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Just as Kawasaki was about to green-light the world’s first mass-produced across-the-frame four-cylinder motorcycle, Honda pulled the rug out from under the project by unveiling the CB750-4 at the Tokyo Show in 1968, and lighting the fuse for what was to become motorcycling’s most explosive decade.In never before published interviews with the men responsible for the bike, code-named ‘New York Steak,’ Dave Sheehan relates the story behind the Z1’s development; the secret US testing programme in which a team, including Imola-race winner Paul Smart, rode pre-production bikes disguised as Hondas coast-to-coast across America.
The Kawasaki Z1 Story examines the myth, truth and legend surrounding the Z1’s first race win – of which even Kawasaki knew nothing. Here, too, is the full story of the epic three days at Florida’s legendary Daytona Speedway when a trio of Z1s broke more than 50 speed endurance records.
Dave Sheehan is a freelance writer and illustrator. His work has appeared in DC Thomson’s 'The Dandy' and 'The Topper' and featured in magazines such as 'Classic Bike.’ Dave is the author of 'Superbikes and the ‘70s' – the story of Britain and Japan’s race to launch the first multi-cylinder superbike of the modern era. Dave is a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, owning and restoring both British and Japanese bikes. He has owned the same 1975 Z1-B for over three decades.
Dave is married, with two daughters. Born in Liverpool, he now lives in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.