TCC stood for the Turbo Cycle Corporation, and it was created to sell bolt on turbos for motorcycles built by American Turbo-Pak. The founder of TCC was a former Kawasaki USA employee named Alan Masek, and he used his contacts to help develop the first ‘production’ turbocharged bike. Kawasaki’s Z1-R was their top of the line bike but Alan figured he could make a true halo and sell some turbos in the process.
The plan was to source bikes from Kawasaki, install the turbo kit, then have Kawi sell the new Z1R-TC through dealerships (but without a warranty). TCC made some money, Kawasaki got bragging rights, and no one had to worry about warranty costs or emissions issues.
500 were built, the first 250 of which were in the stock powder blue of the Z1-R. The remaining 250 were adorned in the iconic black/yellow/red Molly Design paint scheme and boasted some mechanical refinements. Want to know more? Check out this write up on Odd Bike where they call the machine “The Psycho Turbo Z” here. Or this period piece from Cycle Magazine in 1978 where they call the bike “The Meanest Z of All” here.
This example is VIN: KZT00D007403. The seller states: “This was purchased from Minnesota from an old drag racer who has owned this bike since the early 80s, he purchased it from the original first owner Dean. I have the included a picture of the original Z1R-Tc registration certificate which proves this is a documented real turbo.”
The odometer shows 37 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states: “The bike is fully restored, every nut and bolt was restored or replaced with new original kawasaki part, the engine was bult from the crank up; a full motor rebuild, including transmission.”
Modifications:
The seller states that the bike is stock. “I purchased this bike to restore it to 100% original factory condition.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal tires with date codes of 5102 and 2618.
The sale includes two keys.
Original tool kit.
The original Z1R-TC registration certificate.
Owners manual, service manual and additional documentation.
An unbuilt 1/15 scale model of the Z1R.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. The seller states: “Honestly the bike is perfect”
Currently located in Seattle, Washington, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Washington title. Have any Z1R Turbo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
