Naked Motorcycles
1981Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD
19 fields on record
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD is a heavyweight cruiser-styled superbike suited for riders seeking comfortable, capable all-around performance. Its air-cooled 998cc inline-four engine delivers 95 horsepower with smooth mid-range power, while the LTD trim emphasizes touring comfort over outright speed. Best known for blending classic styling with modern engineering, it remains a respected standard for accessible high-displacement motorcycling.
- Capacity
- 998.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 254.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 95.0 HP (69.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built as a cruiser-styled naked bike for relaxed boulevard riding and straight-line power rather than sharp cornering performance.
- Built for
- It has a classic muscular Japanese UJM character, delivering strong air-cooled inline-four torque with a raw, mechanical, retro feel.
- Not ideal for
- It's not the right choice for riders seeking modern agility, off-road capability, or lightweight flickable handling.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 998.0 ccm
- Power
- 95.0 HP (69.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3740 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 69.4 x 66.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 192.0 km/h (119.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-16
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD has a Capacity of 998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD has a Power of 95.0 HP (69.9 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD weigh?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 LTD has a Wet weight of 254.0 kg (560.0 pounds).
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