Model Name: ELIMINATOR Marketing Code: ZL900-A1

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Motorcycle Group December 1, 1984

Notes: All data reflect results of factory tests.

All data subject to change without notice.

Kawasaki News Bureau 2009 E. Edinger Avenue Santa Ana, California 927

Contact : Jeff Ringsrud (714) 720-0941 FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 7, 1984

NEW CONCEPT KAWASAKI ELIMINATOR MOTORCYCLE DEBUTS IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES, California, — A totally new concept in American street motorcycles, the Eliminator, was introduced here today by Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A.

Powered by a 908 cc liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine, the

Kawasaki Eliminator was shown for the first time at the opening of the Great American Motorcycle Show and billed as the newest innovation in the motorcycle industry.

"One of the main characteristics of a motorcycle rider in this

country is individualism, to be different, to stand out from the crowd,” said Michael Vaughan, Kawasaki's director of communications in his introduction, "But if you were to take the identification off most of the bikes on the road today, the Industry has gotten to the point where they all look pretty much alike," said Vaughan. The new Eliminator fills the gap between a high performance sports bike and the boulevard cruiser, or chopper" style motorcycle, which has dominated street motorcycle sales in the United States for the past few years. Designed in part to reflect the popularity of the American sport of motorcycle drag racing, the Eliminator concept also deals

with the practical aspect of day-to-day motorcycle use, “The majority of motorcycle riding in this country is done in the real voile of stop-and-go city traffic, freeways and interstate highways," said Vaughan, “And the best way of coping with that type of riding situation is with a solid, long-wheelbase motorcycle with an almost neutral seating position —- ail elements built into the Eliminator. "This is a bike you can ride through rush hour traffic or the Los Angeles freeway system, across the Great Plains or from coast to- coast without feeling like you've just competed in the world endurance championship”. The Eliminator is more than seven feet long overall, with a wheelbase of sore than five feet and a curb weight of around 50C pounds. It has been times at 0-50 mph in 2.2 seconds. In, addition to its liquid-cooled engine, the new Kawasaki features a six-speed transmission, shaft drive, transistorized ignition, air suspension, styled aluminum wheels and front and rear disc Drakes. From a mechanical standpoint, the Eliminator combines state-of- the-art technology with ease of operation to hold motorcycle maintenance to a minimum, according the Vaughan. The new Kawasaki will be marketed only in the United States and Canada and built exclusively at the Kawasaki production facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Eliminator is expected to be in Kawasaki dealer showrooms, by February and offered at a suggested retail price of $4,499. “--------------------------------------------------------------“

INTRODUCING THE ELIMINATOR Kawasaki's Eliminator is an all-new street bike featuring more total performance and styling than ever before, designed especially for the U.S. market. Today, cruisers are by far the most popular street bikes in the U.S., accounting for more than 65% of the market in 1983. To review this cruiser segment from the beginning, we should go back to 1973, when Kawasaki introduced the legendary Z-1. The Z-l was released in the States as a high-performance super-sports motorcycle, but a lot of customers put on various accessories and applied various surface treatments to this bike. Considering this, in 1976 Kawasaki introduced the KZ900 LTD, which was highly acclaimed and sold out instantly. This model had the feeling of a "custom-made" Z-1, and ignited the current "cruiser boom." Kawasaki considers this to be the era of first-generation cruisers. The second generation of cruisers started with the introduction of the KZ400 LTD in 1979. Because the KZ900 LTD continued to be a hit, the KZ400 LTD was developed so that more people could enjoy the cruiser feeling. The KZ400 LTD was the first bike with a specially designed frame for low seat height, which is the basic structure of today's cruisers. A middleweight displacement was decided upon so that the KZ400 LTD could be easy handled by everybody. The KZ400 LTD sold well and the cruiser category became firmly rooted in the U.S. market.

KZ900LTD KZ400LTD

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Considering the new generation of the cruisers, since 19S2 competitors have been introducing cruiser bikes which feature specially designed engines and frames. However, Kawasaki has been feeling that this generation will evolve into two subcategories, one focusing on performance and the other on style. One of the new cruiser categories is the boulevard cruiser—a bike with a free riding position and focusing on riding enjoyment (similar to previous cruisers). Kawasaki's Vulcan and LTD are in this class. The other new category is the performance (oriented) cruiser—a bike with a free riding position but featuring strong acceleration and superb total performance. The Eliminator is positioned in this class.

