Kawasaki Z 900 A4

The original 903cc Kawasaki, introduced to Europe in 1972 as the Z1, had its first major update four years later. Withdrawn late in 1975, it reappeared the following year with a new title, Z900, and sporting improvements to justify a useful price increase.

The most noticeable of these was the addition of a second disc brake to the front wheel, previously obtainable as a pricey extra for the Z1. The use of a thinner disc and smaller caliper meant that total weight of the twin units was not much above that of the Z1's single brake. Other modifications were stiffer rear suspension, audible 'bleepers' for the direction

indicators, a hazard-warning facility metal flake finish, in various colours 1Z the 3.7 gallon fuel tank. ' m

As for the engine, that remained basicattv undisturbed; smaller carburettors and more efficient muffling in the exhaust system, had helped to reduce power bva mere horsepower to 81 bhp, and peak torque had moved 500 rpm up the scale to 7,500rpm, but the big Kawasaki, in the mid-1970s was still unchallenged as the fastest standard roadster on offer.