1979 Kawasaki Z1300

Post Listing Update: This Z1300 did not meet reserve with just one bid up to $5,000.

The ‘fuel crisis’ of 1973 put an end to the rapidly developing horsepower wars from motorcycle manufacturers. Everybody went to lighter, more efficient bikes that got better gas mileage with less emissions. It was the beginning of the end for the two stroke road bikes.

Kawasaki had introduced the Z1 in 1972 which remained the king of performance and horsepower until Honda introduced the CBX in 1978. It turns out that Kawasaki had their own 6 cylinder in the works and the Z1300 was introduced as a 1979 model. An inline 6 that developed 120 HP.

The Z1300 was a huge motorcycle that weighed over 700 LBS naked. But it wasn’t all about speed and horsepower with the Z1300. Right from the start Kawasaki gave it a touring option with Vetter fairing, bags and top box. The big touring motorcycle was born. With it’s 5.6 gallon fuel tank, comfortable seat and seating position and ultra smooth ride 200 mile unbroken laps were possible. Thousand mile days were available to the masses.

For the record, the Connie that I ride today is part of this line. Official model designation of the Connie is ZG 1400. Straight from the Z1300 to me today.

The 1979 Kawasaki Z1300 used a 1286 CC (75.1 CID) four stroke liquid cooled dual overhead cam inline 6 cylinder motor with 3 Makuni 2 barrel carbs that made 120 HP. A five speed transmission and a brand new shaft drive put the horsepower on the ground. Exhaust was a business like 6 into two affair with a stiffened frame and extensively tested geometry made it a very rideable machine in spite of the 710 LB weight.

This 1979 Kawasaki Z1300 (VIN# KZT30A000500) is in Azle, Texas is listed as a 7,700 miler that ‘runs as good as it looks’. Owner’s manual and original tool kit are included. The bike is sitting on the first bid of $5,000