VULCAN 454LTD

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What is the total performance (oriented) cruiser? Kawasaki uses four words to explain this new concept— QUICK, SIMPLE, MUSCULAR, and LOW. "QUICK" is a motorcycle which concentrates on acceleration, reacting rapidly to the rider's intentions when necessary. "SIMPLE" is a motorcycle which has reliable, easy-to-use, and low-maintenance mechanisms as well as conventional surface treatment. "MUSCULAR" is a motorcycle with every detail designed for strength and reliability. "LOW" is a motorcycle which has a low center of gravity, fat tires which strongly grip the ground, and a low seat which gives a sense of security because your feet can easily reach the ground.

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First Concept Sketches

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THE KAWASAKI PHILOSOPHY Kawasaki is an engineers’ company. Since our predecessors founded Kawasaki in 1878, engineers have been well-represented at every level of management. One important result is that Kawasaki depends primarily on quality for sales success. In short, we believe in letting products sell themselves. Accordingly, Kawasaki allows engineers an unusual degree of design freedom. After 106 years, we believe this approach yields the finest possible products. Today, Kawasaki operates 31 major manufacturing facilities, including 13 overseas. Although the Kawasaki name is most famous for large high-performance motorcycles, these represent a relatively small part of KHI's engineering and manufacturing activities, which fall into seven major categories:

Aircraft Produces complete fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters, including the P-3C antisubmarine and sea patrol plane, BK-117 twin-turbine helicopter, Kawasaki Hughes helicopter, and Kawasaki Vertrol helicopter. Also responsible for production of major aircraft components (including fuselage of the new Boeing 767 and various components of the 7U7 passenger plane and F-15 supersonic fighter). Energy Plant Engineering Designs and builds major components for thermal and nuclear power plants, including high-pressure vessels, bolters, and heat exchangers. Also produces large-scale solar energy systems and geothermal power plants. Engines & Motorcycles Produces a full line of motorcycles with engines displacing from 50 to 1,300 cubic centimeters. Also responsible for production of diesel engines, jet turbine aircraft 'engines, gas turbine engines, transmissions, and generators. Machinery Designs and builds computer-controlled robots and hydraulic equipment for Industrial use. Also produces air compressors, gas compression modules, blowers, controllable-pitch propellers, and heavy construction machinery.

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Plant Engineering Designs and builds major plants for production of steel, cement, chemicals, and LNG. Also responsible for construction of major high-rise building frames, bridges, and storage tanks. Rolling Stock Produces rolling rail stock for passenger cars and locomotives (including Japan's Shinkansen), freight cars, subways, and monorails. Also produces cable car systems and fully automated guide way transit systems. Ships Designs and builds major vessels for transport of crude oil, LNG, LPG, containers, automobiles, refrigerated cargo, and general cargo. Other vessels include icebreakers, submarines, patrol and research boats, and marine-based industrial plants. Also responsible for construction of fixed petroleum drilling platforms, semi-submersible drilling platforms, self-elevating platforms for undersea construction work, and rocket launching facilities.

With all these operations in a single company, KHI’s overall engineering capabilities far exceed those of other motorcycle manufacturers, Every KHI division benefits from one of the world's largest R&D programs--which introduces such engineering advances as integrated CAE/CAD/CAM technology—while a continuous exchange of personnel and data between divisions helps keep each a lease- in its field. A few examples: Aircraft research ensures that all divisions have the latest data on lightweight, high-strength metal alloys and synthetic materials, R&D on such varied power plants as massive oil tanker diesels (producing up to %,000 horsepower per cylinder), jet aircraft turbines, and automobile power plants ensures the widest possible range of engine technology. Research on computer-control systems for aircraft, ships, and manufacturing plants yields state-of-the-art electronics technology. And continuous development of industrial robots ensures maximum production efficiency. KHI’s Motorcycle Group has contributed to this process for 2k years with a carefully developed line of two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles. With human talent, Kawasaki built the motorcycles which made our name synonymous with high performance and maximum reliability, The list includes such memorable street bikes as the A-1 Samurai... A-7 Avenger... H-l Mach III... H-2 Mach IV... the legendary Z-l... KZ650... KZI000... all the GPz models… and the Ninja. This tradition of quality engineering continues in 1985 with the Introduction of an American street bike which combines new-generation styling and state-of-the-art performance. The Kawasaki Eliminator.

