Today the company Kawasaki is one of the largest industrial concerns specializing in various fields, one of which is the production of motorcycles. Despite the fact that the production of motorcycle products is not the main activity «Kawasaki», the company produces top-notch models that set the standard for other motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

All Kawasaki logos

Shozo Kawasaki (1837-1912)

How it all started

The birth year of the Kawasaki company can be considered 1878, when its founder, Shozo Kawasaki, founded his first shipbuilding plant. The Kawasaki Heavy Industries trademark itself appeared only in 1896.

Gradually, Shozo expanded his activities, engaging in:

railway and civil engineering;
steel rolling production;
aircraft manufacturing;
manufacturing of motors and electric generators.

Kawasaki shipyard at the end of the 19th century

Kawasaki dry dock in Kobe

When the Sino-Japanese War began, the company concentrated on ship repairs, which significantly improved its financial condition. But with the dropping of atomic bombs the situation changed seriously. Kawasaki has to revamp all its divisions.

Kawasaki's first steam locomotive in 1911

Kawasaki's first airplane in 1922

Production was revived when management began to explore a new direction - the development of small engines that could be installed on bicycles. The work was entrusted to the company's aircraft plant, which had the necessary technical and professional base.

The first developments in the new field were 2- and 4-stroke engines, which were adapted for installation on Noris brand bicycles. But the company soon realizes that the production of small engines has minimal prospects. Therefore the type of activity «Kawasaki» is once again expanding into two-wheeler manufacturing.

In 1954, 200 scooter models rolled off the Kawasaki assembly line, called the Bikescooter KV-2. A little later, the company buys out the production of another Japanese motorcycle company, known for its Meihatsu motorcycles.

Under this brand the company «Kawasaki» begins production of bicycles with outboard motors:

Motor scooter Bikescooter KV-2 1954

Motorcycle Meihatsu 125 Deluxe 1956

The latest version became a record in its class, as it was capable of accelerating to 81.5 km/h. Moreover, this bicycle with an outboard motor showed excellent results in tests, covering about 50 thousand kilometers without a single damage.

In 1961, the first scooter was produced under the Kawasaki brand. We are talking about the B7 model, equipped with a 125 cm³ engine, with an ergonomic design and a body made of modern composite materials.

Motorcycle Kawasaki B7 1961

Motorcycle Kawasaki B8 1962

In 1962, the buyer presented a new product in this model range. B8 scooter with a 125 cm two-stroke engine³. Later, the two-wheeler was hailed as the most practical vehicle on the market.

At the same time, the company decides to improve its reputation and recognition in the motorcycle industry. And the best way to express yourself is to participate in the Japanese Motocross Championship. At the first competitions, the Kawasaki motorcycle took 6 prizes in the 125 cm³ class, which brought popularity to the company.

In 1962, the Japanese brand's lineup was replenished with models with two-stroke engines up to 150 cm³. At the same time, the company understands that the local market has become «cramped», and it’s time to expand your sphere of influence. And the choice fell on the American market, which was chosen by many other motorcycle manufacturers.

Attempts to conquer America

For the American market, a separate model range was created with road, horse-riding and other types of motorcycles. But all of them were not accepted by the Americans, since they were much inferior to British bikes. The following models were also not accepted:

500 cm³ Meguro K2
Kawasaki W1 with 650 cm³ engine

Motorcycle Kawasaki Meguro K2 1965

Motorcycle Kawasaki W1 1965

The company tried to break into the foreign market until 1975, but realizing that the attempts were unsuccessful, it decided to reconsider its approach and create a model specifically for this audience.

The first steps towards modernizing the bikes were to reduce the weight of two-cylinder two-stroke engines. Thus, the following models appear in the assortment of the Japanese manufacturer:

Kawasaki A1 Samurai with 250 cm³ engine
Kawasaki A7 Avenger with 350 cm³ engine

Motorcycle Kawasaki A1 Samurai 1967

Motorcycle Kawasaki A7 Avenger 1967

And in 1968, the brand presented the H1 motorcycle, equipped with a 500 cm³ engine. It was a unique model in its class, accelerating to 193 km/h and covering the first 400 m in just 13 seconds.

