< AllMoto's Motorcycle Investor mag

Motorcycle Investor mag

Time Machine

Kawasaki Z900 – 1976

Pondering the ones that got away

(January 2024)

It's 1998 and this 1976 Kawasaki Z900 is up for sale via classified mag Just Bikes for Au$5500 (US$3700, GB£2900). To put that in perspective, a 1992 CBR600 Honda was advertised by the same dealer for $6700.

While the term "collectible" is mentioned in the ad, the fact was that only a few arguably cult enthusiasts saw serious value in them 26 years ago. It took another decade for the whole collectible theme to catch on more widely for the Z1-Z900 series, something that was eventually helped along by the emergence around the country of heavily-discounted limited-use classic or club registration.

Back in 1976, a new one would have cost Au$2425 (US$1630, GB£1280).

We saw prices for Zed nines spike 2-3 years ago during Covid, with Au$30k (US$20,000, GB£16,000) within reach and as much as 30 per cent more for a really good Z1. Now, similar machines to the one shown here are being put on the market for closer to Au$20-25,000 (US$13-17,000, GB£10-13,000) depending on condition.

See the Classic Two Wheels period tests for the 1972 Z1 and 1976 Z900.

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