KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLE HISTORY 1952—2014 * This Pamphlet Contains a Selection of Key Models Throughout Kawasaki’S History
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KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLE HISTORY 1952—2014 * This pamphlet contains a selection of key models throughout Kawasaki’s history. It is not intended to be a complete compilation. * Model years and release dates may vary by market. 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 P/N 99941-1454 ALL-E Printed in Japan. 14-II Overseas sales of the Z1 (900 cm3) start. 3 3 3 Kawasaki A factory dedicated exclusively to The Z1100GP is released. The first model in the supersport GP line-up Sales of the Vulcan 750, Kawasaki’s first V-Twin American-style Cruiser, Sales of the new Kawasaki flagship model, the ZZ-R1100 (Ninja Ninja ZX-9R Overseas sales of the Overseas sales of the Ninja ZX-12R (1200 cm ) commence. KX250F Sales of the KX250F, Z1000 Like its predecessor, the new KLX450R The KLX450R Z1000 With the introduction of the The Ninja 1000 (Z1000SX The Ninja ZX-14R (ZZR1400 ABS in Europe) arrives. The new Ninja ZX-10R (1000 cm ) is introduced. Complementing its Z250 With the Z250, Kawasaki A head-turning new Z1000 debuts. KSR PRO The KSR PRO (110 cm ) is added Kawasaki Legends 1952 1960 125 New Ace motorcycle production is 1972 Sales of a domestic version, the Z2 (750 cm3), start the 1980 features Fuel Injection and an oil cooler. 1985 commence. 1990 ZX-11 in N. America), commence. 1994 Ninja ZX-9R (900 cm3) 2000 2004 Kawasaki’s first 4-stroke 2007 Z1000 takes the performance 2008 makes its debut. 2010 new Z1000, Kawasaki takes 2011 in Europe), a bike that 2012 2013 already high base performance, it is equipped with a new electronic 2013 brings the wild excitement 2014 2014 to the KSR mini-motard line-up. completed. following year. Sales of the Eliminator commence. Featuring an motocrosser, commence. The naked class by storm. Taking key engine, the Supernaked concept in a of the Supernaked Eliminator KDX200 Ninja ZX-12R New Millennium Flagship combines the seduction of Ninja ZX-14R (ZZR1400 ABS) steering damper jointly developed with Öhlins – offering even more Like its brethren it combines an Kawasaki wins the manufacturer’s 3 Z1000 Sales of the Kawasaki 125 New KR250 (900 cm ) commence. The Ninja ZX-11 (ZZ-R1100) engine heavily influenced The flagship model of Kawasaki’s new bike is a model jointly Refocused for even more frame and new direction. Where its a supersport model with advanced technology to help riders explore the limit. concept to the 250cc aggressive off-road-style design 1981 title in the 250cc class FIM World It has been more than half a century since Kawasaki started Ace commence. Z1 new Sports-Cruiser uses by the ZXR750, twin Ram supersport “Ninja” Series. Intended developed by Kawasaki and real-world riding exhilaration, suspension predecessors mated Ninja everyday versatility, class. Intended primarily with cast aluminium wheels, a Road Racing Championship for the The Z800, the successor the engine from the Air intake and an to be the successor to the King of Suzuki. A year earlier in the the new Z1000 is the epitome components directly ZX-9R-based engines with makes its debut. Z800 for the Asian market, the powerful engine and a highly full-scale production of motorcycles. fourth year in a row. The machine is GPz900R. aluminium frame, the new Speed throne, the Ninja ZX-12R 2003 All-Japan Motocross of Kawasaki Performance from the KX450F original frames and striking Engine and chassis, to the highly popular Z750, Z250 features an capable inverted front fork into a Our first motorcycle engine was designed based on technical the KR250. A. Mang wins the rider’s supersport model offers and Styling, its crouching, motocrosser and bodywork, development of the makes its debut. 40 years aggressive Supernaked Overseas sales of the features the first mass-produced championship, the KX250F-SR based on those of the compact mini-moto package. The title in both the 250cc and 350cc an unparalleled balance of muscular appearance an adapting them for new Z1000 started from after the birth of the design inspired by larger Z know-how garnered from the development and KDX200 commence. The new Enduro model has an air-cooled Single that aluminium monocoque frame, an (factory racer) wins its debut Z1000 and designed to KSR PRO’s manual clutch adds classes. size, power and handling. overt display of its the gruelling world scratch. Both the liquid-cooled, original Z, the Z800 takes Series models. Its Sales of the first Kawasaki brand motorcycles, the Kawasaki Pet features the newly developed KIPS. advanced technology liquid-cooled race, and amasses 11 wins to ensure maximum street another dimension of rider control, production of aircraft engines. Kawasaki Pet take the 125cc title. phenomenal performance. of off-road racing, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm3 the Z design in an muscular