December 4, 2023

Kawasaki Z1 history chronicled in new book

New book covers history of famed Kawasaki Z1.

It’s one of the most admired motorcycles in the Kawasaki stable and now a new book has been released chronicling the history of the famous Kawasaki Z1.

The Kawasaki Z1 was the world’s first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle and famously got the jump on the Honda CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968. Since then a keen rivalry has continued between enthusiasts of the two trail-blazing bikes.

In The Kawasaki Z1 Story UK writer, Dave Sheehan, relates the story behind the Z1’s development. The new book also covers the secret US testing programme in which a team, including Imola-race winner Paul Smart, rode pre-production bikes disguised as Hondas coast-to-coast across America.

Featuring over 100 photographs and illustrations, some never previously published, The Kawasaki Z1 Story also examines the myth, truth and legend surrounding the Z1’s record-breaking race win at the famous Daytona Speedway in 1973.

A must for any Kawasaki Z1 fan, The Kawasaki Z1 Story by David Sheehan is now available to order via the Veloce Publishing website.

Steve McDowall