DAVID SHEEHAN
Features
An unrivalled account of the Z1's record-breaking feat in Daytona in 1973
From the author of Superbike and the 70s Vintage Motor Cycle magazines Book of 2013
Examines the myths and uncovers the truth about the Z1's first race win
Over 100 photographs and illustrations, some never previously published
Reveals not only the bike that shaped motorcycling, but also the era that shaped the Z1
Sheehan recreates Cycle magazine's seminal Superbike 'Big 7' road tests
Foreword by Cook Neilson, former Editor of Cycle magazine
Neilson on Sheehan's account of the editor's visit to Japan to preview the Z1: A great trip, well told
it reads like a thriller The Road, Motorcycle Action Group club journal
Description
The Kawasaki Z1 Story tells how the smallest of JapanÂs Big Four motorcycle manufacturers nearly beat the worldÂs biggest to become the first to the market with a Four, and how HondaÂs CB750 debut almost spelled the end for the Z-1 Â
before Kawasaki stunned everybody with something bigger, faster, and better!
Synopsis
Just as Kawasaki was about to green-light the worldÂs first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle, Honda pulled the rug out from under them, unveiling the CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968. It lit the fuse for what was to become motorcyclingÂs most explosive decade.
In never before published interviews, with the men responsible for the bike code-named ÂNew York Steak, Dave Sheehan relates the story behind the Z1Âs development; the secret US testing programme in which a team including Imola-race winner Paul Smart rode pre-production bikes disguised as Hondas coast-to-coast across America.
The Kawasaki Z1 Story examines the myth, truth and legend surrounding the Z1Âs first race win  of which even Kawasaki knew nothing. Here, too, is the full story of the epic three days at FloridaÂs legendary Daytona Speedway when a trio of Z1s broke more than 50 speed endurance records.
Additional Information
Covers the period 1837-1978, but with particular focus on 1972.
