Since its launch in 1972, the Kawasaki ZI had stunned the world, and its scaled-up successor, the 1,015cc Z1-R was released in 1977. However, other manufacturers were gradually catching up and in 1978 the Suzuki GS1000 and Honda CB900F made their debut and were introduced one after another. As a counter, Kawasaki launched the Z1000MK-2 already in the same year.

With the racing machine’s increased crankshaft durability, full transistor ignition, frame reinforcement, and the redesign from established round to the more modern, beautifully finished edged style, flamed its popularity among many people to this day.

When the Z1000MK-2 made its debut in the AMA superbike race championship, Freddie Spencer, who was still a high school student, instantly won 2 races. His successors, Eddie Lawson, and Wayne Rainey’s remarkable results are known today as the beginning of the golden age of Kawasaki’s superbike racing

The bike was outstanding on the tracks because Kawasaki insisted on continuing with two valves per cylinder, at a time when other manufacturers were moving forward to four-valve engines.