Kawasaki Motorcycles: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Kawasaki 500 & 750 Triples (1969-1976) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Kawasaki 500 and 750 Triple motorcycles from the years 1969-1976. Describes the Kawasaki H1, H1D, H1E, H1F, H1R, H2, H2R, Mach III and IV.

• The 31 period articles, brought together from leading British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	140 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2000)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855205239

Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 (1972-1976) - Covers Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z 900 & KZ 900 - Essential Buyer's Guide

Veloce's Essential Buyer's Guide with practical advice for purchasing Kawasaki Z1 and Z900 motorcycles.
Models: Z1, Z1A, Z1B, Z900 and KZ900.
Years: 1972-1976.
Does not cover the Z1000A1/A2 or Z1R models.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the Kawasaki Z1 and Z900 will help you find the right bike at the right price and answer the following questions:

• Stay or walk away? Initial evaluation of a Z1 or Z900.
• What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
• How to check authenticity?
• Which models are most suitable?
• What are known defects?
• What are the possibilities and impact of a restoration?
• What are the maintenance costs?

Product details

Author:	David Orritt
Details:	64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	93 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2013)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845845230

Kawasaki Triples Bible - All road models 1968-1980, plus H1R and H2R racers in profile (2nd Edition)

This illustrated book covers the complete production of Kawasaki's three-cylinder two-stroke motorcycles from 1968 to 1980. It provides a detailed year-by-year overview of all models, including the KH250, 350 S2, KH400, H1 500, and H2 750.
The book features hundreds of archive photographs, period advertisements, and personal stories from racers, tuners, and road riders who experienced the power of the H1R 500 and H2R in Europe and the USA. It also offers technical tips and advice from dedicated Kawasaki triple enthusiasts, club members, and early dealers of the brand worldwide.
Additionally, the book includes useful guidance on spare parts availability, tuning, and future market values, capturing the rebellious spirit that made the Kawasaki triples legendary two-strokes of their era.

Pages of the book "Kawasaki Triples Bible - All road models 1968-1980, plus H1R and H2R racers in profile (2nd Edition)"

This book features:
- Model-by-model technical info; colours, chassis improvements, key engine developments
- All road triples in profile, from 250 to 75
- Notes on collectable and exceptionally rare models
- Archive photographs and period advertising
- Personal memories from triple owners
- A look at the Coupe Kawasaki France and UK KH400 race series
- A technical history from those who raced and tuned the H1R and H2R race machines
- Notes on colour and specification changes for various international markets.

Product details

Author:	Alastair Walker
Details:	160 pages, 9.8 x 8.1 in (25 x 20.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	183 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781845849818

Kawasaki GPZ 900R - Ninja (1984-1996) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Kawasaki GPZ 900R - Ninja motorcycles from the years 1984-1996. Describes the Kawasaki GPZ 900R - Ninja A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8.

• The 25 period articles, brought together from leading British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	140 pages, 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.31 in (27 x 20.5 x 0.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2001)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855205574

Kawasaki W, H1 & Z - The Big Air-cooled Machines

This illustrated book explores the history of Kawasaki's air-cooled 'big' bikes in great detail. It is based on thorough research conducted in Japan with full cooperation from the factory.
These models played a crucial role in establishing Kawasaki's reputation during the 1960s and 1970s, helping the company survive a challenging period when most Japanese motorcycle manufacturers disappeared, leaving only four major brands.
The bikes were an instant success, achieving victory both on the racetrack and in sales, and securing multiple world championship titles for Kawasaki.
Recently, the series was revived as part of a retro trend, with a new model launched that captures the excitement and character of the original versions.

Pages of the book "Kawasaki W, H1 & Z - The Big Air-cooled Machines"

Period Covered: 1965-1980.

Models Covered: Kawasaki W1, W2 & W3 (1965-1974), H1 & H2 (1968-1976) and early Z-series, including Z1, Z2 & Z1R (1972-1980). Also includes details on the retro W models (1998-).

Models NOT Covered: 1980 onwards, except retro W models of 1998 on.

Product details

Author:	Brian Long
Details:	160 pages, 10.25 x 8.5 x 0.87 in (26 x 21.5 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781787112179

Kawasaki Z1

This book offers a detailed history of the iconic Kawasaki Z1.
It explains how the 'King Zed' became a sensation after its launch in 1972, known for its outstanding performance, reliability, and practicality.
Although the Honda CB750 was the first four-cylinder 'superbike' in 1969, Kawasaki responded with the more powerful Z1, reaching a top speed of 135 mph and surpassing its rivals. As the fastest production motorcycle of its time, the Z1 received high praise from motorcycle magazines.

Rod Ker explores the updates the model received during its production and how it evolved into the fuel-injected GPZ1100. Although replaced in 1984 by lighter, more efficient models like the water-cooled GPZ900R, the Z1 was already recognized as a classic and a valuable collector's item.

