The 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R from Japan was powered by a 1015cc DOHC inline-4 producing 90hp at 8000rpm. Weighing 240.0kg (529 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at cafe racer riders.
The 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 744cc of OHV twin power, delivering 49hp at 6200rpm. Tipping the scales at 185.0kg (408 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R | 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1015 cc | 744 cc |
| Power | 90 hp | 49 hp |
| Torque | 82.0 Nm | 54.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 240.0 kg | 185.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 260.0 kg | 198.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1505 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R is built for spirited café-racer style riding, while the 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R's 90hp trumps the 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville's 49hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R if you value spirited café-racer style riding; pick the 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville for all-round versatility and everyday riding.
About the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R
Kawasaki released the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R in 1978 with a 1015cc DOHC inline-4 powerplant making 90hp — a definitive cafe racer.
Full 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R Profile →About the 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville
Born in 1973, the 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville is a 744cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle producing 49hp from Triumph.
Full 1973 Triumph T140 Bonneville Profile →