Road-testing the Kawasaki Z 750.
There are, in all, six variants of the popular Kawasaki Z 750, a machine which provides serious competition for its bigger Z 1000 brother. There is the naked Z 750, which is the machine we tested, and the faired Z 750S.
Either model can be had in a power restricted 25kW (33bhp) or the full power (81kW) version and either one can have the pillion seat replaced by a cowl and so become a monoposto.
The Z 750 is a machine with ideas above its station. Think of it as big-hearted. Comparisons with its big brother the Z 1000 are inevitable; indeed apart from having normal instead of USD forks, it looks much the same. The Z 750 produces (in standard form) 81kW (110PS/ 108bhp) or 21 bhp less than the Z 1000. It is 0.41secs slower 0-60mph, and down just 14mph on top speed, but, and it is a big but, it costs €2,850 less.
It is at the upper end of the middleweight class, and is intended to be a sports-tourer, in our view a distinctly solo tourer given the meagre pillion provision. The faired or "S" version has what Kawasaki refer to as a half-cowl, a distinctly honest description of what many others might call a fairing. It would give modest protection, but a long way short of being a gentleman's express.
The initial impression, once astride the machine, is of a surprisingly comfortable riding position, especially given the apparent thinness of the seat. The handlebar height is sensible, with not too much weight on the wrists.
The engine has that "come on, let's get moving" feel about it, with an exhaust note that starts as a meaty growl, ups to a snarl and crescendos into a bellow at the upper end of the rev range. We found it noisy enough for the rider and over a long day's riding many would be glad of ear plugs. It would not pass by unnoticed!
The power delivery is impressive, without falter from tickover to its 11,000 rpm rev limit. This is an especially good example of a modern, 4-cylinder machine. This kind of engine is low torque; 75Nm at 8,200rpm and high revving. The power-to-weight ratio works out at a thoroughly respectable 545bhp per tonne. Inside it has liner-less, chrome, composite-plated aluminium bores to decrease weight and improve cooling. Lightweight pistons lower the reciprocating weight and reduce vibration and the combustion chambers, intake and exhaust ports have been reshaped to produce a broad, step-free rev range. The large radiator eliminates the need for a separate oil cooler.
The engine technology, translated into performance terms; a top speed of 222 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.13 secs, is enough to transform an old-age pensioner into a teenager. This is a machine that is always straining at the leash.
The 300mm dual front disks with 2-piston callipers and the rear 200mm single disk provide first-rate stopping power; the rear brake is noticeably powerful for this class of machine.
The instruments are contained within a circular LCD clock with the revs shown in analogue form on the outer scale and speed, oddometer, twin trip meters, clock, fuel-gauge information in digital form in the centre. The clutch and brake levers are adjustable for reach.
Acceleration is everything you could wish for, and you could well be forgiven for thinking you were riding a one-litre machine.
The brakes are superb. The gears are nicely chosen and the gear changing, though not the very best we have experienced, performed well enough. Roadholding is well up to sports-tourer standard. The suspension, which is fully adjustable for both pre-load and damping, coped well even with sub-standard conditions. The mirrors give a moderately good view, slightly longer stalks would radically improve that view.
There is a choice of colours; Ebony, Candy Plasma Blue, Metallic Phantom Silver for the Z 750 and Candy Plasma Blue, Pear; Magma Red or Metallic Spark Black for the Z750S. In all cases the engine casings have a bronze finish.
With some colours, such as blue and black this gives a very sober appearance, with others such as the Magma Red it looks quite stunning.
For insurance purposes the 25kW (33hp), factory restricted version is rated Group 5 whilst the full power models are in Group 10. The restricted models cost an additional €300.
All in all, a good example of a modern, typically Japanese transverse DOHC, 16 valve sports-tourer which offers more than its under €9,000 price tag would suggest.
Tech Spec
ENGINE: 748cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 16 valve, DOHC transverse 4 producing 81kW (110PS) @ 11,000rpm and 75Nmm torque @ 8,200rpm. Six speed gearbox, chain drive.
CHASSIS: Tubular steel diamond frame. 41mm forks, 120mm travel. Uni-Trak rear suspension with gas charged shock absorber, 126mm travel. 17" wheels, front 120/70 rear 180/55. Front brakes 300mm twin disks, 2 piston callipers. Rear single 220mm disk (Z750S) or 200mm (Z750) single piston calliper.
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1,425mm. Seat height 805mm (Z750S) 815mm (Z750). Fuel 18 litres. Weight 1999kg.
INSURANCE: 25KW Versions; Group 5. Full-power 81kW versions; Group 10.
PRICE: Z750 full-power €8,750, restricted €9,050. Z750S full-power €8,950, restricted €9,250