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FEATURES Engine With the introduction of liquid-cooled V-Four engines, some people began predicting the end of the most successful engine configuration of the past decade and a half. But in a wide-ranging comparison of eight 1984 superbike models by one of America's motorcycle magazines, the top three finishers were In-Line Fours—two of them air-cooled. Clearly, reports of the In-Line Four's demise were greatly exaggerated. Modifications Physically, the Eliminator powerplant is virtually the same as the Ninja In-Line Four, Out there are several important differences. These include: • Smaller carburetors. • New cam profiles, • Elimination of balancer. •Elimination of oil cooler. • Larger radiator. • New exhaust system. The differences will be obvious the first time you ride. The top-end rush has been traded for extra low and mid-range power. Peak torque matches the Ninja, but the Eliminator is substantially stronger up to 8000 rpm. Maximum horsepower is down compared to the Ninja, but the Eliminator is substantially stronger up to 8,000 rpm.

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Induction, Valve Train Four 32 mm versions of Keihin's special compact carburetors with semi-flat slides replace the Ninja's 34 mm carbs. These lightweight units ensure superior fuel atomization, quicker throttle response, and reduced intake resistance. The new airbox has the same capacity as that of the Ninja (6.2 liters). The choke control is on the left handgrip*.

We have retained the quick-breathing, large-diameter valves used in the Ninja (inlet 29 mm, exhaust 24.7 mm), but valve timing has changed significantly: Eliminator Ninja Inlet: 37,5° BTDC 45° BTDC 57,5° AB

DC 65° ABDC

Exhaust: 57.5° BBDC 65° &BDC 37.5° ATDC 45° ATDC Duration: 275° 290° Lift: 8,3 mm 9,3 mm As with the Ninja, the lightweight hollow camshafts spin in five cast-in bearings. Each cam lobe actuates two valves through a dual-finger cam follower, and valve adjusters are the screw-and-locknut type. The aluminum cam cover is sealed with a reuse able rubber gasket. For increased durability, the valve spring retainers are a new alloy with equal strength but significantly more elasticity. The included valve angle remains a narrow 34.90 (inlet 18.5° and exhaust 16.4° from vertical), yielding shorter ports for increased breathing efficiency, compact chambers for increased combustion efficiency, and decreases in engine size and weight. The cam drive is the same as the Ninja's, with a single silent chain driven from the left end of the crank. The 7.94 mm chain pitch ensures more strength than a conventional chain without extra weight, while Kawasaki's specially designed automatic tensioner maintains consistent tension for the life of the engine and reduces mechanical loss.

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Cylinder Block, Combustion Chambers Separate from the crankcase, the cylinder block is made of aluminum alloy with pressed-in cast iron liners (both units are unchanged). The cylinder block is clamped between the head and crankcase by 10 bolts. The base gasket is stamped steel, the head gasket laminated steel. Bore and stroke are unchanged, with oversquare dimensions of 72.5 x 55 mm that help increase breathing efficiency in four-valve applications while reducing stress. Redline remains at a relatively high 10,500 rpm. As with the Ninja, pistons are cast aluminum with four squish zones per unit to increase combustion efficiency. Liquid cooling ensures decreased cylinder deformation for reduced oil consumption, decreased ring tension for reduced mechanical loss, and a relatively high 11:1 compression ratio for increased power. Centrally located in each chamber to increase combustion efficiency, the spark plugs remain unchanged. Bottom End The biggest change here is the elimination of the Ninja's gear-driven balancer, which isn’t needed in the rubber-mounted Eliminator engine. Counterweight changes to balance the new flywheel effect were deemed unnecessary. The oil pan has been modified due to reduced ground clearance, but as with the Ninja oil level is kept at a minimum, and there's a special dam to isolate the primary gear and clutch for increased mechanical efficiency. Oil capacity is down .3 qt to 3.9 qt. As with the Ninja, the one-piece crank turns in five plain bearings. Lightweight two-piece rods are forged from a high-strength steel alloy, The primary gear takes the place of the inboard counterweight for cylinder ft, and the gear teeth are polished to reduce lash and mechanical loss. The maintenance-free- electronic ignition, featuring an ultra-precise electronic advance, is on the far left end of the crank. Ignition timing is unchanged.

