Kawasaki Z 1300

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Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z1300.jpg
Z 1300
Manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production period 1978 to 1989
class motorcycle
design type Tourer
Motor data
Four-stroke engine , water-cooled 6-cylinder with 3 Mikuni double carburettors Ø 34 mm
Displacement  (cm³) 1286
Power  (kW / PS ) 74/100 at 7,500 min -1
Torque  ( N m ) 106 at 6000 min -1
Top speed (  km / h) 205
transmission 5-speed
drive Cardan
Brakes front double disc Ø 300 mm

/ rear single Ø 290 mm

Wheelbase  (mm) 1580
Dimensions (L × W × H, mm): 2335 × 840 × 1155
Seat height (cm) 83.5
Empty weight  (kg) 326
Previous model -
successor -

The Z 1300 is a motorcycle with a water-cooled six - cylinder four-stroke engine from the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki , which was built in various model variants. Outside Germany, the model was sold as the KZ1300. Internally, the Z 1300 also had the following names:

  • KZT30A: For models with carburettors from the A1 series (including Gran Touring) to A4.
  • KZT30B: For the models of the "Touring" series.
  • KGT30A / ZGT30A: For the DFI models with petrol injection
  • ZN1300 / ZNT30A: For the "Voyager" range.

The introduction of the Honda CBX as well as the appearance of the even more powerful Kawasaki Z 1300 led to the decision of the motorcycle industry at the time to voluntarily limit the power of machines sold in Germany to 100 hp.

Model history

The Z1300 was originally planned as a sports motorcycle to compete with the Honda CBX (development name: Model 203), but eventually came onto the market as a touring motorcycle due to its weight and the characteristics of its drive. At first it was supposed to have a displacement of 1200 cc, but because of the new 1340 cc engine at Harley-Davidson , it was increased to 1286 cc. Up until the appearance of the BMW K 1600 GT, the engine of the Z1300 was the largest in-line six-cylinder in a production motorcycle (in terms of displacement - it is 570 mm wide, while the BMW K 1600 GT is only 555 mm wide). In terms of design, Kawasaki was based on the Z1000 MKII in terms of tank, side cover and fender.

The differences between the Z 1300 and KZ 1300 models are marginal and consist only of small differences in the electrical system, the setting, the throttle grip as well as the switches and lighting. The different sizes of the petrol tanks are particularly noticeable.

Due to the high weight of around 330 kg (dry 294 kg for the KTZ30 and 381 kg for the ZN models) or the high purchase price, the low inclination and the sometimes very high consumption, the Z 1300 was not a great market success and brought about Because of their low sales, they don't even include the development costs for Kawasaki. Nevertheless, the machine developed into a myth that it owes to its special technical position and the smooth running of the engine. The engine was initially equipped with carburettors, but was improved as part of the model update during the sales years (1979–1989), including the introduction of a digitally controlled injection system. In the USA, the model with fairing and cases, similar to the Honda GoldWing, was brought onto the market (Z 1300 B1 (Touring) or Z 1300 Voyager). The last 200 models (built in 1989) were given the additional designation "Legendary Six".

At the time the model was launched, the Z 1300 was one of only five water-cooled motorcycles on the market (alongside Honda GoldWing , Van Veen OCR 1000 and the Suzuki GT 750 and Suzuki RE 5 ).

timeline

1973

First plans by Kawasaki for a high-performance tourer with cardan drive.

1974

The first drawings are completed. For the model 203, as the project is called, a displacement of 1200 cm³, water cooling and a small cockpit fairing are planned. At this time, neither the Benelli 750 Sei nor the Honda CBX were on the market, only a small number of racing machines were equipped with a six-cylinder engine.

1975

The first prototype will be completed in September of this year. Another follows in the course of the following year.

1978

Presentation of the new Kawasaki Z 1300 at the IFMA in Cologne. First water-cooled six-cylinder motorcycle, initially with three Mikuni BSW 32 double carburettors and 120 hp. In November of that year, Kawasaki presented the new model to the European press in Malta and the American press in Las Vegas.

1979

The Z 1300 A1 will be in the shop windows of Kawasaki dealers from spring, the performance has been reduced to 100 hp through the voluntary self-restraint of the importers and manufacturers. Frame numbers: KZT30A-000101 to KTZ30A-005618 / engine numbers: KZT30AE000101 to KZT30AE005309. As a color, Kawasaki only offers "Luminous Starlight Blue" (with decorative stripes in gold). In the USA, some copies are offered as the special model KZ1300 A1 Gran Touring. These are equipped with a Vetter cladding, top case and side cases. The standard machine , including 11%  sales tax , cost DM 12,068 in Germany, which is around 14,000 euros today.

