2006 Kawasaki Z750S Photo Gallery

We found the Kawasaki Z750S such an affable mount during a day with a 2005 model that we decided a second helping was in order, this time sampled by both our experienced vets and progressing newbies.

The 2007 Z750 won't be U.S. bound, but this redesigned version will make it to Europe where it's one of the manufacturer's best sellers.

The 750 has adjustable brake and clutch levers.

Evil hooligan Ken overpowered Good Ken and the burnouts just kept coming.

The 750's front cowling offered up wind protection but wasn't loved by our testers in the style department.

The forward-sloping seat was deemed problematic by some of our testers.

One tester called the upper portion of the cowling hideous, but it did offer up decent wind protection...

The one-piece seat offered up a comfortable ride for the passenger.

The Z's instrument cluster features an analog speedo and tach, but the numbers were small and difficult to read at a glance.

The pair of 300mm rotors with twin-piston calipers were deemed too weak for hyper-aggressive canyon assaults by our more experienced riders.

The Z's low footpegs provided comfort but still managed to offer ample ground clearance.

The configuration of the Z750’s mill is a slight deviation of the Z1000’s from which it is based. The little Zed’s 68.4mm bore is reduced from the 77.2mm of the 1000, with the 50.9mm stroke remaining the same to yield 748cc.

The 750 deviates from its larger-displacement sibling by nixing the bigger bike’s wild 4-2-4 exhaust configuration for the more standard 4-into-1 setup.

With a tank-empty weight of 464 lbs, the Z is over 50 lbs heavier than some of its competitors like the SV650, but the bike is able to transition easily because of its high and wide handlebar.

With knees clutching the sides of the Z1000-sourced gas tank, we found the riding position to be comfortable.

MCUSA Editorial Director Ken Hutchison: “It rides great, handles decent enough for normal folks to have a good time riding it, and the brakes are good. You can get through the curves just fine, but don’t try to hang with your buddy on the ZX-10 unless you have spurs and a bull rope.”

Yes, the little Z can loft up the front wheel.

Comin right atcha. The Z is fun all-around intermediate machine.

Getting up to speed in a hurry, the torquey motor emanates literal vibes up through pegs, seat, and handlebars - enough vibration to get you excited about the experience.

Lord Vader fills the fresh mountain air with the pungent sweetness of burning rubber. Ah... I love getting back to nature!

I found that the more time spent in the Z’s saddle the more confident I grew in my cornering abilities.

The Little Z’s rambunctious nature is generated by its liquid-cooled, 16-valve powerplant.

Cranking out close to 100 horsepower at the rear wheel, the Z impressed us on the tight canyon roads just a few minutes outside of our Medford, Oregon HQ.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were an intermediate street machine approachable for progressing newbies yet nasty enough for seasoned vets to have some grownup fun? Enter Kawasaki’s mid-sized streetfighter – the Z750S.

The 750's upright, slightly pitched forward riding position is quite comfortable, but we all disliked the forward-sloping seat.

We found the Kawasaki Z750S such an affable mount during a day with a 2005 model that we decided a second helping was in order, this time sampled by both our experienced vets and progressing newbies.

The 750 deviates from its larger-displacement sibling by nixing the bigger bike’s wild 4-2-4 exhaust configuration for the more standard 4-into-1 setup.

As a do-it-all machine, it could be used by all the riders in our office, including some of the progressing novices like myself.