The Kawasaki KZ400 is a motorcycle that was manufactured by Kawasaki from 1974 to 1980. It was a popular motorcycle, and over 100,000 units were produced. The KZ400 was powered by a 398 cc inline-four engine and had a top speed of 115 mph. It was a reliable and affordable motorcycle, and it was popular with both new and experienced riders.
The KZ400 was available in a variety of styles, including a standard model, a cafe racer model, and a touring model. It was also available with a variety of optional features, including a fairing, saddlebags, and a luggage rack. The KZ400 was a versatile motorcycle that could be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, touring, and racing.
The KZ400 was discontinued in 1980, but it remains a popular motorcycle among collectors and enthusiasts. It is a classic motorcycle that represents the best of 1970s Japanese motorcycle engineering.
Kawasaki KZ400
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a motorcycle that has been praised for its reliability, affordability, and versatility. Introduced in 1974, it quickly became a popular choice for riders of all experience levels. Here are ten key aspects that contribute to the significance of the Kawasaki KZ400:
- Engine: 398 cc inline-four engine
- Power: 40 horsepower
- Top Speed: 115 mph
- Fuel Economy: 50 mpg
- Weight: 385 pounds
- Seat Height: 30 inches
- Price: $2,000 (1974)
- Styles: Standard, cafe racer, touring
- Features: Fairing, saddlebags, luggage rack
- Production: Over 100,000 units
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a classic motorcycle that offers a great combination of performance, affordability, and reliability. It is a versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes, including commuting, touring, and racing. Whether you are a new rider or an experienced rider, the Kawasaki KZ400 is a great choice.
Engine
The Kawasaki KZ400 is powered by a 398 cc inline-four engine. This engine is known for its reliability, power, and efficiency. It is a popular choice for motorcycles because it offers a good balance of all three qualities.
- Reliability: The KZ400 engine is very reliable. It is known to last for many years with proper maintenance. This makes it a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that they can count on.
- Power: The KZ400 engine produces 40 horsepower. This is enough power to provide good acceleration and top speed. It is also enough power to handle most riding conditions.
- Efficiency: The KZ400 engine is very efficient. It gets good gas mileage, which makes it a good choice for riders who want to save money on fuel.
- Compact size: The KZ400 engine is relatively compact. This makes it a good choice for motorcycles that are small and lightweight.
The 398 cc inline-four engine is a major reason why the Kawasaki KZ400 is such a popular motorcycle. It is a reliable, powerful, and efficient engine that is perfect for a variety of riding conditions.
Power
The Kawasaki KZ400 produces 40 horsepower, which is a significant amount of power for a motorcycle of its size. This power gives the KZ400 good acceleration and top speed, making it a fun and exciting motorcycle to ride. The power of the KZ400 also makes it a good choice for riders who want to be able to ride on the highway or in other high-speed situations.
The power of the KZ400 is also important for safety. The extra power can help riders to get out of dangerous situations, such as when they need to accelerate quickly to avoid a collision. The power of the KZ400 can also help riders to maintain control of the motorcycle in slippery or wet conditions.
Overall, the power of the Kawasaki KZ400 is a major factor in its popularity. The power gives the KZ400 good acceleration, top speed, and safety, making it a good choice for a variety of riders.
Top Speed
The Kawasaki KZ400 has a top speed of 115 mph, which is impressive for a motorcycle of its size and era. This top speed makes the KZ400 a fun and exciting motorcycle to ride, and it also makes it a good choice for riders who want to be able to ride on the highway or in other high-speed situations.
- Acceleration: The KZ400’s top speed is due in part to its powerful engine. The 398 cc inline-four engine produces 40 horsepower, which gives the KZ400 good acceleration. This acceleration makes it easy to get the KZ400 up to speed, even on the highway.
- Handling: The KZ400’s handling is also a factor in its top speed. The KZ400 is a well-balanced motorcycle, and it handles well at high speeds. This makes it easy to control the KZ400, even when riding at high speeds.
- Braking: The KZ400’s brakes are also important for its top speed. The KZ400 has good brakes, which makes it easy to slow down or stop the motorcycle, even at high speeds. This gives riders confidence when riding the KZ400 at high speeds.
- Aerodynamics: The KZ400’s aerodynamics also play a role in its top speed. The KZ400 has a sleek design, which helps to reduce drag. This reduced drag makes it easier for the KZ400 to reach its top speed.
The Kawasaki KZ400’s top speed of 115 mph is due to a combination of its powerful engine, good handling, good brakes, and sleek design. This top speed makes the KZ400 a fun and exciting motorcycle to ride, and it also makes it a good choice for riders who want to be able to ride on the highway or in other high-speed situations.
Fuel Economy
The Kawasaki KZ400 is known for its excellent fuel economy, getting up to 50 mpg. This is a significant advantage for riders who want to save money on gas. It is also a benefit for riders who want to be able to ride longer distances without having to stop for gas.
- Reduced Fuel Costs: The KZ400’s fuel economy can save riders a significant amount of money on gas. This is especially important for riders who commute to work or school, or who ride long distances.