bodywork hints 1961 and Kawasaki 125B7, commence. Using the most advanced AR50 Sales of the AR50 commence. DOHC 16-valve In-Line Four riding excitement, are enhancing the fun of its nimble street riding performance. Sales of the GPZ600R (Ninja 600R in N. America) commence. The Sales of the GPZ1100 the KLX450R offers In-line Four and new aggressive new direction. at the bike’s performance, Our entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by materials of the time, their curved surface compositions give them Kawasaki’s first 50 cm3 sports model GPZ1100 ABS engine with a lofty maximum complemented by well- GPZ1000RX, GPZ400R, GPZ250R and the fairingless FX400R complete 1996 ABS commence. The racers a highly competitive package right out of the crate. aluminium twin-tube frame, featuring Horizontal Back-link rear While the design of the while ensuring that the Z250 stands out from the crowd. And its high-sense designs. is also the first 6-speed machine in its power, an aerodynamically crafted Sales of the Z750S, the latest integrated supersport KX100 KX85 the supersport line-up. new supersport model Z750S suspension, were designed specifically for the new Z1000. Visually, the Z750 could be considered superb level of fit and finish further separate it from ordinary “naked” Kawasaki’s constant effort to develop new technologies. class. chassis and numerous other 2005 in the “Z” series, commence. styling reflecting its sporty KE-1 features an anti-lock Sales of the Versys (650 cm3) new Z1000 takes the aggressive styling of its predecessor a step street riding performance. somewhat reserved, for models. Sharing the high-performance engine and chassis of the Over the years we have released numerous new models unique features. This multi-talented model Versys The new Ninja Birth of the 600 Class braking system. commence. Designed with experienced Ninja ZX-6R forward. From the sharply sloped front cowl design to the minimalist tail With a relaxed riding the Z800 designers were new Ninja 250, the Z250 offers the acceleration and handling to features an aerodynamic cowl 2009 3 Ninja 1000 Design of the KE-1 Motorcycle Engine is ZX-6R (600 cm ) 3 that have helped shape the market, and in the The GPZ600R’s excellent brakes and suspension and its original design riders in mind, this interesting model section, the new Z1000 presents a very condensed, mass-forward position that can given free rein to pursue a dominate the 250cc class. Its powerful 249 cm Parallel Twin engine completed. (Kawasaki Machine Industry (the and long comfortable seat. takes the track- (Z1000SX) Sales of the Z400GP, a domestic model in the GP line-up, commence. make it extremely popular; it becomes a best seller as soon as its sales First Ram Air System Hits the Market 2001 ZRX1200R Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak Sales of the ZRX1200 features the same base engine and image – a dynamic design further reinforced by its front fork covers and accommodate everything more vivid expression of the Z brand for the mid-size class. Engineers and circuit-developed frame deliver a high level of riding excitement. process created many enduring legends based precursor to Kawasaki Aircraft Company), 1982 commence. Kawasaki’s unique sports bike philosophy, evidenced by the commence. The focused wide shrouds adorned with intakes for its new Cool Air system. from city riding to touring to sport riding, and numerous were equally unconstrained when it came to engine and chassis But where the Ninja 250 was designed to excel on the racetrack, the Overseas sales of the Z1000R At the time of its debut, the ZZ-R1100 has an unbelievable Sales of the Ninja ZX-7R chassis as the ER-6n and 6f (Ninja Takatsuki Factory) Kawasaki 125B8 Sales of the Kawasaki 125B8 commence. Developed and Z1000R modern design of its newly developed perimeter-style frame, sets the new Ninja ZX-7R successor to the performance of its King of All Sport Bikes design. The Z800 offers even greater riding exhilaration care of its Z250’s relaxed, upright riding position and wide handlebar enable on the speed and power of our machines. 1962 commence. The legendary model is a maximum power. To increase engine power output, it employs 3 650R) introduced the year before, but bike-life-enhancing features (including an adjustable windscreen, “Aircraft engineers” began development of the manufactured exclusively by Kawasaki Aircraft Company, the B8’s machine apart from competing models. (750 cm ) and limited edition ZRX1100 features an predecessor to the larger 806 cm3 engine displacement and a chassis that offers a limited edition replica commemorating Ninja 600R (GPZ600R) the first “Ram Air System” – a duct at the bottom of the front adds long-travel front and rear 1400GTR The new 1400GTR ABS / large-volume fuel tank and comfortable tandem accommodation), Designed to settle the issue of supremacy in the flagship class active rider control, making it an ideal machine for navigating the KE (Kawasaki Engine) in 1949.