KIWI RIDER 09 2018 VOL.2 | Page 67

As the 1970s drew to a close Kawasaki released what looked like the final word in what had become a size and power race to produce the largest capacity and best performing motorcycle in the showrooms. The Z1300 arrived in 1978. Powered by a 1286cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, six-cylinder engine, the five speed Kawasaki had shaft final drive, twin discs at the front and one at the rear. At 120bhp, 15bhp more potent than Honda’s CBX1000, it earned the title of the world’s most powerful production motorcycle. Weighing in at 305kg it was very likely also the heaviest. It was claimed that the German authorities insisted that no motorcycle producing more than 100bhp should be imported. Others doubted that the average rider would be able to control so much power. Honda changes the game with the 6-cylinder CBX1000 Yamaha XS1100 official launch in Dakar 1977 Suzuki’s GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica Honda’s inspirational 250cc six-cylinder race bike > Sharing your passion facebo ok.com /Caffein eAndCla ssics