standard single-rotor front brake and not the dual-disc setup. The chrome and stainless is all bright, and the seat is free from tears or punctures. It’s clearly been taken care of and stored properly, as have all the Mitzel Collection bikes, and will make an excellent addition to any collection of ‘70s-era Japanese bikes. F123 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000
