Classic Motorcycle Comparisons
Kawasaki Z1 900

Photo: SG2012 · CC BY 2.0

Classic motorcycle profile

Kawasaki Z1 900

87/100 Overall

73 On the road100 As a classic
Produced
1972–1975
Engine
903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four
Comparison record
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you want muscular 1970s superbike performance, imposing styling and major Japanese collector status.

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The appeal

Why enthusiasts love it

  • Historic importance
  • Collector appeal
  • Distinctive character
  • Memorable styling
  • Strong performance

History

The Kawasaki Z1 900 was produced from 1972–1975 and used a 903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.

Did you know?

  • Its production span in this library runs from 1972 to 1975.
  • The recorded engine description is: 903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
  • Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.

Collector notes

Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki Z1 900. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.

Buying checks

  • Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
  • Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
  • Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
  • Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
  • Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
  • Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.

Think twice if…

you want modern braking, modern refinement and minimal age-related maintenance. The Kawasaki Z1 900 is better chosen for its period character and ownership experience.

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At a glance

Key specifications

Production Years
1972–1975
Engine
903cc air-cooled DOHC inline four
Recorded Capacities
903cc, 900cc
Manufacturer
Kawasaki
Model
Z1 900
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Comparison scores

Category scores

Performance9/10
Handling6/10
Braking6/10
Reliability8/10
Ease of ownership8/10
Comfort7/10
Styling10/10
Historical importance10/10
Collector appeal10/10
Character10/10
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Period opposition

Historic rivals

MV Agusta 750SMV Agusta 750S1969–1975 · 743cc air-cooled DOHC inline fourHonda CB750 K0Honda CB750 K01969–1970 · 736cc air-cooled inline fourLaverda 750 SFCLaverda 750 SFC1971–1976 · 744cc air-cooled parallel twin
VS

Head to head

Compare the Kawasaki Z1 900

Jawa 350 Type 634 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs MZ TS250/1Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Laverda 1000 3CLKawasaki Z1 900 vs Moto Guzzi 850 T3Ducati 500 SL Pantah vs Kawasaki Z1 900Ducati 900 SD Darmah vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT 250Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Matchless G3LSAJS 7R vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Norton ES2Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Norton Atlas 750Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph T110 TigerKawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph Tiger Cub T20BSA A10 Super Rocket vs Kawasaki Z1 900BSA A10 Golden Flash vs Kawasaki Z1 900BSA Bantam D7 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki KMX125 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Kawasaki Z750 TwinKawasaki Z1 900 vs Kawasaki Z1000Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki RG250 GammaKawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GSX750ESKawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GS850GKawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha FJ1200Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XJ900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha YB100Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD80LCHonda CB750 F2 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda C90 Super Cub vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB350 K vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB500 Four vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda VF750F vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki GPz750 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GS750Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XJ650Honda CB550 Four vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Kawasaki Z650Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GS550Honda CX500 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XS400Honda CB400N Super Dream vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki KH400 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GT380Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD350LCKawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XS250Honda XL250 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XT250Kawasaki Z1 900 vs MZ ETZ250Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Kawasaki Z250Kawasaki KH250 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB250RS vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB250N Super Dream vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GT250 X7Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD250LCKawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD200Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GT185Honda CB175 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CD175 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki RG125 GammaHonda MTX125R vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha DT125LCKawasaki AR125 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki KH125 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki KH100 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GP100Honda CG125 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB125T vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB125S vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB100N vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RXS100Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RS100Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD125DXKawasaki AR50 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki TS50XKawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha DT50MXHonda MT50 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda MB50 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB50J vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda SS50 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki AP50Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha FS1-EKawasaki Z1 900 vs Moto Morini 3½ SportGilera Saturno 500 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Benelli 750 Sei vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs MV Agusta 750SKawasaki Z1 900 vs Laverda 750 SFCKawasaki Z1 900 vs Moto Guzzi V7 SportDucati 750 Sport vs Kawasaki Z1 900Ducati 750 Super Sport vs Kawasaki Z1 900BMW R100RS vs Kawasaki Z1 900BMW R69S vs Kawasaki Z1 900Crocker Big Twin vs Kawasaki Z1 900Indian Chief vs Kawasaki Z1 900Harley-Davidson XR-750 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Harley-Davidson FL Panhead vs Kawasaki Z1 900Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead vs Kawasaki Z1 900Harley-Davidson WLA vs Kawasaki Z1 900Brough Superior SS100 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 750Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Velocette Venom ThruxtonKawasaki Z1 900 vs Matchless G80CSAriel Square Four vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Manx Norton 500Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Norton Dominator 99BSA Rocket 3 vs Kawasaki Z1 900BSA A65 Lightning vs Kawasaki Z1 900BSA Rocket Gold Star vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph Tiger 100Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph TR6 TrophyKawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph Bonneville T140Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GSX-R750Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GSX1100S KatanaKawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki RG500 GammaKawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GT550Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki T500 TitanKawasaki KR-1 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Kawasaki Z1300Kawasaki GPZ900R vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1000 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha DT-1Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha SR500Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha VMAX 1200Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XS650Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha TZR250Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD400Honda VFR750R RC30 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB900F vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB450 Black Bomber vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB77 Super Hawk vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CB400F vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GS1000Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph Trident T150Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda CBX1000 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha XT500Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Laverda Jota 1000Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Moto Guzzi 850 Le MansKawasaki Z1 900 vs Vincent Black ShadowBSA Gold Star DBD34 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Honda Gold Wing GL1000 vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Yamaha RD350Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Suzuki GT750Ducati 900 Super Sport vs Kawasaki Z1 900BMW R90S vs Kawasaki Z1 900Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead vs Kawasaki Z1 900Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Norton Commando 850Kawasaki Z1 900 vs Triumph Bonneville T120Honda CB750 K0 vs Kawasaki Z1 900
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Related motorcycles

MV Agusta 750SMV Agusta 750S1969–1975 · 743cc air-cooled DOHC inline fourHonda CB750 K0Honda CB750 K01969–1970 · 736cc air-cooled inline fourLaverda 750 SFCLaverda 750 SFC1971–1976 · 744cc air-cooled parallel twinKawasaki Z1000Kawasaki Z10001977–1980 · 1015cc air-cooled DOHC inline fourHonda CB750 F2Honda CB750 F21977–1978 · 736cc air-cooled inline fourSuzuki GS1000Suzuki GS10001978–1981 · 997cc air-cooled DOHC inline four

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