1980 Kawasaki KZ750, 750 cc. Registration number EAM 469V. F...

Hammer

£2,700

1980 Kawasaki KZ750, 750 cc. Registration number EAM 469V. Frame number KZ750E - 007502. Engine number KZ750EE - 016741.
Having established its performance credentials with the Mach III two-stroke triple, Kawasaki went on to ace the opposition with the awe-inspiring Z1. Launched in 1972, the big 'Z' spawned a range of smaller fours, the first of which was the Z650. One of the most capable sports bikes of the 1970s, the Z650 - along with the contemporary Suzuki GS750 - helped dispel the myth that big Japanese bikes didn't handle, its sturdy duplex loop frame inspiring confidence in a manner quite unlike that of its predecessor's. Effectively a Z1 in miniature, the Z650 was vastly superior to Kawasaki's existing Z750 twin, so it came as not surprise when Kawasaki bored out the smaller four to create a new 750 multi, the Z750E, using, basically, the 650's cycle parts with the addition of a second front disc brake.
Unlike Kawasaki's last big twin, the BSA-clone W650, the KZ750 was thoroughly up-to-date. The 55 horsepower, 745cc twin had double overhead cams, shim and bucket valve adjustment, a Morse Hy-Vo primary drive chain and five gears. Vertical twins vibrate, so Kawasaki gave the 750 a pair of chain-driven counter balancers. It worked - mostly. Although smooth at low and moderate rpms, period testers faulted the twin for a distinct buzzing at anything over 4,000rpm, and feared it would shake itself apart at anything approaching its 7,750rpm redline: It wouldn't, it just felt that way.
EAM was UK registered in September 1993 and was owned by a Howard Rowson in November 2011 when the mileage was about 14,000. Acquired by our vendor in May 2015 at 19,050 miles it has remained in his garage since. In running order, we would recommend what should only be a light recommissioning before use.
Sold with the V5C.