The 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European from Japan was powered by a 1084cc DOHC V-4 producing 100hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 268.0kg (591 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at touring riders.
The 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R by contrast offered 1015cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 90hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 240.0kg (529 lbs) with a top speed of 215km/h (134 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1990s motorcycles represent peak analog engineering before electronics took over. Original, low-mileage examples are beginning to appreciate.
Specifications Comparison
| 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European | 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1084 cc | 1015 cc |
| Power | 100 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 106.0 Nm | 82.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 268.0 kg | 240.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 303.0 kg | 260.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1555 mm | 1505 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 28.0 L | 19.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European is built for long-distance touring with passenger comfort, while the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R targets spirited café-racer style riding. On paper, the 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European's 100hp trumps the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R's 90hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European if you value long-distance touring with passenger comfort; pick the 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R for spirited café-racer style riding.
About the 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European
The 1991 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European is a 1084cc four-cylinder touring motorcycle that became one of Honda's most memorable motorcycles of the 1990s.
Full 1991 Honda ST1100 Pan European Profile →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 →