In a list of the 10 most significant motorcycles in two-wheel history, there is no doubt that the Honda 750 must take one of the top places. But it would also be included if the list were to be whittled down to five models – or and even three. Because when the machine went on sale in 1969, it radically changed the world motorcycle panorama. If two wheeled machines were seen as a mere substitute for the car in previous decades, a spartan vehicle and, with rare exceptions, one of little fascination, a revolution took place with the arrival of the Four. Now, the motorcycle – this motorcycle – is even preferred to an open sports car in that it is a vehicle of enthusiasts’ dreams due to its extremely modern appearance and high performance: for the first time, a production bike was capable of 200 kph. The technical content was extraordinary, with its 4-cylinder engine, which had previously been reserved for racing, the front disc brake and its five speed gearbox. On top of that, the machine had an electric starter, a feature that alone pushed many a “motorcyclist” into buying it, people who until that day would never have dreamt of giving up their 4-wheel transport the day before the Four came out. Competition was off-guard, so the arrival of the 750 meant the opposition immediately aged at least 10 years. And if that’s not a revolution…
This manual is for all owners and enthusiasts of the legendary Kawasaki Z1 900, Z/KZ900 and Z1000 built between 1972 and 1980. The book covers the complete restoration of a 1976 KZ900, from the sourcing of the bike to its completion as a fully restored machine. Every area is covered starting with advice on the different models, spares availability, and where best to source a bike to restore. Every area of the restoration is then covered in full detail including the engine, frame, gearbox, wheels, suspension and forks, brakes, ancillaries, bodywork and electrics, accompanied by hundreds of clear colour photos to illustrate the text. Additional work on a 1974 Z1A model adds complementary information.
What really sets this manual apart from the everyday however, is the style in which it is written: not as some dull and distant workshop manual but in a friendly, humorous manner by an enthusiast of many years who is able to involve and entertain the reader, as well as guiding them through the restoration process.
This is the third restoration guide from Chris Rooke, whose previous works have been a massive hit with mechanics, enthusiasts and restorers throughout the world.
Models Covered:
Kawasaki Z1, Z1A, Z1B 900 1972-5
Kawasaki Z900/KZ900 1975-6
Kawasaki Z1000 1977-1980
The definitive history of the two-stroke Suzukis, from little known machines hardly seen outside Japan to the triples that took on the world. The book covers all major markets and uses stunning contemporary photography gathered from all over the world to help owners and enthusiasts establish authenticity or simply take a trip down memory lane.
In a list of the 10 most significant motorcycles in two-wheel history, there is no doubt that the Honda 750 must take one of the top places. But it would also be included if the list were to be whittled down to five models – or and even three. Because when the machine went on sale in 1969, it radically changed the world motorcycle panorama. If two wheeled machines were seen as a mere substitute for the car in previous decades, a spartan vehicle and, with rare exceptions, one of little fascination, a revolution took place with the arrival of the Four. Now, the motorcycle – this motorcycle – is even preferred to an open sports car in that it is a vehicle of enthusiasts’ dreams due to its extremely modern appearance and high performance: for the first time, a production bike was capable of 200 kph. The technical content was extraordinary, with its 4-cylinder engine, which had previously been reserved for racing, the front disc brake and its five speed gearbox. On top of that, the machine had an electric starter, a feature that alone pushed many a “motorcyclist” into buying it, people who until that day would never have dreamt of giving up their 4-wheel transport the day before the Four came out. Competition was off-guard, so the arrival of the 750 meant the opposition immediately aged at least 10 years. And if that’s not a revolution…
In the history of motorcycles, the Eighties are characterised by the unquestioned domination of Japanese machines. The progress of the Land of the Rising Sun is impressive: until the end of the Sixties, production only concerned utility models. The revolution came in the Seventies with the fascinating maxi-bikes, powered by exceptional engines but sometimes combined with inadequate chassis. Success was total in the Eighties: engines and chassis became the world’s best, their performance unapproachable. The Japanese motorcycles of those years imposed themselves on the market, became the new point of reference and sent all the other manufacturers into crisis. The technical layouts saw the spread of single rear dampers and complete fairing, the bikes ever more resembling racing machines with number plates and lights. The new motorcycles on display at the motorcycle shows each year embody a wealth of technological innovations: some are of great interest others, like the turbo, quickly go out of fashion. And the interest of the enthusiast is always at a maximum level.
A clear step-by-step illustrated workshop manual with precious instructions how to make the maintenance and repairing of your motorcycle. Includes also colour wiring diagrams.
2016 Reprint. The Kawasaki Triples Bible covers the entire production of three cylinder two-strokes from 1968 to 1980, featuring a year-by-year breakdown of bike specs, including the KH250, 350 S2, KH400, H1 500 and H2 750 models.
Illustrated with hundreds of archive photographs and period adverts, plus personal memories from some of the racers and tuners who got the best from the fearsome H1 500 and H2 750 machines of the 60s and 70s, this is an invaluable resource for any collector or restorer of these fabulous motorcycles.
This unique volume takes you full circle, from previously unpublished preliminary design sketches, to an in-depth technical look at what makes the ’Blade so special, to what a stunned press thought of its awesome mix of handling and power, up through the Fireblade’s racing successes. Contains in-depth interviews with the men who made the ’Blade happen, what to look for when buying a used machine, and how to tune it for increased performance.
The history and the technical evolution of the Suzuki GSX-R sporting motorcycles from 1985 up to 2005 told through a large quantity of technical information, the specifications of the models and stunning pictures.
Mention the words "touring motorcycle" today and one motorcycle springs to mind: Honda’s Gold Wing. Honda’s Gold Wing sets the standard for touring bikes against which all others are measured. This carefully researched book follows the evolution of the Gold Wing from its inception through to present models, highlighting their design features and the competition environment in which Honda drove the development of this truly landmark motorcycle. Lavishly illustrated.
This popular volume contains 48 articles including road test reports on 1000, 1100, 1200, 1500/6, Interstate and SE, from such popular magazines as Cycle World, Motorcycle and Motorcycle Mechanics. Plus articles on new model reports, performance data, history, service notes, engine analysis, specs and tuning.