Naked Motorcycles
1981Kawasaki Z 1000 J
19 fields on record
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 J is a heavyweight naked bike designed for riders seeking raw power and classic styling. Its air-cooled 998cc inline-four engine delivers 98 horsepower, making it one of the era's most potent superbikes. Best known for aggressive performance and straightforward engineering, it appeals to enthusiasts valuing reliability and straightforward thrills.
- Capacity
- 998.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 253.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A muscular early-80s UJM sport-tourer built for fast open-road cruising and confident overtaking rather than tight technical work.
- Built for
- Raw, torquey, and mechanical in feel, with a classic four-cylinder growl and analog handling that feels direct but demands respect.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for new riders, those seeking nimble city commuting, or anyone wanting off-road capability.
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
- 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3874 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
- 211.0 km/h (131.1 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.25-18
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 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L | 21 L | 21 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 J?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 J has a Capacity of 998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 1000 J have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 J has a Power of 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 1000 J have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 J has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 1000 J weigh?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1000 J has a Wet weight of 253.0 kg (557.8 pounds).
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