But the model had shortcomings that were completely covered by the drive that I had when riding this motorcycle. This success did not go unnoticed by American buyers.

Motorcycle Kawasaki H1 Mach III 1969

Motorcycle Kawasaki S1 Mach I 1972

A few years later, Kawasaki presents the younger models of the series:

S1 with 250 cm³ engine
S2 with 350 cm³ engine
S3 with 400 cm³ engine

However, high fuel consumption soon becomes the reason that US motorcyclists again pay attention to competing bikes.

Motorcycle Kawasaki S3 Mach II 1974

Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1 1972

In 1972, Kawasaki presented «ideal» Z1 motorcycle with 903 cm³ engine, double overhead camshafts, 4 exhaust pipes and electric starter. This bike accelerated to 209 km/h.

Since the mid-1970s the company «Kawasaki» is working hard to expand and improve its product range, presenting it to the American and Japanese markets.

New market – Kawasaki’s arrival in Russia

Japanese Kawasaki motorcycles appeared in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. But the company’s first official dealer appeared on the Russian market only in 2006. Models with engines designed for large cubic capacity received particular love among Russian motorcyclists.

Bikes with large cubic capacity engines were especially popular in our country. This:

Kawasaki ZX-12R Ninja
Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZX-12 Ninja 2000

Motorcycle Kawasaki Vulcan VN2000 2005

To continue to be a leader in speed, the company «Kawasaki» updates the ZZR model, equipping the bike with a 1441 cm³ engine and a power of 210 hp.

Kawasaki today and the best models of motorcycles of the Japanese brand

Today in the range of the brand «Kawasaki» motorcycles of all classes are presented. But the brand did not stop its development and since 2015 it has reached a new peak - electric motorcycle products. Thus, the company’s product range included electric motorcycles and transformable motorcycles. Despite all the progress, the legendary ones in the collection of the Japanese manufacturer are:

Vulcan

The Vulcan series has been produced by the company since 1984. These are classic bikes that were originally created in «American» style. But they brought fame and became the hallmark of Kawasaki in the world market. The main features of motorcycles in this model range are:

closed duplex frame;
wide wheels and fenders;
low landing and center of gravity;
telescopic fork;
rider seat.

And of course, Vulkan motorcycles were distinguished by simply a huge number of chrome parts.

Motorcycle KawasakiVN750 Vulcan 1990

Motorcycle Kawasaki VN900 Vulcan 2018

ER-4/5/6

The ER-4/5/6 series is represented by road motorcycles that have been produced since the 1970s. The latest new product, ER-6, was presented to an audience of motorcycle fans in 2006. This bike replaced the already outdated ER-5 model, which has not changed since 1996. The new Kawasaki ER-6 was aimed not only at the Japanese market. Introduced in 2006, the model is able to satisfy the needs of discerning consumers in America, Europe and Australia.

Motorcycle Kawasaki ER-5 1998

Motorcycle Kawasaki ER-4n 2011

GTR 1000/1400

GTR 1000/1400 is a series of sports touring bikes produced by a Japanese company since 2008. The motorcycles are based on the ZX-14 hyperbike platform (ZZR1400), but complemented by advanced technologies that are used in sports tourers. The GTR 1400 uses a liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine. Its power is 160 hp. and provides 136 Nm of torque.

Motorcycle Kawasaki GTR 1000 2003

Motorcycle Kawasaki GTR 1400 2016

Ninja 400/650/1000

The Ninja series with models 400/650/1000, the motorcycles of which have shown maximum speed results since their inception, that is, since 1984, when the first Ninja bike appeared. All models in this line offer a fantastic combination of advanced technology and sporting capabilities. Since the introduction of the last Ninja 1000 sport-touring bike in 2003, the models in this line have undergone several significant restylings.