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Lubrication, Cooling Systems Except for the elimination of the oil cooler loop, the lubrication system Is identical to the Ninja's, The pump is driven by a clutch-driven shaft. Oil is drawn through the primary crankcase filter to the pump, then passed through the filter element to the crank, gearbox, valves, etc, and returns to the sump. To help prevent leakage (maximum oil pressure remains 71.1 psi), oil passes to the head via external lines. To compensate for the elimination of the oil cooler and reduced airflow due to the IS-inch front wheel and tire, a larger radiator (width and height 235 x 350 mm vs. Ninja's 325 x 197.5 mm) has been fitted with an airflow-increasing dam, increasing cooling capacity more than 20 %. The new radiator weighs 3.2 lbs vs. Ninja's 2.54 lbs. Like the Ninja, the Eliminator has a wet-liner cooling system that is highly compact and highly efficient. The system utilizes a single aluminum down-flow radiator, thermostat, electric fan, coolant reservoir, and water pump. Like the Ninja, the water pump is driven by the same shaft that drives the oil pump. Water enters the cylinder block at the front, flows up and back through the head, to the radiator, and back to the pump, The thermostat actuates at 160° F, while the fan actuates at 207° F. The coolant reservoir is located under the seat next to the battery.

Exhaust System The new exhaust system features four silver-chrome pipes which empty into a single chamber underneath the engine. The chamber empties into two bolt-on silver-chrome mufflers. The exceptionally large chamber and mufflers combine to produce a distinctive, powerful exhaust note. Over all Dimensions With the same space-efficient features as the Ninja—including an air-cooled alternator mounted behind the cylinders and chain-driven off the right end of the crank—the Eliminator engine is very compact—measuring just 17.76 in from outer cover to outer cover along the crank center line.

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Drivetrain .Modifications include: • Minor strengthening of clutch and gearbox, • Shaft drive replaces chain. • New final ratio. Primary drive is unchanged, with the straight-cut primary gear driving a similar gear on the clutch housing. Because riders are likely to make heavy demands on the clutch and gearbox, both units have been modified slightly to ensure durability. The former gets a new diaphragm spring damper system in addition to the original coil spring dampers to ease shock loads, while the latter's countershaft is machined with steps to help absorb thrust loads. Internal gear ratios are identical to the Ninja's. The clutch has the same light-pull hydraulic actuator as the Ninja, while the six-speed gearbox lets riders launch the bike easily off the line and cruise easily at speed (the engine runs at 4,000 rpm at 50 mph in top gear). The gearbox features Kawasaki's positive neutral finder. Undercut dogs are engaged in fifth and sixth gears. The shaft drive system is an improved version of the proven system used on the LTD1100. The shaft/swingarm is significantly longer—more than 20 inches from pivot center to axle center—one major reason the Eliminator's shaft drive is so smooth. The front bevel gears are supported by ball and needle bearings instead of tapered rollers to significantly reduce rolling resistance and mechanical loss. The ball bearing is of dual-row caged-ball construction to maintain optimal gear positioning. The final reduction ratio has been changed to 2.994 (16/19 x 32/9) from the Ninja's 2,941. The Eliminator's overall reduction ratio has been changed to 5.371 from the Ninja's 5.276.

