NEW KAWASAKI FOUR-STROKE

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33625, 29 August 1974, Page 11

NEW KAWASAKI FOUR-STROKE

Kawasaki motorcycles have earned a reputation as highperformance machines over the last few years. The machines that created the image were the high-powered three - cylinder, twostroke sprinters like the 500 c.c. Kawasaki Hl, which surprised the world with its awesome acceleration in 1968.

It was the first of the new generation of superbikes.

Now Kawasaki is widening its model lineup and adding more machines that can be ridden safely by riders of average ability. The new KZ 400 is one which falls into this category.

The motor-cycle market changes with the economic conditions and times, and Kawasaki has reacted to the current market demand. It has produced a machine that competes in the most popular class of motorcycles — middleweights. Motor-cycles with 400 c.c. four-stroke engines that are easy to ride in the city, but can be used for week-end trips and have sufficient power to carry two people comfortably and economically, are in considerable demand today. Higher fuel prices and a greater awareness of safety, together with social considerations such as quieter and cleanerrunning engines, have given a greater impetus to the middleweight market. The new Kawasaki KZ 400 was designed to satisfy these market needs. The KZ 400 is a neatlystyled machine but the secret of its success is in its engine. The 400 c.c. vertical twin four-stroke overhead camshaft unit is the smallest capacity bike equipped with a harmonic balancer system, which virtually eliminates vibration. Its two-cylinder engine runs as smoothly as a fourcylinder unit. And it has a p.c.v. (positive crankcase ventilation) emission control system that reduces hydrocarbons. The power plant was designed to be smooth, quiet, clean and durable. Smoothness is achieved with a system of connecting counter-rotating dynamic

balancers to the four-bear-ing crankshaft so the vibrations generated by the reciprocating pistons are equalled and opposed by the counterweights. The net effect is that the vibration of the pistons and other moving parts is cancelled by the

vibration of the swing weights attached below the crankshaft.

The engine breathes through two new constant velocity carburettors. The p.c.v. system allows blowby gas from the crankcase to pass through the cam-

shaft chain chamber between the two cylinders and out through the breather tube to a filter arrangement near the carburettors where the oil is separated. The remaining gas is recycled through the engine. This reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 40 per cent and is a positive step in helping keep the air clean.

Kawasaki has designed the en’gine to last. Valve seats are made of specially hardened sintered alloy which permits use of leadfree fuel without harmful effects. Lower price regular grade gasoline can also be safely used. The bike is equipped with an electric starter and Kawasaki’s efficient disc brake. SPECIFICATION’S: Engine, single overhead camshaft, aircooled four-stroke, twin; displacement. 398 c.c.; bore and stroke. 64 x 62mm: compression, 9 to 1; maximum horsepower. 35 at 8500 r.p.m.; maximum torque. 22.9 ft-lbs at 7500 r.p.m. <3.17 kg-rn at 750 r.p.m.); acceleration, standing start quar-ter-mile in 14.8 sec.; fuel consumption, 45km a litre at 50 k.p.h. (127 miles a gallon): ignition, battery and coil; starting, electric and kick; lubrication, forced, wet sump; transmission, five-speed; frame. tubular double cradle; brakes. 10.91 n. i277mm) disc at front and drum at rear: electrical system. 12 volts; length, 2075 mm (81.71in.);i width. 800 mm (31,5 in. height, 1090 mm (42.9 in. wheelbase, 1355 mm (53.3in.1; ground clearance, 130 mm (5.1111.); dry weight, 170 kg (3751b5); fuel capacity, 14 litres (3.1 gallons).