Kawasaki Z750

The Z750 motorcycles is Kawasaki's model in budget class of nakeds and half faired bikes, smaller version of Kawasaki Z1000. [Image:black_z750.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Kawasaki Z750]]

Z750 was presented in 2004, after Z1000 great success in 2003. Kawasaki played simple, they used same engine block, cheaper front suspension and much simplier exhaust making a cut-down version of Z1000. Apperance was a bit less aggresive and "eye catching" the fun factor stayed equally high and the price was significatly lower.

Z750 easily manages to defeat his comeptitors (Yamaha FZ6 and Fazer, Suzuki GSR600, Bandit 650, SV650(s), Honda CB600(F)) in most head-to-head comparsions mainly because bigger engine. 100-150 ccm of extra in in-line four generates substantialy more torque than all other "classmates". By many, this is cheating because for years this class was populated with 600-650ccm bikes, but consumers really don't care, they get faster and more exicitng bike for same money. Bigger engine costs more so Kawasaki had to go with the steel frame, while all other manufacturers use aluminium which made Z750 heaviest in class. This is only real con for Z750, but 10kg more was easily canceled with more power coming from big engine.

In 2005, Kawasaki presented Z750S version which is more tourer, and less streetfighter. This version has one big seat instead of two part seat on Z750, bigger fairing for wind protectrion, doesn't have rear tire "hugger" like Z750 and uses analog speedometer and tachograph instead great looking digital instruments taken from ZX-R models on Z750 and Z1000

Technical specifications (ZR750-J1)

• Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
• Displacement 748 cm3
• Bore and Stroke 68.4 x 50.9 mm
• Compression ratio 11.3:1
• Valve system DOHC, 16 valves
• Fuel system Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 4 (Keihin)
• Ignition Digital
• Starting Electric
• Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
• Transmission 6-speed, return
• Maximum power 106-110 PS (depending on market)
• Maximum torque 72-75Nm (7.4-7.6 kgf/m)
• Tyre:
• front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
• rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
• Suspension
• Front: 41 mm telescopic fork
• Rear: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak
• Brakes
• Front: Dual semi-floating 300 mm discs
• Calliper Dual twin-piston
• Rear: Single 220 mm disc
• Calliper Single-piston
• Overall length 2,080 mm
• Overall width 780 mm
• Overall height 1,040 mm
• Wheelbase 1,425 mm
• Ground clearance 165 mm
• Seat height 815 mm
• Dry weight 195 kg
• Fuel capacity 18 litres
• Maximum Speed est. 240 km/h

The engine used is a sleeved down version of the Z1000 engine which was based on a bored out ZX-9R engine.

Other differences between the Z1000 and Z750(S) include:

• Cheaper, non-adjustable front suspension.
• Black, rather than colour coded wheels and rider's seat.
• Simpler and cheaper 4-2-1 exhaust (rather than golden 4-2-4).

A standard Z750 will make almost 100 hp at the rear wheels, and swapping the muffler for an easier-breathing item will yield slightly over that figure. The power is delivered in a seamless stream with no large dips or troughs but it still manages to deliver a furious top end rush. The fuel injection is a sophisticated dual-butterfly system usually found on more expensive bikes. One butterfly is controlled by the rider while the other is controlled by the EFI. It delivers smooth and usable power from just over tick-over to the 11'500 rpm redline.

The brakes are quite basic, two pot floating units. They lack feel with the standard brake lines but still give a surprising amount of power.

Handling wise the Z750 is much more than the sum of its parts. The wide bars allow the rider to flick between corners with ease and the bike handles lumps and bumps in the road better than any sports bike. The pegs will touch down quite easily but this is more due to the bike's ability than their low placement.

The small screen doesn't offer much protection at high speeds, especially at its 245 km/h indicated top speed! The riding position is very comfortable with a classic naked bike style - sit up and beg. The pillion position is less accommodating with a small peg-to-seat height and no real grab-handle. The 18 liter tank allows for a much larger than average cruising range.