Kawasaki KZ

The Kawasaki KZ line, starting with the legendary 1972 Z1 (later KZ900), established Kawasaki's dominance in the superbike category. It was a direct response to the Honda CB750, but offered more displacement and power, earning it the nickname "King of the Road." Over its production run, the KZ family grew to include various displacements, from the middleweight KZ400 twin to the iconic 6-cylinder KZ1300, but the 4-cylinder 900 and 1000cc models remain the most famous.

Collectors are drawn to the KZ for its historical impact and raw performance. The early Z1 is the most sought-after, representing a pivotal moment in motorcycling history. The KZ1000's use in the TV show *CHiPs* and its success in racing further cemented its legendary status. These bikes defined an era of performance that was accessible to the public, and their classic UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) styling is timeless.

The market for KZs is diverse, with 89 recent sales showing a wide spread. While project bikes can be found for very little, values for restored, numbers-matching early models have climbed significantly. The average sale price of $5,308 indicates a healthy market for good-quality riders, while the top sales prove that collectors will pay a premium for the best examples.

Prices range from as little as $500 for projects to over $25,000 for pristine, early models.