Z1300 A1 in Luminous Starlight Blue
1980

The six-cylinder Z 1300 A2 are equipped with a larger oil pan (increase in several steps from 3.5 to 6.2 liters), the oil level sight glass is enlarged and the oil circuit is improved. The shock absorber mounting screws are also provided with washers to prevent the rubber mounts from becoming detached. Frame numbers: KZT30A-006201 to KZT30A-010993 / engine numbers: KZT30AE005801 to KZT30AE012373. This model is also only available in one color "Luminous Ruby Red" with decorative stripes in gold.

Kawasaki also offers the Z 1300 B1 (Touring). This is a standard Z1300 model, which is equipped with fairing, top case and cases. The model is only available in the color "Royal Dark Red" with decorative stripes in gold and is officially only offered in the USA, it differs in numerous details from the A2. For example, the throttle cables are moved upwards so as not to damage the larger tank, the handlebars and mirrors are changed and the motorcycle is equipped with a touring bench seat. In contrast to the standard model, this bench is divided into two parts. The front fender was given a different shape, the rear fender was left out and replaced by a metal tail in the same color as the model. The exhaust system has also been modified compared to the floor model. Frame numbers: KZT30B-000001 to KZT30B-001818 / engine numbers: KZT30AE005801 to KZT30AE012373

Z1300 B2 in Royal Dark Red
1981

The Z 1300 A3 received an electronic ignition advance, the centrifugal governor used until then was omitted. There are sintered metal pads on the brakes. The rear is now adorned with a chrome-plated bracket, the air filter covers are also chrome-plated. The rear shock absorbers receive air support. The horn cover is changed. Frame numbers: KZT30AE011501 to KZT30AE014100 / engine numbers: KZT30AE012401 to KZT30AE014800. Kawasaki offers 2 colors to choose from: "Luminous Holly Green" with decorative stripes in gold & lime green (only in Europe) and "Ebony" with decorative stripes in gold & red.

Z 1300 A3 in Luminous Holly Green (mirror not original)
1982

In the Z 1300 A4, the ignition timing control moves from the left to the right crankshaft stub, a narrower primary tooth chain is installed. All engine covers are now chrome-plated. Frame numbers: KZT30AE014101 to KZT30AE015439 / engine numbers: KZT30AE014801 to KZT30AE015946. This model is also available in 2 colors: "Luminous Passion Red" with decorative stripes in black & gold and "Ebony" with decorative stripes in red & gold.

Z1300 A4 in Luminous Passion Red
1983

In order to reduce the previously high oil consumption, the six-cylinder (version Z 1300 A5) received improved pistons this year. The tank emblem and the lettering on the side cover are being revised, the round tank with a volume of 21.4 liters is no longer available. The horn cover is changed again, the engine side covers are no longer chrome-plated. Start with frame number: KZT30A-015901 / engine number KZT30AE016401. Colors like the previous A4 model

1984

The Z 1300 DFI (ZG1300 A1) is delivered with an electronically controlled fuel injection system that reduces fuel consumption and is already known from the Z 1100 GP; the output (unthrottled) increases to 130 hp. Consumption should also be influenced by what is known as “cruise control”, a normal or economy program that the driver can select using a switch. Start with frame number: ZGT30A-000001 / engine number KZT30AG001551 (Germany & Sweden) or KTZ30AE017801. This model is also available in red or black.

Kawasaki KZ1300 (US model)
1985

The "cruise control" system is no longer used as it has been found to be useless. The demand for the Z 1300 is falling.

1986

Almost the same model as last year with the designation ZG 1300 A2, starting with frame number: ZGT30A-002801 in the same colors as before.

1987

Not really a new model with the designation ZG 1300 A3, starting with frame number: ZGT30A-002801.

1988

Not really a new model called ZG 1300 A4, starting with frame number: ZGT30A-003501, only available in black.

1989

The last 200 Z 1300 DFI (ZG 1300 A5) delivered are given the nickname "Legendary Six" and marked as such by a special sticker on the tank. Occasionally, sales of this model continued until 1993. The price has now risen to DM 16,570.

ZN1300 Voyager

Kawasaki introduced the ZN 1300 Voyager model as early as 1983 and targeted the US market with this fully faired tourer. The Voyager is similar to the GoldWing with various extras such as B. a radio, stereo, intercom driver / passenger, digital cockpit & on-board computer. Here are the Voyager series, all of which are equipped with electronic fuel injection and officially only came on the market in the USA:

1983

ZN 1300-A1, start with frame number: DA000001, color: "Two Tone Ebony"

1984

ZN 1300-A2, start with frame number: EB500001 (USA) or EA000401 (Japan), color as previous model

1985

ZN 1300-A3, start with frame number: FB501501 (USA) or FA001301 (Japan), color as previous model

1986

ZN 1300-A4, starting with frame number: GA001501, color: "Luminous Vintage Red / Metallic Graystone" & "Luminous Blue / Metallic Graystone"

1987

ZN 1300-A5, start with frame number: HB503301, color like previous model

1988

ZN 1300-A6, start with frame number: JB503701, color like previous model

Kawasaki later the engine of the Voyager with a lighter 1200 cm 3 replaced -Vierzylindermotor, this independent model was discontinued of 2004.

