Marking the company’s sudden emergence into the four-cylinder, four-stroke supersports arena after being chiefly known for three cylinder two-stroke motorcycles, the Z1 has been recognised by many experts as a pivotal machine in the history of motorcycling. For Kawasaki it provided a firm foundation for a range of Z machines that have spanned forty years and look set to span forty more.

To mark the occasion, a special Z40 celebration area has been created as part of the Kawasaki stand at Motorcycle Live on which examples representing Kawasaki Z milestones over the last forty years will be displayed.

Run in partnership with the Z1 Owners Club, the six machines on show range from an immaculate original 1972 Z1 to the first fuel injected 1000cc Kawasaki and the landmark six-cylinder Z1300. With all machines displayed privately owned – and many still ridden daily – the stand will be a unique opportunity to highlight four decades of Z machinery, as Martin Lambert of Kawasaki Motors UK explains.

“There have been many Z40 celebrations across Europe this year. At each show or event, the enduring popularity of the Z model line has been apparent.

With the Z800 and Z800 e version being launched at Motorcycle Live as important 2013 models, this display marks the end of the first forty years and looks forward with optimism to the next four decades. We hope that both enthusiasts and those who want to know more about the famous Z line visit the stand enjoy the stunning array of machinery while enjoying a slice of Kawasaki heritage”.

See more Z40 images plus add your own comments, on the Kawasaki News UK Facebook site.

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