Sportbikes
1981Kawasaki Z 750
21 fields on record
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 is a lightweight sport bike that appeals to riders seeking accessible performance without excessive power. Known for its smooth inline-six engine delivering 78 horsepower and exceptional reliability, it balances nimble handling with everyday practicality. This air-cooled middleweight became a benchmark for middleweight sportbikes, offering genuine thrills for both experienced and intermediate riders.
- Capacity
- 738.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 226.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM
What’s new for the 1981 Kawasaki Z 750
vs the 1980| Spec | 1980 | 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 739.0 ccm (45.10 cubic inches) | 738.0 ccm (45.04 cubic inches) |
| Power | 77.0 HP (56.6 kW) | 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM |
| Torque | — | 57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m or 42.0 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM |
| Top speed | 201.0 km/h (124.9 mph) | not listed |
| Compression | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as an aggressive naked streetfighter for spirited road riding, commuting, and weekend canyon carving rather than long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A raw, muscular in-line four naked bike that rewards throttle confidence with strong midrange punch and sharp, direct handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for absolute beginners, tall-distance tourers seeking wind protection, or anyone planning serious off-road use.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 738.0 ccm
- Power
- 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM
- Torque
- 57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3274 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 66.0 x 54.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.00-18
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1985 | 2005 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 739.00 ccm (45.09 cubic inches) | 736.00 ccm (44.91 cubic inches) | 736.00 ccm (44.91 cubic inches) | 736.00 ccm (44.91 cubic inches) | 748.00 ccm (45.64 cubic inches) | 748.00 ccm (45.64 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | — | — | — | — | — | 226.0 kg (498.2 pounds) |
| Seat height | — | — | — | — | — | 815 mm (32.1 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 22.00 litres (5.81 gallons) | — | — | — | — | 18.50 litres (4.89 gallons) |
| Color options | — | — | — | — | Blue, Black, Red | — |
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 750?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 has a Capacity of 738.0 ccm (45.04 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 750 have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 has a Power of 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 750 have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Z 750?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 has a Torque of 57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m or 42.0 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 750 weigh?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 has a Wet weight of 226.0 kg (498.2 pounds).
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