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Frame The all-new double-cradle frame is made completely of high-tensile steel (circular cross -section). This is the same high-strength alloy we use to build motocross frames. The structure is exceptionally low and long. The vertical distance from steering head bottom-center to swingarm pivot center is just 14.7 in (2,8 in less than the new 700 cc Vulcan) while the horizontal distance from steering head bottom-center to swingarm pivot center is 31 in (2,5 in longer than the Vulcan). Wheelbase is 63 in., ground clearance is 5,1 in. lean angles are 40° left and right, and seat height is 29.1 in. The entire frame is welded except for the right downtube, which unbolts for easy engine access. The steering head is the same diameter as that of a 1000 cc-class bike at 48.6 mm, and features tapered roller bearings top and bottom. Rake and trail are 29° and 4.02 in (102 mm), The swingarm pivot is a new highly rigid design . Essentially a separate sub-frame, the pivot structure comprises two side plates joined by crosstubes. The shaft/swingarm, about half an inch wider than usual due to the large rear tire, is supported inside the pivot structure by tapered roller bearings. The engine has six rubberized mounts in the standard positions. The front mounts are a new design to reduce frame vibration: the engine bolts directly to each mount bracket at a single point, while each bracket is isolated from the frame at two points. The radiator mounts to the front downtubes at four points through rubberized mounts. The top section of the cast aluminum rear grab handle can be unbolted and replaced by an optional backrest Kawasaki will offer in the near future. There is no centerstand .

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Bodywork All bodywork pieces except the seat are made of ABS plastic or steel. The headlight case is painted ABS plastic supported by steel brackets. The three-gallon steel fuel tank has a vacuum fuel tap on the lower left side with positions for prime, on, and reserve. The front fender is painted steely the rear fender is un painted black plastic. Seat The removable passenger pillion is bolted to the back of the main seat section, and the main seat section is connected to the frame by a hinge at its front end. To check coolant or battery fluid levels, the seat can be unlocked, tilted up, and held in place by a support rod under the seat.

Suspension Fork stanchion diameters are unchanged (inner tube diameters 38 mm). The fork is air-adjustable, with caps located on the top of each fork leg, and travel is 5,90 in. The dual rear shocks are air-adjustable external-spring units with four-way rebound damping. The shocks are 3.30 in tall, the diameter of top and bottom caps is 3.20 in, and stroke is 3.40 in. Rear wheel travel is 4.30 in.

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Brakes Except for the disc drill pattern, the Eliminator's hard-stopping hydraulic disc brakes are the same as the Ninja’s. As on other high-performance Kawasaki models, the dual front discs and single rear disc feature single-piston calipers—just as powerful yet significantly lighter than alternative types. The calipers are fitted with sintered metal pads that are longer-wearing, more fade-resistant, and faster-acting in the wet than conventional pads. The Eliminator also features Kawasaki's high-performance brake tines, made with a super-tough synthetic fiber that restricts expansion nearly as much as braided stainless steel for precise yet forgiving response.

Wheels & Tires The new three-spoke cast aluminum wheels are exclusive to the Eliminator this year. The standard-size front wheel Is an 18-inch MT 2.15, while the super-wide rear wheel is a 15-inch MT 4.00. The front tire measures 100/90-18, while the massive rear tire measures 160/80-15.

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Instrumentation & Controls The alt-new instruments are simple, basic, and beautiful. The electric tachometer and mechanical speedometer feature white gradations on black faces (except for redline gradations from 10,500 to 13,000 rpm). Indicator needles are white with bright orange tips. A water temperature warning light is located on the tach face. The six other warning lights (for headlight, high beam, neutral, oil pressure, and left/right turn signals) are set into the top of the headlight case.

The handlebar control pods and grips are also exclusive to the Eliminator, The left pod has controls for the choke, hazard flashers, high/tow beams, left/right turn signals, and horn. The right pod has separate controls for the engine stop switch and electric starter. The new grips feature a relatively soft rubber compound and large ribs for comfortable control.

Separate hydraulic fluid reservoirs for the clutch and front brake are located just inside the left and right grips, respectively. The ignition switch, with integrated fork lock and parking light switch, is located on the right side of the upper triple clamp.

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Other Features Include: •Compact (diameter 135 mm) 60/55-watt quartz-halogen headlight, • Broad new front aluminum footpegs with rubber inserts. • Standard tool kit below seat, • Standard anti-theft chain below seat. • Twin-bulb tail light, • Separate license plate light.

