Ive nicked this from the old site
The Z1300 was shown to the world at the Koln show in September 1978. The engine a liquid-cooled 1286cc DOHC two valve per each of the six cylinders sat in the bike which had a massive dry weight of 297kg. This was the "dreadnought" of touring bikes. In November 1978 the press were introduced to the Z1300, in Malta for the European press and Death Valley California for the American press. They were unanimous with praise for both styling and impressive performance of the ground breaking machine.
The Z1300 was produced from 1978 until bowing out in 1989. In 1983 the Z1300 was given a digital fuel injection (D.F.I.) and was called the ZG1300, the system installed to improve fuel consumption gave a gain in power and torque. In march of 1983 the Voyager was launched, a fully dressed tourer:- it featured a fairing, panniers, top box, stepped seat, digital speedometer, radio/cassette deck and on board computer for trip and fuel calculations. The Voyager was a big hit with serious touring riders despite its higher price than its competitors.
After its 12 year run the Z1300, Kawasaki's first liquid cooled six cylinder engined bike ceased production in 1989. 20,000 Z1300's and 4,500 Voyagers had been produced.
Today as we stand testament for the Z1300 is still a popular choice for many bikers.
In 1978 Honda and Benelli had a six, Kawasaki were to be different. The Z1300 was a six with water cooling and shaft drive:- the ultimate sports tourer. It was the heaviest at 297kg but the 120bhp was more than enough to power the bike to over 145mph. It soon found admirers all over the world.
1978. The Z1300 Prototype.
The 1286cc motor was smooth and a masterpiece of design and easy to work on. The Z1300 was the "King of the road".
1979. The Z1300-A1
Starting frame number: KZT30A-000101
This the first model was only available in one colour, starlight blue with gold pin stripe. The Z1300 handled better than it should have and surprised many of the reviewers at the time. The brakes were poor and it had little ground clearance. But the Z1300 was in a class of its own.
1980. The Z1300-A2
Starting frame number: KZT30A-006201
The A2 was offered again in only one colour: ruby red. The A2 was an improvement over the A1, the sump was much bigger: A bid to counter act the crank problems the A1 had experienced. It was increased from a capacity of 4.5 litres of oil to 6.
1980. The KZ1300-B2 Touring
Starting frame number: KZT30B-000001
This model was not released in the UK, being mainly a US model. It was basically a Z1300a with a fairing, top box and panniers. Again only one colour was offered: Royal dark red. The heaviest bike got even heavier.
1981. The Z1300-A3
Starting frame number: JKAKZAA15BA-011501
The A3 was available in two colours: Holy green and Ebony. A chrome grab rail was fitted and the outer engine cases and air filter covers were chromed. The electronic ignition was modified and gas rear shocks absorbers were fitted. The A3 was now also being built at the Lincoln factory in The USA.
1982. The Z1300-A4
Starting frame number: KZT30A-014101
1982 saw few differences in the Z1300, it was offered in two colours: Passion red or ebony. The CDI pickups were moved and the horn covers were changed.
1983. The Z1300-A5
Starting frame number: KZT30A-015901
The A5 had even few differences than previous models, the badges were changed but it was offered in the same colours.
1984. ZG1300-A1
Starting frame number: ZGT30A-000001
1984 Saw a big change, the introduction of the digital fuel injection. the power output was now 130bhp. The colour were the same still: Red or ebony. The outer cases and side panel badges were modified.
1985. No new model. Sales were slowing.
1986. The ZG1300-A2
Starting frame number: ZGT30A-002801
More or less same bike same colours.
1987. The ZG1300-A3
Starting frame number: ZGT30A-002801
Same again.
1988. The ZG1300A4
Starting frame number: ZGT30A-003501
The Z1300 was now only offered in one colour: Ebony, only a handful of UK sales being made.
1989. The ZG1300-A5
Sales of the Z1300 were almost at a stand still and this model was being sold until 1993.
The ZN1300 Voyager:- "a car without doors"
In 1983 the Voyager was introduced by Kawasaki. It was a fully dressed tourer aimed at the American market. It was fitted with every extra conceivable and was refferred to as a car without doors.
1983. The ZN1300-A1
Starting frame number: JKAZNAA1DA000001
Colour two tone ebony.
1984. The ZN1300-A2
Starting frame number: JKAZNAA1 EB500001 (USA) and EA000401 (JAPAN)
Colour two tone ebony.
1985. The ZN1300-A3
Starting frame number: JKAZNAAI FB501501 (USA) and
Colour two tone ebony.
1986 The ZN1300-A4
Starting frame number: JKAZNAAI GA001501
Colour vintage red and metallic greystone.
1987 The ZN1300-A5
Starting frame number: JKAZNAA1 HB503301
Colour vintage red and metallic greystone.
1988 ZN1300-A6
Starting frame number: JKAZNAA1 JB503701
Colour vintage red and metallic greystone.
Kawasaki eventually replaced the ZN1300 with the 1200cc four cylinder Voyager which was lighter and better equipped.
