1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R

[TheAxeman]

Anybody have any thoughts on the Kawasaki KZ-1000 Z1R? Old school. Pro's/Cons etc.... The bike is in near mint condition and has about 8000 miles or so on it. It has a big bore kit and a 4 into 1 exhaust. Not really sure what its worth but the guy is willing to take another bike as trade. I used to have a 1979 Kawi KZ-650 and loved it.

Here are some pics of the bike:

 

[schrecke]

Nice looking bike. Not too sure about the color, but cool nonetheless

Find the optional factory windjammer and bags and you can be on CHiPs...

KZ1000 Link

 

[James]

I just remember the ads, "Exceeds all legal speed limits in 1st gear"

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

"This is not the bike he is selling but is identical to it. Color is original."

What a beaut (the picture is)! If it's stock and hasn't been hot-rodded or used as a dragster, it's a classic collectable! Always had a yearning for the Z1-R. As I recall, the Z1-R was sold circa '77 to '79. A Z1-R Turbo was offered for a couple of model years in the early '80s.

If it only has 8k miles over the course of thirty years, the carbs will likely need to be overhauled. Likewise any hoses and seals. It will be some sort of a restoration project!

Go for it, and let us hear all about it!

 

[FJRMGM]

Kawasaki could build a great engine with a mediocre handling bike around it.

But, that said, I'd still buy it too because its a classic.

 

[Gary]

This model year retained the horrible handling characteristics of the KZ900. They didn't get this ironed out until 1990.

 

[Scab]

Buy it. Buy it for a straight-line tire-buster. Then, change those plug wires back to black ones.

 

[TheAxeman]

Whatever made the guy choose yellow wires is beyond me. He contacted me and told me he doesn't want to deal in cash, only a trade for my KLR. That sucks because the thing does look clean and I always hate to part with something that I already have (wives excluded).

 

[Scab]

Doesn't MM2 have a KLR? Trade his.

 

[n0stress]

One of my friends has a 78 Z1R turbo in black with those ugly orange stripes. I rode it a couple times and when it gets the boost you really have to hang on. The brakes sucked. Cool looking bike outside of those orange stripes.

 

[BugR]

Thanks for the memories, my first I4 was a Z1.

Used it one summer earning money as a dispatch rider in London.

London to Bristol in 1 hour :thumbsup:

It doesn't turn, It doesn't stop (and that's in the dry) It is a blast to ride though.

Chris

 

[zorkler]

Very nice . before the fjr .I had a 1975 z1900 and a 1977kz 900 both all done up . the 75 motor is still in use for drag raceing i heard .