Details

Exhaust system

Throughout the entire model series, the models were equipped with a six-in-two system. Some models of the exhaust manifold have a forward-facing opening at the upper bend for the separate measurement of the exhaust gas values ​​of a single cylinder (mostly US models), which are closed by a screw. Three manifolds each lead into a collector, from which the exhaust gases are released into the environment via a chrome-plated rear silencer on each side.

Fittings / instruments

All models were delivered with uniformly structured instruments from the manufacturer Nippon Seiki. Between the speedometer on the left and the rev counter on the right, the fuel level indicator is placed above the temperature indicator. The scales were shown in different colors on a black background, the hands were all orange. The indicators for the direction indicators were placed on the left or right under the speedometer or tachometer, the models with injection each have a red warning lamp in the lower left corner of the tachometer.

There are two different versions of the dial display for km / h and four different versions for mi / h. In addition to the white scale for mi / h, all versions of the display for mi / h also had an inner scale for km / h in blue. The different versions were introduced in order to meet different requirements with regard to the maximum permitted speed.

The tachometer display is available in two versions, both analogous to the speedometer with a white display on a black background. For the carburettor models, the red area began at 8000 rpm, and for models with injection only at 8500 rpm.

The ignition lock and warning lamps were arranged in a separate fitting below the combination of speedometer and rev counter in the following order: neutral (idling), high beam (high beam), oil (oil pressure warning lamp) and head lamp (USA only).

Fuel supply

Since the model was introduced in 1979, three 32 mm Mikuni BSW 32 twin carburetors (licensed from Solex USA) have been installed. In 1984 the model received a digital injection system developed by Hitachi (company) , which replaced the carburetors. Both systems supply the engine with a gasoline / air mixture in the ratio of 1: 14.8, i.e. H. for one part of gasoline there is 14.8 parts of air.

Front suspension

All models were equipped with a 41mm telescopic fork, up to model KZ1300 A2 the front axle is fixed by two screws, from model KZ1300 A3 only by one screw. The fork was installed with the option of air support, and a valve at the top of the fork tube allows air to be supplied up to a maximum pressure of 2.5 kg / cm² or 35 psi. From the KZ1300 A3 onwards, only one valve was offered at the upper end of the left fork tube, both fork tubes are now equipped with a connection that ensures that the pressure is the same in both fork sides.

Fixation of the axis up to A2
Fixation of the axis from A3
Rear suspension

The KZ1300 A1 and A2 models were equipped with conventional shock absorbers, the springs of which can be preloaded to five different levels with one tool. Starting with the A3 model, the spring preload has been replaced by the option of pneumatic preload, the valve for this is located below the seat bench. Both shock absorbers are connected to one another in the same way as the front suspension. A pressure of up to 5.0 kg / cm² or 70 psi is acceptable. From model ZG1300 A1 the valve moves to the left shock absorber.

rims

All models were available with seven-spoke cast aluminum rims and tubeless tires. With the exception of the Voyager models, the color scheme was uniformly silver and black. Black for all surfaces with the exception of the rim sides, the outer spoke side and the surfaces to which other parts were attached.

cooling

The cooling system of the Z1300 is a forced circulation under pressure. An aluminum radiator is installed directly in front of the engine, and a compensation tank with a display is located on the left-hand side behind the gearbox housing. An electrically driven fan is mounted behind the cooler. The engine temperature is regulated to a target value of 207 ° C via a thermostat, i. H. the water temperature is between 78 ° C and 95 ° C. The temperature target is considered to be the optimal temperature for the engine. The fan is triggered by a bimetal switch when the cooling water temperature rises between 94 ° C and 100 ° C and switches off as soon as the cooling water temperature falls below 91 ° C. In order to bring the engine temperature to the optimum value more quickly during the warm-up phase, the cooling water is not fed into the radiator at temperatures below 78 ° C, but is returned directly to the engine via a bypass. Only between a temperature of 78 ° C to 86 ° C does a thermostat open the connection to the cooler, at 95 ° C this connection is fully open; this system works independently of the running engine or the cooling water pump. The seal of the cooler contains a rupture disc which prevents the cooler from breaking due to excessive pressure.

