The 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 from Japan was powered by a 1089cc DOHC inline-4 producing 108hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 250.0kg (551 lbs) and with a seat height of 820mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport, hailing from Italy, by contrast offered 1064cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 90hp at 7500rpm. Tipping the scales at 213.0kg (470 lbs) with a top speed of 220km/h (137 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 | 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1089 cc | 1064 cc |
| Power | 108 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 92.0 Nm | 86.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 250.0 kg | 213.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 270.0 kg | 230.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 820 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.0 L | 18.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport targets aggressive cornering and track-day performance. On paper, the 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100's 108hp trumps the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport's 90hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport for aggressive cornering and track-day performance. Parts availability is good for the 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 and moderate for the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100
Introduced in 1981, the 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 features a 1089cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 108hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1981 Kawasaki KZ1100 Profile →About the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport
A sport bike from 1994, the 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport delivers 90hp from its 1064cc OHV V-twin engine.
Full 1994 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport Profile →