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Edition:
Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 - [1983]
This edition of the Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S.This particular Kawasaki ZX 1100 has a 1089cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]
The 1983 ZX 1100 shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZX 1100's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | 2025cc.2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken | 2020cc.
Weighing in at 261 kgs (575 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
The 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple - [2025]
In terms of power the 1089cc 16 valve V4 4 cylinder engine produces 120 bhp (89 kW) @ 8750 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 73.6 lb-ft (99.9 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZX 1100 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1.
The 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 has a Power to weight ratio of 459.7 bhp per ton and 282.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 ZX 1100 competing with the 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R [484.5 bhp\ton] and the 2006 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure [483.5 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki ZX 1100 generating around 282.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1989 Yamaha FJ 1200 3SK2 [307.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 1991 Yamaha FJ 1200 [307.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 8.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.2 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 similar in acceleration to the 2024 Honda CB 650 R (8.0 secs) and the 2021 Honda CB 650 R (8.0 secs). This Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 and the 2008 Buell-EBR 1125R V-Twin
When talking about the performance of the 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11 secs @ 124 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2008 Buell-EBR 1125R V-Twin (11 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Twin Cylinder (11 secs).
The 1983 version of the Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 has a maximum speed of 135mph.
Top Speed of the 1983 ZX 1100 equals the 2005 Honda CB 900 F Hornet
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1983 Kawasaki ZX 1100 A1 then how about a 2005 Honda CB 900 F Hornet (146 mph) and the 2002 Honda CB 900 F Hornet (146 mph).
