| MODEL | KAWASAKI Z 1000J 1981 |
| Year | 1981 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 998 cc / 60.9 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 69.4 x 66 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 102 hp / 76 kW @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 9.3 kgf-m / 67 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 4 x 34 mm Mikuni BS34 carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Chain, 630 endless, 92 links, 15 front / 41 rear sprockets |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks with coil air spring |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging arm with dual dampers, 7-way spring preload |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 236 mm discs, 1-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 236 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 230 kg / 507 lb |
| Wet Weight | 254 kg / 557.8 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 3.25 V19 |
| Rear Tyre | 4.25 V18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 21.4 Litres / 5.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 41 mpg (average) |
| Top Speed | 210.8 km/h / 131 mph |
A 1981 literbike from Kawasaki's Z series, built around the 998 cc air-cooled inline-four in a more refined, comfort-oriented form than the earlier Z-1. The Cycle Guide test highlights its extra power, a lighter and stiffer frame, revised suspension tuning and everyday usability over outright sportiness.
