The 74-Z speeder bike represents a speeder bike design that initially saw service with the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. Later, the Galactic Empire adopted it for military reconnaissance missions throughout the Galactic Civil War. Scout troopers and standard stormtroopers were its typical operators. A capability of these bikes was the ability to disrupt comlinks.
The 74-Z speeder bike stands as one of the Aratech Repulsor Company's longest-running speeder bike production models. Originating as a militarized version of Aratech's well-received 74-Y speeder bike, the Grand Army of the Republic first deployed the 74-Z during the Clone Wars. It followed Aratech's BARC speeder, also created for the Grand Army and utilized in the Clone Wars. The 74-Z experienced its initial combat trial at the First Battle of Geonosis, marking the Clone Wars' opening engagement. Subsequently, the speeder bike served diverse military and paramilitary groups, mercenary units, and criminal syndicates. It gained significant recognition as the Imperial Army's preferred vehicle for reconnaissance and scout troopers, who capitalized on its agility and velocity.
Mirroring its discontinued civilian predecessor, the 74-Z prioritized speed over comfort. It featured a relatively delicate twin-spar frame housing the potent Aratech VV318 Scoris repulsorlift engine. A pair of small ion turbines provided propulsion, while an advanced fly-by-wire system governed the front-mounted steering vanes. A centrally positioned maneuver control unit maintained the bike's stability. The pilot occupied the speeder's rear section above the repulsorlift engine. The bike was equipped with handlebars and rear-set foot pegs incorporating foot-operated yaw and pitch controls for the pilot. The instrument panel was quite basic, showing indicators for heat, boost, coolant, and turbine pressure. When used by the Imperial forces, the 74-Z included a front-mounted Ax-20 blaster cannon, integrated com-links, basic optical sensors, and a short-range com link jammer.
The Galactic Republic employed the 74-Z during the Clone Wars, and later the Imperial Army used it, most notably during the Battle of Endor.
Around 9 ABY, scout troopers AP-1982 and JS-1975, serving under Moff Gideon's Imperial Remnant, utilized a pair of white 74-Z speeder bikes on the planet Nevarro in an attempt to capture Grogu. Subsequently, one of these bikes was briefly commandeered by the assassin droid IG-11 to safeguard Grogu and attack Gideon and his forces.
Three decades following the Battle of Endor, 74-Z speeder bikes were available for purchase on the black market.