What it is:

Kawasaki’s immortal Z1 engine, bored-out, in a variety of tweaked and restyled guises. Early models were slower than the 900s; later examples were faster. Not as desirable as a Z1/900, but benefits from a much improved chassis and brakes. Far, far cheaper too.

Others in its family tree:

Original Z1/900. The MKII Z1000 was slab-sided, pokier and available with chain or shaft drive. Z1-R was the sporty off-shoot. J models were designed for proddie racing, but can be unreliable. Several hideous custom/cruiser variants saw the light of day too.

It’s good because:

Unrivalled pedigree, still commands respect, incredibly strong, excellent parts back-up.

It’s bad because:

Z purists sneer and ask why you didn’t buy a Z1.

Other Alternatives:

Absolutely nothing else has the Big Zed’s reputation, but a Suzuki GS-1000 is actually a better bike

What it is:

Sporty Z1000 with more power, slab-sided styling, bikini fairing and four-into-one exhaust. Never that popular because of its distinctive looks and tiny fuel tank (bigger 3.5 gallon option appeared on later models). Handles little better than a stock Z1000.

Others in its family tree:

Essentially every Z-prefixed four-cylinder Kawasaki. The maddest and baldest of them all was the semi-official turbo­charged Z1-R. Made and sold in the US only, it made a claimed 145bhp, whistled past 150mph with ease and handled like a hinge. Bonkers.

It’s good because:

It looks good – really good – and it’s a Big Z, of course.

It’s bad because:

The front brakes are abysmal (there’s a cable link from brake lever to master cylinder!).

Other Alternatives:

Z1000/1100R Eddie Lawson Replica teas Kawasaki’s subsequent attempt at the same thing. Much better in every department.

What it is:

One of the greatest bikes. Ever. Fastest production bike in the world when launched. Made large capacity and DOHC technology accessible. Staggeringly beautiful too.

Others in its family tree:

First conceived as a 750 - Japan got a 750cc model, the Z2. Only 30 or so Z Is (all black engines) originally made it to the UK: Z1Bs are more common. This is the root of Kawasaki superbike design.

It’s good because:

It’s an original: one of those once-in-a-generation bikes that moves everything on. And it’s still bloody fast today.

It’s bad because:

The chassis and brakes weren’t up to it, even in 1973.

Other Alternatives:

A Z900 or a Z1000 will be cheaper: and better to ride, but the Z1 is a true motorcycling icon, so what you lose in performance and ride quality is more than made up in sheer kudos

Born in                                  : 1972

Current Machine              : Kawasaki

I’m really into the old stuff, and this is a beautiful thing. It’s a he honor to ride a bike with such a fantastic history. I’ve been a bike since I was three years-old. I might actually have seen this race.

The bike has a lovely feel. It’s really small although it’s a huge reach to the bars, and Mick Grant isn’t a big bloke. It feels like a modern 250. Even the brakes are OK. It’d be nice to get it onto a circuit and give it some proper well.

It doesn’t matter how much power a four stroke has, they’re not going to be as much fun as a two-stroke. When you go from 40bhp to 140bhp to nothing, in 2000rpm, it makes it really exciting to ride. And the noise – it must be the loudest bike here.

I rode an old Suzuki RG5004 at the post-TT in 2000, I loved it. I tried to buy one. And I’ve still got a BSA Lightning Clubman I Use on the road. I take my girlfriend on the back, go to the pub and then get fish and chips on the way back. Don’t need to put all your leathers on, just a jacket and helmet. It’s a nice release from the pressure of racing.

Die casting instead of gravity casting for the cast-aluminum sections of the ZX-14’s main frame have also resulted in lighter parts. The ZX-10R superbike has been completely revamped once again, with an all-new engine tuned for greater high-rpm performance without sacrificing midrange. The bike’s new ignition system is equipped with a kind of traction control, too, assisting with torque management by monitoring throttle opening, gear position and rate of rpm change, then retarding ignition timing to reduce torque when sudden unwanted rpm spikes are detected.  ZX-10R also has a

heavily revised frame and suspension, including a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork and a new swingarm that uses pressed instead of cast beams. Rear suspension changes include dual (low- and high-speed) compression damping on the fully adjustable rear shock for better fine-tuning, a new mounting spot for the Uni­Trak linkage and a reshaped swingarm with a top-mounted brace. Wheels and brakes are all-new as well.

The bike’s 249cc parallel twin has been returned for smoother and more predictable power delivery, and Kawasaki says it offers more low- and midrange torque thanks to revisions to its dual overhead camshafts and a new two-into-one Ninja 250R exhaust system. Larger 17-inch wheels improve handling and stability, and there’s a larger 290mm front brake rotor gripped by a more powerful two- piston caliper. Like Kawasaki’s other sport models, the Ninja 2508 is fitted with petal discs for efficient heat dissipation.

Kawasaki’s already got a 2009 model in the lineup, too, the new KLX250S, which has been improved and revised for smoother power, better handling and braking, more stability and nicer looks.

What it is:

The last incarnation of the old Zl-derived engine. Hugely fast and, well, just huge. One of the earliest fuel-injected Japanese bikes. The pinnacle of big air-cooled sports bike design.

Others in its family tree:

Its roots trace back to the Zl. Original B1 model was un-faired. B2 got more torque and a cockpit fairing. The ZX model got a frame-mounted fairing, mono-shock, Star Wars styling and more power.

It’s good because:

150mph performance has never looked so cheap.

It’s bad because:

Fuel-injection gets temperamental with age (carb conversions are common). And the GPz900R is so much better.

Other alternatives:

Suzuki GSX1100EF offers the same combo of bulk and mind- bending power, but is ugly beyond belief. Honda CB1100R proddie racers are more desirable, but more expensive as a result.