alternator

The KZ1300 A1, A1 Touring, B2 Touring and KZ1300 A2 models were equipped with an alternator on the right side of the engine. With the change to the KZ1300 A3 model, the alternator moved to the left side of the engine, all subsequent models received an alternator again on the right side of the engine. With an accessory kit it is possible to equip the engine with two alternators, which is particularly popular with drivers of a motorcycle combination with a higher electrical consumption.

engine

Throughout the entire model range, the engine was a liquid-cooled, four-stroke in-line six-cylinder with a capacity of 1286 cm 3 in a silver color scheme without cooling fins. From 1984 other side and clutch covers were installed. In 1980, from engine number 10638, larger oil pans (6.2 liters) were fitted; With the introduction of the digitally controlled injection system in 1984, the output rose from 120 PS (88 kW) to 130 PS (96 kW), the maximum torque was achieved with 116 Nm at 6500 rpm and 117 Nm at 6500 rpm. All models were equipped with 2 valves per cylinder (34.5 mm inlet / 29.5 mm outlet), these are operated via a one-piece and hollow camshaft. The outlet valves on some models contain sodium for better heat dissipation. The pistons with a diameter of 62 mm run 71 mm in steel bushings and are provided with 3 piston rings.

frame

The frame of all models is a double loop tube frame, up to half of the beams consist of double tubes (37 mm steel tube over 34 mm steel tube), the engine is not a load-bearing component.

tank

The tank for the KZ1300 A1 (KZT30A) model was based on the design of the Z1000 MKII and had a capacity of 21.3 liters. In response to customer requests, a larger tank with a capacity of 27 liters was designed and installed on all following models. A third tank, based on the teardrop-shaped design of the Kawasaki Z1 , was available exclusively in the USA with a capacity of 21 liters for the KZ1300 A3 and A4 models. The tank of the KZ1300 B2 Touring is the only model with an additional cover under the tank, which serves as heat protection. The tank emblems of the Z1300, with the exception of the 21-liter US tank, were mounted on chrome-plated base plates. This served to achieve an acceptable optical relationship between the emblem itself and the size of the Z1300, at the same time the base plate reduces the bending that the emblem would experience if mounted directly on the tank itself. With the introduction of the ZG1300 A1, the emblem changed. A fuel cock (no vacuum cock) with the settings OFF, ON and RES was installed in all models. Only the tanks of the last 200 models of the ZG1300 A5 have been provided with the Legendary Six logo, which is placed halfway between the tank cap and the rear end of the tank.

Godier Genoud Z1400 Turbo
Godier Genoud Z1400 Turbo

Technical & other data

  • Oil capacity: up to engine number # 009426: 4.6 l (small sight glass), from engine number # 009426 to engine number # 010637: 5.3 l, from engine number # 010638: 6.2 l (both with large sight glass)
  • At the beginning of 2011, 568 Z1300s were still registered in Germany
  • At the end of the third quarter of 2012, 151 Z1300s were still registered in the UK
  • The Italian designer Franco Sbarro built a concept car in 1981, the Sbarro Super 12, which was powered by two Z1300 engines. Only one copy was made.
  • In 2008, the British engineer and motorcycle customizer Allan Millyard designed a motorcycle with two Z1300 engines arranged in a V shape, the Z2300
  • The indicator glasses of the Z1300 are clear at the front, but matt at the rear.
  • The Z1300 model for Germany had a German flag behind the Z1300 lettering exclusively on both side covers.
  • The Z1300 held the record for the fastest circumnavigation of Australia from 1982 to 1987. Ross Atkins needed 6 days, 22 hours and 51 minutes for the distance of 15015 km. The Z1300 he used was slightly modified (extra tanks to increase the range to 600–700 km, depending on driving style, a special air filter and full fairing), but otherwise corresponded to the series version.
  • After the USA had increased the tariffs for motorcycles over 700 cm 3 to almost 50% in 1983 , the Z1300 and other models were no longer manufactured in Akashi , Japan , but also in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
  • Godier Genoud built a total of 3 copies of a Z1400 Turbo based on the Z1300. One of these machines is currently still preserved.

literature

  • Andreas Seiler: Type compass for Kawasaki motorcycles since 1965. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2007, ISBN 978-3-613-02727-5 .
  • Jan Leek: Motorcycles that made history: Motorcycles, six-cylinder (CBX, Sei & Z1300). Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1993, ISBN 3-613-01507-2 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Ernst Leverkus: The motorcycles of the 50s, 60s and 70s , special edition 1st edition, Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02366-0 .
  2. ↑ This figure was based on the template: Inflation determined, rounded to 100 EUR and applies to the previous January
  3. ↑ kba.de ( Memento from October 21, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  4. ↑ howmanyleft.co.uk