Kawasaki History

As with the story of many other motorcycle manufacturers, Kawasaki's story began on totally different lines. Even by 1949 they were producing engines that could be adapted for motorcycle use, were the first real motorcycle did not appear until the 1954th Historically, the company had been involved in heavy industry, including the manufacture of aircraft, ships and trains.

The company's first offer was a 60cc two-stroke engines, and a150cc and 250cc four-stroke, which was developed using German technology. Kawasaki and BMW had a close relationship, which stemmed from their days as aircraft manufacturers. Mihas, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft Company, has given its name to the first complete motorcycle produced by the company. Around this time, was an unsuccessful attempt to break into the scooter industry; Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Penguin evidence of a strong opposition.

In 1960 it entered into a contract with the oldest motorcycle company in Japan, Meguro Motorcycles, whose fortunes have fallen since becoming a major motorcycle manufacturer from their birth in 1937. From having been regarded as 'senior make and the king of four-strokes', Meguro turned away from their British influence, with disastrous results. By 1962, had their names cleared.

Originally produced low-power machines, Kawasaki, using the knowledge acquired from Meguro, turned their attention to bigger bikes, and in 1966 produced W1, a 650cc machine that was heavier and slower than its competitors, so have had limited success . Lighter version was developed in the form of Samurai 250cc and 350cc A7 Avenger, but again, these machines do not capture the imagination of the public.

In 1969, Kawasaki was starting to do things right, and the introduction of the 500cc H1 kick-started the company's reputation for quality, high performance machines. Smaller versions were released, the 250cc and 350cc S1's. A 748cc H2 became available in 1972 and remained in production until the mid-'70s, when emissions laws drew a curtain on the project.

The introduction of the Z1 in 1973, proved a milestone for Kawasaki. Initially intended to have a 750cc engine, the company ultimately decided on a 903cc engine, after they had seen the Honda reveal their CB750. Z1, which has a great performance and a good price, was an immediate success and soon was Z900, the Z1000 following hot on his heels.

In 1984, following the introduction of GPz900r quite a stir. This was in line with its development of water-cooled, DOHC, 16 valves, four-cylinder engines. This engine combined with a light, compact chassis would carry you over the first 400 meters of your trip in just over ten and a half seconds. It had a top speed of 250 km / h and took the title 'world's fastest Bike ". It was also known as the' Bike of the Year" in 1984.

1984 also saw the introduction of Kawasaki's first Cruiser, the Vulcan 750, while the 900cc Eliminator came a year later, using the engine from GPz900r. The CS250 (Recreational Sports) appeared in the same year, featuring a liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder engine.

During the90's, Japanese motorcycle makers are in serious competition in Super bike sector, and Kawasaki's contribution was 1052cc, ZZR-1100, a motorcycle, which was to be the fastest series-produced motorcycles for the next five years. Its power, combined with a strong frame and good suspension made it a popular touring machine. In 2002 it was replaced by ZZR-1200, which offered better handling. A ZZR-600 also into the fray.

2002 saw the Ninja ZX-12R arrives with an aluminum monologue frame, and a 16 valve in-line four-cylinder engine.

In 2003, superseded 638cc, ZX-6R 1995 version. This completely redesigned machine was all that rapid cycling should be quick and aggressive. The Z1000 emerged as a street bike in the same year. It seemed that Kawasaki was the top of the tree.

Their motorcycle history has been relatively short, but Kawasaki has achieved more this time than some manufacturers have done a hundred years. It is no surprise then that the owners stay loyal to the company and the product that we are all waiting anxiously for the next exciting development o come and blow our minds.