Kawasaki Z 750 2013 — Specifications

After spending so many years dominating its segment, the Z 750 couldn't easily pass the torch to the Z 800. It remains in the catalog and that’s not doing it too badly. Especially since Kawa had to revise the price, and the Z seven and a half costs barely more than an ER-6.

Since 2007, Kawa has decided to strengthen its position in the mid-size and large roadster market. A beautiful tactical choice by the manufacturer, highlighting a double offering of muscular naked bikes. You cracked for the 1000 phase 2 but its large engine intimidated you? No problem: it will also be available in 3/4 of a liter. As for the look, nothing to say, except that it’s a shock. Always a style based on the elder with subtle retouching... a little more pronounced than it had been on the previous generation of Z. You’re going to have to look closely to see them, but the differences are still there: standard brake calipers and not radial, less exuberant radiator cowls, no mini-screen on the headstock, less imposing swingarm, no decorative cover on the clutch cover. These small details preserve the essential while bringing a certain lightness to the whole. Except maybe the single exhaust with double outlet. Provocative, as exotic as the tubs of the big Z.

Light and sparkling to the eye; sturdy in the guts. The 748 cm3 benefits from this new model year to update itself. An engineering touch here, a dose of engine specialists there, and the 4-cylinder block (reminisce, it comes from the sportive ZX-9R) is announced for more torque at mid-range, more availability, and even more liveliness and fire when climbing towards the high-revs. To keep up with this supplement of vitamins, you need a chassis that can handle it. This wasn’t a problem previously, but Kawa does things well and the 2007 frame receives (like the 1000) a lateral bracing bar. The front end didn’t bother with details: it simply ditched its classic fork for an inverted model 41 mm in diameter.

The streetfighter war is just beginning, and Kawa is putting a lot of effort into strengthening its troops. The Z 750 has been at the top of sales since its release. A motorcycle that doesn’t disappoint, that still has attitude but whose chassis is outdated, especially compared to the very effective Triumph 675 Street Triple and Suzuki 750 GSR.

M.B - photos manufacturer