Description
This motorcycle is Lot 241 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 241
The Andy Chapman Collection - Part II
1973 Kawasaki 903cc Z1
Registration no. KGE 82L (see text)
Frame no. Z1F-14906
Engine no. Z1E 15060
Nicely presented example
8, 448 miles recorded
Requires recommissioning
Having established its performance credentials with the Mach III two-stroke triple, Kawasaki went on to ace the opposition yet again with the awe-inspiring Z1. The model had been planned in 750cc form in the late 1960s but was beaten to the showroom by Honda's CB750. Kawasaki's proposed superbike already had two overhead camshafts to the Honda's one, so its designers redrew the motor as a 900. Launched in 1972 at the Cologne Show, the big 'Zed' set new road-bike performance standards, at least as far as straight line speed was concerned. With 82bhp on tap, top speed was around 130mph, but if the rider used all that power on twisty roads, things could get exciting. As a fast tourer though, the Z1 excelled. Mildly revised, the model was renamed Z900 for 1976, gaining twin front disc brakes and 26mm carburettors among other more minor changes. Charismatic in the extreme, these early 'Big Zeds' are served by an enthusiastic owners club and are increasingly sought after today. Few bikes from Japan have had as big an impact on the motorcycling world.
This example was probably imported from the USA, as evidenced by the presence of side reflectors and the US-style certification plate. Possibly an older restoration, the machine displays a total of 8, 448 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography) but nothing else is known of its history. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over with compression). Although the registration 'KGE 82L' is recorded in the DVLA and HPI databases, there is no registration document (or keys) with this Lot. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves to the validity/ status of the VRN and the successful purchaser is responsible for applying for a registration certificate.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
