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Naked Motorcycles

1981Kawasaki Z750

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The 1981 Kawasaki Z 750 is a classic air-cooled four that suits riders who enjoy honest, mechanical big-bore character over modern electronics. Its 738 cc in-line four delivers 74 hp through a five-speed box and chain final drive, with dual front discs and a generous 22 litres of fuel for long days out. Best known as a sturdy, versatile sports roadster from Kawasaki's golden Z era.

Capacity
738.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
226.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1981 Kawasaki Z750

vs the 1980
Spec19801981
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
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 40Agility 38Comfort 58Off-road 10Touring 40Road manners 82
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering72%
City riding72%
Daily riding70%
Touring42%
Two-up45%
Track60%
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.

Full specifications

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 (wet)
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
Wet weight
226.0 kg
Fuel capacity
22.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
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 198019811984200520092012
Capacity 739 cc 738 cc 738 cc 748 cc 748 cc 748 cc
Seat height — — — — 815 mm 815 mm
Fuel capacity 22 L 22 L 22 L — 18.5 L 18.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Rider rating

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Z750?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z750 has a Capacity of 738.0 ccm (45.04 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Z750 have?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z750 has a Power of 74.0 HP (54.4 kW) @ 9000 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Z750 have?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z750 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Z750?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z750 has a Torque of 57.0 Nm (5.8 kgf-m or 42.0 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki Z750 weigh?

The 1981 Kawasaki Z750 has a Wet weight of 226.0 kg (498.2 pounds).

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