Product details

Author:	Rod Ker
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 in (23.5 x 16.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781445651286

Kawasaki Z1 900 (1972-1977) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Kawasaki Z1 900 motorcycles from the years 1972-1977. Describes the Kawasaki Z1, Z1-A, Dunstall Kawasaki, Z900 and KZ900 LTD.

• The 29 period articles, brought together from leading British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	140 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in (27 x 20 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1999)
Series:	Performance Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855204133

Original Kawasaki Z1, Z900 and KZ900 - The Restorer's Guide to All Aircooled 900cc Models, 1972-1976

The Kawasaki 900 Z1 was the world's first true 'superbike', launched in late 1972 as Kawasaki's first four-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle. It was designed to compete globally in performance, handling, safety, and style, surpassing even Honda's CB750.
Powered by a robust 903cc DOHC engine, the Z1 produced 82bhp and exceeded 130 mph, making it the most powerful Japanese motorcycle of its time. Its striking design, featuring a black engine with polished aluminium cooling fins, made it one of the most attractive motorcycles of the 1970s.
The Z1 evolved into the Z1-A, Z1-B, and later the Z900. This book covers all models from 1972 to 1976, including the Z900 LTD (the first Japanese custom bike for the US market) and the Japan-only 750 cc Z2.

Written by David Marsden of Z-Power, the book provides detailed information on original specifications and equipment.
It explains the design and development of the engine, transmission, frame, running gear, electrics, and instruments throughout the series.
With over 200 specially commissioned color photos, it illustrates every aspect of the design and engineering, highlighting the key changes across the models.

Product details

Author:	David Marsden
Details:	112 pages, 11.8 x 9.25 x 0.63 in (30 x 23.5 x 1.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2011)
Series:	Original Restorer's Guide
ISBN:	9781906133320

The Kawasaki Z1 Story : The Death and Rebirth of the 900 Super 4

Just as Kawasaki was preparing to launch the world's first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle, Honda revealed the CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968, sparking a revolutionary decade in motorcycling.
This book uncovers the story behind the development of Kawasaki's Z1, code-named 'New York Steak, ' through exclusive interviews with those involved. It details the secret testing program in the United States, where a team, including Imola race winner Paul Smart, rode pre-production models disguised as Hondas across the country.

The book also explores the myth and truth behind the Z1's first race victory, a success even Kawasaki was unaware of at the time. Additionally, it recounts the remarkable three days at Florida's Daytona Speedway, where three Z1s set over 50 speed endurance records.
Covering the period from 1837 to 1978, with a special focus on 1972, this illustrated book provides an in-depth look at the history and impact of the Kawasaki Z1.

Product details

Author:	Dave Sheehan
Details:	256 pages, paperback
Illustrations:	135 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2015)
ISBN:	9781845848071

Tous les modèles Kawasaki - depuis 1965

Model by model or by family, this book presents the complete catalog of Kawasaki motorcycles from 1965 to today, designed for road and trial, offering a clear and concise overview. It provides essential information for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Kawasaki was the first Japanese brand to use electronic fuel injection on a motorcycle with the GPZ 1100. The history of the main models is accompanied by technical data sheets with information on performance, prices, special editions, and racing machines.

Product details

Author:	Andi Seiler
Details:	128 pages, 9.8 x 7.3 in (25 x 18.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	110 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2000)
ISBN:	9782726885116

Kawasaki, l'histoire

Since the 1970s, Kawasaki has been known for its exceptional motorcycles and racing victories. The story of this Japanese brand began in 1878 with Shozo Kawasaki, a visionary who founded a diverse industrial empire: shipbuilding, rail transport, construction, aviation, automotive, aerospace, and high technology. For enthusiasts, motorcycles are at the heart of Kawasaki's success.

This unique reference book details all the brand's models from 1952 to today, whether designed for road or racing. It covers the legendary 500 Mach III from the 1970s to the modern Ninja models and includes the achievements of Kawasaki riders in road racing, motocross, and endurance.

Product details

Author:	Giovanni Iodice
Details:	384 pages, 9.8 x 10.25 in (25 x 26 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	950 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2018)
ISBN:	9791028302573

Kawasaki 500 Mach III - 250, 350 e 400

Few motorcycles have left such a mark on the world of two wheels as the Kawasaki 500. Launched in 1969 alongside the Honda 750, it played a key role in the rise of superbikes in the 1970s.
The Mach III was not a large bike, but it rode like one, delivering explosive acceleration that outperformed even larger machines. Its powerful two-stroke triple, previously seen only on Grand Prix bikes, made it exceptionally fast. However, while the engine was a powerhouse, the chassis struggled to handle its raw power.
This book tells the story of a true legend, admired by riders of its time and coveted by today's collectors.

Product details

Author:	Giorgio Sarti
Details:	120 pages, 10.6 x 9 in (27 x 24 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	34 b&w and 314 color photos
Language:	Italian
Publisher:	Giorgio Nada Editore (I, 2023)
ISBN:	9788879119177