Z 440 C

1980 Kawasaki Z 440 C Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1980 Kawasaki Z 440 C classic motorcycle, Kawasaki utilizes a 444 cc (27.1 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 27 HP (19.7 kW) at 7,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 60.8 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the Z 440 C measures 180 kg (397 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.15 HP/kg (6.67 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 740 mm (29.1 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,370 mm (53.9 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 14-liter (3.7 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 137 km/h (85 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1980 to 1981, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.