The Kawasaki company has produced automotive and aviation parts and was involved in the shipbuilding business in Japan as early as the 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1960s that they would begin manufacturing motorcycles after a merger with Meguro, a brand already producing motorcycles. A year later, the company introduced its first motorcycle, the B8. 1969 proved to be one of the first milestones in the company’s history, introducing the H1 or Mach III. This bike became immensely popular with Americans and led to the eventual release of the Z1 in 1973. Kawasaki is perhaps most known for the radical step forward with the GPZ900R or “Ninja” in 1983. The brand has also produced other durable models, such as the KLR. Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Kawasaki did experience some racing success in the AMA and World Superbike.