It had a four-cylinder four-stroke, DOHC, air-cooled, wet sump engine positioned across the frame with two valves per cylinder and a five-speed gearbox.

(The Z1 engine's shim-over-bucket design caused some mishaps when its camshafts flicked the shims out of position, with consequent damage).

For US-only models, an air injection system for emissions reduction was fitted.

Larger 32mm Mikuni CV carbs were fitted, allowing the redline to be lifted from 9,000 to 9,500 rpm.

Changes included new CV carbs, a clutch upgrade, modified fork internals, new switchgear, tail light, and different rear shocks.

Some minor updates including new pistons with four rings, and changes to the cylinder head and cover.