Motorcycle Kawasaki Ninja 400 2021

Motorcycle Kawasaki Ninja 1000 2014

ZX-6 Ninja

The ZX-6 Ninja is a stylish and powerful sports bike that is rightfully considered one of the best in its class. Kawasaki began production of this motorcycle back in 1995, targeting the model at consumers in Europe, the USA and Asia. But that didn't stop ZX-6 Ninja become popular all over the world. These are sportbikes of medium capacity, but with excellent chassis.

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZX-6 Ninja 1999

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZX-6 Ninja 2019

ZX-9 Ninja

The ZX-9 Ninja series motorcycles were produced by the company from 1994 to 2003. The basis for the bikes was the platform of another Kawasaki sports model - the ZXR750. The first models had only minor differences from the prototype. But subsequent generations completely separated from their predecessor and began to be equipped with:

aluminum frame;
adjustable sports suspension;
powerful braking system;
6-speed gearbox;
Gas tank of 19 liters or more.

But the main feature of the ZX-9 Ninja was the 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which produced power up to 144 hp.

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZX-9 Ninja 1995

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZX-9 Ninja 2002

Versys

Versys is a series of enduro touring motorcycles. The first generation model Versys 650 appeared in 2006. It featured elements adopted from the ER-6: frame, chassis and engine. But the new product had longer-travel suspensions, an inverted adjustable front fork, a different subframe, a front half-fairing and different engine settings. At the moment, the latest generation Versys models are produced mainly for the markets of Europe, Canada and the USA.

Motorcycle Kawasaki Versys 650 2021

Motorcycle Kawasaki Versys 1000 2022

Z 1000

Neyed Z 1000 were announced by the company «Kawasaki» in 2003. The new product is positioned as a successor to the legendary Z series bikes, which were produced in the 70s. But the Z 1000 had components from the company's other sports bikes: a steel frame, a deformed engine, plastic elements.

In 2007, a major restyling took place. The front brake gets radial calipers, power is reduced to 125 hp. The second major restyling comes in 2010, when the manufacturer redesigns the plastic components, dashboard and aluminum frame. After 2010, Z 1000 motorcycles began to be equipped with a new engine with an increased volume and the ability to produce 138 hp.

Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1000 2020

Motorcycle Kawasaki Z1000SX 2022

KX/KLX

The KX and KLX series are the prototype and its successor. KLX were created on the basis of the KX cross-country series. But this is not a classic enduro or other type of bike. The KLX line combines enduro qualities, «cross» and a street motorcycle. KLX inherited from its parent:

1. Steel perimeter frame.
2. Inverted cartridge fork.
3. Uni-Trak rear suspension.
4. Off-road ground clearance.

The new generation KLX models began to use a reinforced frame, petal brake discs and Keihin injectors.

Motorcycle Kawasaki KX450 2023

Motorcycle Kawasaki KLX250 2019

ZZR

Initially, the ZZR line was created exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. Kawasaki planned to produce a limited number of motorcycles, so their distribution to the international market was minimal. But with the emergence of dealership centers in the Russian Federation and other countries, bikes of this model range began to enjoy incredible popularity and demand. And the main reason for this was the maintainability of motorcycles.

Since its introduction, the ZZR range has been modified several times. The first generations of motorcycles were characterized by higher power, reaching 58 hp. Later, the manufacturer increased the capacity of the fuel tank and equipped the model with a dashboard with a fuel sensor and an inertial pressurization system. In 2000, the ZZR line began to be equipped with an exhaust catalyst.

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR400 2003

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR600 2005

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR1100 2001

Motorcycle Kawasaki ZZR1400 2018

Models of Kawasaki

Aprilia BMW Ducati Harley Honda Kawasaki Suzuki Triumph Yamaha