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Styling A new radical profile—low, lean, and overflowing with muscle—combines state-of-the-art technology with the best of traditional American style.

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Test Results According to tests conducted at the JARI Test Center in Yatabe, Japan, the Eliminator tears up the first 50 meters (0.03 mile) of pavement quicker than any previous Kawasaki production streetbike (Eliminator 2.95 s. Ninja 3.09 s). The Eliminator is also quicker in 200-meter (1/8 mile) roll-ons from 31 and ,50 mph.

ACCELERATION DATA COMPARISON

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ENGINE PERFORMANCE CURVES COMPARISON

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ELIMIMATOR (ZL900A1) SPECIFICATIONS

ENIGINE US CANADA Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC,

16-valve Displacement 908 cc Bore and stroke 72.5 x 55.0 Compression ratio 11.0 : 1 Ignition system Transistorized, electronic advance Starting system Electric starter Lubrication system Forced lubrication (wet sump) Engine oil SAE SE or SF 10W40 3.7 litres Carburetion Kehin CVK32 x 4 Spark plug NGK D8EA or ND X24ES-U NGK DR8ES or ND X24ESR-U (Option) (NGK D9EA or ND X27ES-U) (NGK DR8ES or ND X27ESR-U) (NGK D7EA or ND X22ES-U) (NGK DR7ES or ND X22ESR-U) Valve timing: Inlet Open : 37.5° BTDC, Close :57.5° ABDC : Exhaust Open : 57.5° BBDC, Close :37.5° ATDC Charging current & Voltage Voltage: 13.5 V (night time @4000 rpm) Current: 23 A DRIVETRAIN Driving type Shaft Transmission 6-speed, return shift Primary reduction ratio 1.732 (97/56) Gear ratios :1st 2.800 (42/15) :2 nd 2.000 (38/19) :3 rd 1.590 (35/22) :4 th 1.333 (32/24) :5 th 1.153 (30/26) :6 th 1.035 (29/28) Final reduction ratio 2.994 (16/19 x 32/9) Overall reduction ratio 5.371 @ top rear Clutch Wet, multi-disc FRAME Type Tubular, double cradle frame Suspension & : Front Air adjustable telescopic fork, 5.9 in (150 mm) wheel travel : Rear Air shocks, 4.3 in. (110 mm) Tire size, : Front 100/90 – 18 56H Dunlop F17 tubeless make & type : Rear 160/80 – 15 74H Dunlop K425 tubeless Tire inflation : Front 32.0 psi (2.25 kg/cm2) : Rear Up to 180 kg load: 35.6 psi (2.8 kg/cm2) Castor (Rake angle) 29° Trial 4.02 in. (102 mm)

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ELIMIMATOR (ZL900A1) SPECIFICATIONS

BRAKES Front Dual disc. Disc diameter 11.0 (280 mm) Rear Disc, Disc diameter 10.6 (270 mm) Braking distance 41.0 ft. (12.5 m @ 31 mph (50 kmh) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Battery 12 V 14 AH Headlight 12 V 60/55 W Tail/Brake light 12 V 8/27 W x 2 Dimensions Overall length 88.2 in. (2.240 mm) Overall width 31.9 in. (810 mm) Overall height 42.3 in. (1.075 mm) Wheelbase 62.8 in. (1.595 mm) Ground clearance 5.7 in (145 mm) Seat height 29.3 in. (745 mm) Dry weight 524.8 lbs (238 kg) Curb weight : Front 264.6 lbs (120 kg) : Rear 304.3 lbs (138 kg) Fuel tank capacity 2.9 gal. (11.0 litres) Performance Maximum torque 62.9 ft. lbs/ 8.000rpm (8.7 kg-m/8.000 rpm) S.S. 50 m (0.03 mile) 2.954 sec. S.S. 400 m (1/4 mile) 11.027 sec. COLOR Luminous Red, Ebony The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under Operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the motorcycles and their performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every .machine supplied for sale, Kawasaki Heavy industries, Ltd, reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated may vary to meet individual markets.

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LOGOS

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