- Extended Range: The KZ400’s fuel economy allows riders to travel longer distances without having to stop for gas. This is a benefit for riders who want to be able to take long road trips or who live in rural areas where gas stations are few and far between.
- Environmental Impact: The KZ400’s fuel economy also has a positive impact on the environment. The KZ400 produces fewer emissions than motorcycles with lower fuel economy, which helps to reduce air pollution.
Overall, the Kawasaki KZ400’s fuel economy is a major benefit for riders. The KZ400’s fuel economy saves riders money on gas, allows them to travel longer distances, and has a positive impact on the environment.
Weight
The Kawasaki KZ400 weighs 385 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for a motorcycle of its size. This light weight gives the KZ400 several advantages:
- Agility: The KZ400’s light weight makes it very agile and easy to maneuver. This is a major benefit for riders who want to be able to ride in traffic or on twisty roads.
- Acceleration: The KZ400’s light weight also helps it to accelerate quickly. This is a benefit for riders who want to be able to get out of dangerous situations, such as when they need to accelerate quickly to avoid a collision.
- Fuel economy: The KZ400’s light weight also helps it to get good fuel economy. This is a benefit for riders who want to save money on gas.
- Handling: The KZ400’s light weight makes it easy to handle, even for new riders. This is a benefit for riders who want a motorcycle that is easy to ride and control.
Overall, the Kawasaki KZ400’s weight of 385 pounds is a major advantage. The light weight makes the KZ400 agile, easy to accelerate, fuel-efficient, and easy to handle.
Seat Height
The Kawasaki KZ400 has a seat height of 30 inches, which is relatively low for a motorcycle of its size. This low seat height makes the KZ400 a good choice for riders of all heights, including shorter riders. It also makes the KZ400 easier to maneuver and control, especially at low speeds.
- Comfort: A lower seat height makes it easier for riders to reach the ground with their feet, which can improve comfort, especially on long rides.
- Accessibility: A lower seat height makes the KZ400 more accessible to riders of all heights, including shorter riders who may have difficulty reaching the ground on taller motorcycles.
- Handling: A lower seat height can make the KZ400 easier to handle, especially at low speeds. This is because riders can more easily reach the handlebars and controls, and they can put their feet down more easily if they need to.
- Safety: A lower seat height can make the KZ400 safer for riders, especially new riders. This is because riders can more easily control the motorcycle at low speeds, and they can put their feet down more easily if they need to stop suddenly.
Overall, the Kawasaki KZ400’s seat height of 30 inches is a major advantage for riders. The low seat height makes the KZ400 comfortable, accessible, easy to handle, and safe for riders of all heights.
Price
The Kawasaki KZ400 was introduced in 1974 with a price tag of $2,000. This price point was significant for several reasons:
- Affordability: The KZ400 was one of the most affordable motorcycles in its class, making it a great value for riders on a budget.
- Popularity: The KZ400’s affordability helped to make it one of the most popular motorcycles of its time. Over 100,000 units were produced during its production run.
- Competition: The KZ400’s price point put it in direct competition with other popular motorcycles of the era, such as the Honda CB400 and the Yamaha XS400.
- Value: The KZ400 offered a great value for the price. It was a well-built motorcycle with good performance and features.
Overall, the Kawasaki KZ400’s price of $2,000 (1974) was a major factor in its success. The affordability, popularity, competition, and value of the KZ400 made it a great choice for riders of all types.
Styles
The Kawasaki KZ400 was available in three distinct styles: standard, cafe racer, and touring. These styles catered to different rider preferences and needs, offering a range of options for customization and personalization.
- Standard: The standard style was the most basic and affordable option, featuring an upright riding position and comfortable ergonomics. It was a good all-around choice for riders.
- Cafe racer: The cafe racer style was inspired by the British motorcycles used in cafe racer subculture of the 1960s. It featured a more aggressive riding position, with lower handlebars and rearset footpegs. The cafe racer style was popular with riders who wanted a more sporty and stylish motorcycle.
- Touring: The touring style was designed for long-distance riding. It featured a more upright riding position, a larger fuel tank, and often additional features such as saddlebags and a windscreen. The touring style was popular with riders who wanted a motorcycle that was comfortable and practical for extended trips.
The availability of these three styles made the Kawasaki KZ400 a versatile motorcycle that could be disesuaikan to suit the needs of a wide range of riders. Whether riders were looking for a basic commuter, a sporty cafe racer, or a comfortable touring motorcycle, the KZ400 had a style to meet their needs.
Features
The Kawasaki KZ400 was available with a variety of optional features, including a fairing, saddlebags, and a luggage rack. These features enhanced the versatility and practicality of the KZ400, making it a suitable motorcycle for a wide range of riding needs.
The fairing was a popular option for riders who wanted to reduce wind resistance and improve comfort on long rides. It also gave the KZ400 a more sporty and aggressive appearance. The saddlebags provided additional storage space for luggage and other items, making the KZ400 more practical for touring and commuting. The luggage rack allowed riders to secure even more luggage, making the KZ400 a capable touring motorcycle.
