Some of the significant differences between the KZ900 and the KZ1000 include that the 1000 has a heavier crankshaft for less engine vibration, smoother acceleration and a larger displacement as a result of increasing the cylinder bore from 66mm to 70mm.

The frame on the KZ1000 was a conventional featherbed (duplex cradle) design, but was not significantly changed in over 30 years of production in terms of basic geometry.

Styling characteristics are the front fairing, black engine finish, the 4-into-1 factory exhaust system and cast wheels.

Following the success of the original Z1000, Kawasaki developed the "Z1-R" as a new top model that would set standards in design and performance.

Although the design was well received from the potential buyers, sales remained unsatisfactory after tests in motorcycle magazines.

[10] Pops Yoshimura first began to make his reputation in the mid-1970s by fielding fast, reliable Kawasaki KZ1000s in the AMA Superbike championships.

[11] Kawasaki Z1000s tuned by Mamoru Moriwaki were successfully raced in the Australian Superbike championships in the late 1970s by New Zealander Graeme Crosby.

[12] John Cowie riding a Z1000 for the Pecket & McNab team, won the 1978 British ACU Formula One championship for production bikes.

[15] Wayne Gardner and co-rider John Pace qualified their Moriwaki-Kawasaki Z1000 on pole position at the prestigious 1981 Suzuka 8 Hours, ahead of all the major factory racing teams.

It was also in the anime television series Great Teacher Onizuka, and ridden by Keanu Reeves in the film Chain Reaction.

The bikes were donated by a local Kawasaki dealer and modified in appearance by Melbourne business La Parisienne; one as a police bike ridden by 'The Goose', and thirteen for members of the Toecutter's gang, played by a real motorcycle club called the Vigilantes.