King of the Road: The Kawasaki Z1 was the crown jewel of road bikes

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Honda's legendary four-cylinder CB750 may have started the fire, but when Kawasaki's twin-cam Z1 came on the scene the Japanese Superbike wars heated up fast. Photos by Shellia Bailey

Kawasaki Z1

Years produced: 1973-75
Total production: 85,000 (est.)
Claimed power: 82hp @ 8,500rpm (factory)
Top speed: 120mph (period test)
Engine type: 903cc air-cooled, in-line four-cylinder
Weight (wet): 246kg (542lb)
Price Then: $1,895
Price Now: $1,700 to $8,500
MPG: 43 (average)

Troyce Walls is generally a nice guy, but he’s always getting into trouble with British motorcycle enthusiasts.

Arguments start when he compares the handling of his 1973 Z1 Kawasaki to that of a Norton Commando. “The Z1 handles as good as a Norton. I've been arguing about the Z1's handling with Norton people for years,” Troyce says. He also tees off Honda Four fanatics when he says, “The Z1 also handles much better than a 750 Honda of the same period.”

But Troyce figures he has the right to his opinions. After all, he has owned, worked on or ridden most of the better known motorcycles of the last 30 years — including Nortons, Hondas and Kawasaki Z1s.

Troyce grew up around mopeds and scooters — one of his early scoots was a leaky Cushman Eagle. “It used a quart of oil every eight to 10 miles, but the wind was in my hair, even if the oil was on my leg,” he remembers. The motorcycle bug bit, and Troyce spent his summers working at a local Honda shop. Soon enough he found himself in college, and after graduating Troyce spent several years in serious party mode, a motorcycle always at hand.