Together, these features made the Kawasaki KZ400 a versatile and practical motorcycle that could be customized to suit the needs of a wide range of riders. Whether riders were looking for a sporty and stylish motorcycle for commuting or a comfortable and practical motorcycle for touring, the KZ400 with its optional features was a great choice.
Production
The Kawasaki KZ400 was a highly successful motorcycle, with over 100,000 units produced during its production run from 1974 to 1980. This high production number is a testament to the popularity and success of the KZ400, and it is a significant factor in its legacy as a classic motorcycle.
There are several reasons for the high production numbers of the Kawasaki KZ400. First, the KZ400 was a well-rounded motorcycle that appealed to a wide range of riders. It was affordable, reliable, and versatile, making it a good choice for both new and experienced riders. Second, the KZ400 was available in a variety of styles, including standard, cafe racer, and touring, which further increased its appeal to different types of riders. Third, the KZ400 was well-marketed by Kawasaki, which helped to generate interest and demand for the motorcycle.
The high production numbers of the Kawasaki KZ400 have had a significant impact on the motorcycle’s legacy. The large number of KZ400s that were produced means that they are relatively easy to find and purchase today. This makes the KZ400 a good choice for riders who are looking for a classic motorcycle that is affordable and easy to maintain. Additionally, the high production numbers of the KZ400 have helped to create a large community of riders who are passionate about the motorcycle. This community provides support and resources for KZ400 owners, and it helps to ensure that the KZ400 will continue to be a popular motorcycle for many years to come.
FAQs about the Kawasaki KZ400
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a popular motorcycle that has been in production for many years. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the KZ400:
Question 1: What are the key features of the Kawasaki KZ400?
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a reliable, affordable, and versatile motorcycle. It is powered by a 398 cc inline-four engine and has a top speed of 115 mph. The KZ400 is available in a variety of styles, including a standard model, a cafe racer model, and a touring model. It is also available with a variety of optional features, including a fairing, saddlebags, and a luggage rack.
Question 2: What is the fuel economy of the Kawasaki KZ400?
The Kawasaki KZ400 has a fuel economy of up to 50 mpg. This makes it a fuel-efficient motorcycle that is good for commuting or touring.
Question 3: What is the weight of the Kawasaki KZ400?
The Kawasaki KZ400 weighs 385 pounds. This makes it a relatively lightweight motorcycle that is easy to maneuver.
Question 4: What is the seat height of the Kawasaki KZ400?
The Kawasaki KZ400 has a seat height of 30 inches. This makes it a good choice for riders of all heights.
Question 5: What is the price of the Kawasaki KZ400?
The Kawasaki KZ400 was introduced in 1974 with a price tag of $2,000. This made it one of the most affordable motorcycles in its class.
Question 6: How many units of the Kawasaki KZ400 were produced?
Over 100,000 units of the Kawasaki KZ400 were produced during its production run from 1974 to 1980. This makes it a popular and successful motorcycle.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Kawasaki KZ400. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a Kawasaki dealer or visit the Kawasaki website.
Overall, the Kawasaki KZ400 is a great choice for riders of all levels. It is a reliable, affordable, and versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Transition to the next article section:
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a classic motorcycle that has stood the test of time. It is a popular choice for riders of all levels, and it is sure to continue to be a popular motorcycle for many years to come.
Tips for Kawasaki KZ400 Owners
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a classic motorcycle that has been enjoyed by riders for decades. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your KZ400:
Tip 1: Keep up with regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your KZ400 running smoothly and safely. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, and have your motorcycle inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year.
Tip 2: Use high-quality oil and filters.
The oil and filters in your KZ400 play a vital role in protecting the engine and other components. Be sure to use high-quality oil and filters that are specifically designed for motorcycles.
Tip 3: Check your tire pressure regularly.
Proper tire pressure is essential for safety and performance. Check your tire pressure regularly, and adjust it to the recommended levels as needed.
Tip 4: Ride defensively.
Always ride defensively, and be aware of your surroundings. This will help you to avoid accidents and keep yourself safe.
Tip 5: Have fun!
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a great motorcycle to ride. Enjoy the ride, and be sure to share your experiences with other KZ400 owners.
These are just a few tips to help you get the most out of your Kawasaki KZ400. By following these tips, you can keep your motorcycle running smoothly and safely for many years to come.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your KZ400.
- Using high-quality oil and filters can help to protect your engine.
- Proper tire pressure is essential for safety and performance.
- Riding defensively can help to avoid accidents.
- The Kawasaki KZ400 is a great motorcycle to ride.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a classic motorcycle that has stood the test of time. By following these tips, you can keep your KZ400 running smoothly and safely for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Kawasaki KZ400 is a classic motorcycle that has stood the test of time. It is a popular choice for riders of all levels, and it is sure to continue to be a popular motorcycle for many years to come.
The KZ400 is a reliable, affordable, and versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a great choice for commuting, touring, and even racing. If you are looking for a classic motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to maintain, the Kawasaki KZ400 is a great option.