1981 Kawasaki 750 Turbo
In 1981, turbochargers were all the rage;
Honda and Yamaha had already launched turbo bikes, while Suzuki and Kawasaki
responded to the challenge by launching turbo models at the Tokyo Motorcycle
Show.
Sensational Styling
Based on the existing 750 model, Kawasaki's
turbo bike had sensational styling, which foreshadowed the 1972 ZX range. The
fairing, in satin-finished aluminum, was treated in an "aviation" style that
recalled the existing Kawasaki 500cc racer, with raised screw heads in the
manner of aircraft rivets (another branch of the Kawasaki group was an aircraft
manufacturer). The three-spoked wheels were also inspired by the 500cc GP
racer, while this was the first road-going Kawasaki to adopt the Unitrak single
shock-absorber rear suspension.
Liquid-Crystal Display
The instrument
panel of the 750 Turbo incorporated a liquid crystal display, and the engine
sported electronic fuel injection, a system that Kawasaki had pioneered in
series production in 1980. Mounting athe turbo ahead of the engine ensured that
it was properly cooled, and the short exhaust tracts minimized dreaded turbo
lag. But when the 750 Turbo went into production in 1983, while it kept the
general appearance of the prototype, its gray color scheme had been sacrificed
for a more aggressive red and black. Analog instruments replaced the liquid
crystal displays.