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1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 Overview
For 1981, Kawasaki offers the Z 1300 as a naked bike motorcycle with 1286 cc on tap. The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 is built around a Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.9:1. Out on the road, the Z 1300 delivers 87.5 kW @ 8000 rpm of peak power and 116 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 223.6 km/h. In everyday use, the 1981 Z 1300 tips the scales at 322 kg, carries a 27-litre fuel tank and spans a 1580 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 113.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 spec sheet below.
1981 Z 1300 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the Z 1300 is 87.5 kW @ 8000 rpm and 116 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Large fuel range: With a 27-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Carburetor maintenance
Being carbureted, the Z 1300 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.
Brake disc and pad wear
2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic forks up front and Dual shocks preload adjustable at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the Z 1300 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Double Cradle chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The Z 1300's 322 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
Z 1300 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Z 1300 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a Z 1300's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A Z 1300 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 uses a Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder. engine with 1286 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 has a factory-quoted top speed of 223.6 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 weigh?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 weighs 322 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 make?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 produces 87.5 kW @ 8000 rpm of power and 116 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 has a 27-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 450-540 km between stops.
What brakes does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 uses 2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers at the front and Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 use?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 runs 110/90 -18 front and 130/90 -17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 have?
The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.
Power
87.5 kW / 120 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque
116 Nm / 11.8 kgf-m / 85.6 ft. lbs @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
223.6 km/h / 139 mph
Fuel Capacity
27 Litres / US 7.1 gal
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Full 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 Specifications
Year
1981 - 82
Make Model
Kawasaki Z 1300
Wheelbase
1580 mm / 62.2 in
Ground Clearance
145 mm / 5.7 in
Dry Weight
297 kg / 654.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity
27 Litres / US 7.1 gal
Oil Capacity
4.5 L / 1.2 US gal
Wet Weight
322 kg / 709 lbs
Displacement
1286 cc / 78.5 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
62 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio
9.9:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification
Mineral, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption
6.5 L/100 km / 15.3 km/l / 36 US mpg
Fuel Induction
3x 32mm twin choke Mikuni BSW carburetors
Ignition
Analogue CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ign.)
Lubrication
Wet sump
Spark Plug
NGK, CR9E
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi disc
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.29 (39/17) / 2nd 1.67 (35/21) / 3rd 1.28 (32/25) / 4th 1.07 (29/27) 5th 0.93 (27/29):1
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Double Cradle
Suspension - Front
Telescopic forks
Suspension - Rear
Dual shocks preload adjustable
Rake
28.5°
Trail
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Brakes - Front
2x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 250 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
110/90 -18
Tyres - Rear
130/90 -17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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