I first saw this particular bike in an email posting and spent the next hour trying to figure out exactly what it was, not that it was an unusual model, but the sight of those four chrome tail pipes coming out the back of the bike. The only bikes that looked similar were European or Japanese Domestic models, nothing like that was sold in the USA. So when the bike rolled into the shop, not only was I surprised to see it here, but finally got the story on this unique motorcycle.

The owner of the bike is in my age bracket, just short of being as old as dirt. When we were coming into motorcycles, first it was the Honda 750 4 that blew everything into the weeds. A few years later, Kawasaki regrouped and offered the most powerful, exotic production machine ever sold, the 1972 900-Z1. It actually terrified me the first time I sat on one. All of that uncontrollable horsepower, Disc Brakes, the potential harm it could cause my limited, unchecked riding style was knee shaking. And then the years passed and in hindsight, all of those worries were muted by bigger, faster, bigger again and even more fast. And today 81 Horsepower is half of what is available to anyone, by being able to simply fog a mirror or write a check.

But hindsight is always viewed through Rose Colored Glasses and Kawasaki, recognizing this (along with everyone and their sister), came out with a modern retro version of the bike known as the Z900RS. In appearance, all the signature features were kept, the paint scheme, the wheels, added fins on the heads and the Z1 inspired Tailsection along with an analog speedometer and tach. They added Fuel Injetion, ABS Brakes, Traction Control and 2 different Ride Modes, Sport and Normal (can anyone tell me what normal should look like?).

But Kawasaki sold the bike in the states with a 4 into 1 exhaust system unlike the original 4 into 4 of the Z1. Our customer wanted the complete package and had an agent in Japan source this exhaust system on the bike, at a cost of close to $2,400. As soon as it was installed, the bike was parked under lights in his garage for his admiration, but not ridden very much. A first service was completed at the dealer, but only 677 total miles were added from new. The ether has worn off, the lights dimmed and the bike is being offered for sale. Not all good plans are practical plans.

Our selling price is $9,695. The VIN# is JKAZR2C19JA008732 and miles are 964. Please come by and see at Automania LLC, 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526. http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest