As with the story of many other bicycle manufacturing companies, Kawasaki's history began on entirely dissimilar lines. Although by 1949 they were producing engines that could be adapted for bicycle use, the first real motorbike didn't appear until 1954. Historically, the business had been complicated in heavy industry, along with the originate of aircraft, ships and trains.
The company's first offerings were a 60cc two-stroke, and a150cc and 250cc four-stroke respectively, which were developed using German technology. Kawasaki and Bmw had enjoyed a close connection that stemmed from their days as aircraft builders. Meihatsu, a subsidiary of the Kawasaki Aircraft Company, gave its name to the first perfect motorbike produced by the company. Nearby this time, an unsuccessful attempt was made to break into the scooter sector; the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Penguin proving too strong an opposition.
In 1960, the business signed a deal with the oldest bicycle business in Japan, Meguro Motorcycles, whose fortunes had declined since being a major bicycle constructor from their birth in 1937. Having once been regarded as 'the senior make and king of four-strokes', Meguro turned away from their British work on with disastrous results. By 1962, their name had disappeared.
Having initially produced low powered machines, Kawasaki, using the knowledge acquired from Meguro, turned their concentration towards bigger bikes, and in 1966 produced the W1, a 650cc engine that was heavier and slower than its rivals, so enjoyed dinky success. Lighter versions were developed in the shape of the 250cc Samurai and the 350cc A7 Avenger, but again, these machines didn't capture the imagination of the public.
By 1969, Kawasaki were starting to get things right, and the introduction of the 500cc H1 kick-started the company's prestige of quality, high carrying out machines. Smaller versions were released; the 250cc and 350cc S1's. A 748cc H2 became ready in 1972 and stayed in output until the mid 70's, when emission laws drew a curtain on the project.
The introduction of the Z1 in 1973, proved a milestone for Kawasaki. At first intended to have a 750cc power unit, the business ultimately placed on a 903cc engine, after they had seen Honda reveal their Cb750. The Z1, having great carrying out and a good price, became an instant success and soon became the Z900, with the Z1000 following hot on its heels.
In 1984, the introduction of the Gpz900r caused quite a stir. This was in line with the company's improvement of liquid cooled, Dohc, 16 valve, four cylinder engines. This power unit combined with a light, compact chassis would carry you over the first 400 metres of your journey in just over ten and a half seconds. It had a top speed of 250km/h and took the title of 'The World's Fastest Bike'. It was also named 'Bike of the Year' in 1984.
1984 also saw the introduction of Kawasaki's first Cruiser, the Vulcan 750, whilst the 900cc Eliminator came along a year later, using the engine from the Gpz900r. The Cs250 (Casual Sports) appeared in the same year, featuring a liquid cooled, Dohc, singular cylinder motor.
During the90's, Japanese bicycle manufacturers were in serious competition in the Superbike sector, and Kawasaki's offering was the 1052cc, Zzr-1100, a bicycle that was to remain the fastest output bike for the next five years. Its power, combined with a strong frame and good suspension, made it a beloved touring machine. In 2002, it was substituted by the Zzr-1200, which offered best handling. A Zzr-600 also entered the fray.
2002 saw the Ninja Zx-12R arrive with an aluminium, monocoque frame, and a 16 valve in line, four cylinder engine.
In 2003, the 638cc, Zx-6R substituted the 1995 version. This wholly redesigned engine was all that a fast bike should be; quick and aggressive. The Z1000 appeared as a road bike in this same year. It seemed that Kawasaki was top of the tree.
Their bicycle history has been relatively short, but Kawasaki have achieved more in that time than some manufacturers have done in a hundred years. It's no surprise then, that owners stay loyal to the business and the product, as we all wait eagerly for the next curious improvement o come along and blow our minds.
