By the late 70s, Kawasaki’s Z bike platform was starting to show its age – beyond a bump in displacement it had seen little development since its introduction in 1972. So when Kawi decided to create the next model in the lineup, they decided to put an emphasis on styling to complement the 130 mph performance.
What resulted was the Z1-R, a model that was the first mass-market Japanese bike to offer a handlebar-mounted fairing as a factory fitting. When combined with the “coffin” gas tank and triangular side panels, it made for a combination that proved wildly popular amongst critics. Cycle World said it best at the time of the bike’s launch: “Wow. Unlike anything Kawasaki has done, not quite a copy of anything anybody else has done, the ZR will win sales and status on looks alone.”
Not only that, but the Z1-R also brought with it unique innovations like self-canceling turn signals, a remote brake reservoir, as well as a cluster-mounted fuel gauge and ammeter.
This example is VIN: KZ100D013118. It came to Iconic as an import from South Africa.
The odometer shows 19,517 kilometers (12,127 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, the spark plugs, the air filter pods, and the mirrors. We also rebuilt and tuned the carbs with 12.5 pilot jets, repaired the turn signal, and installed new Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tires with date codes of 3720 and 4421.
Doug did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2020/2020
Tire % Front/ Rear: NEW/NEW
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36/36
Brake % Front/ Rear : 80/80
Hydraulic: OK
Oil: OK
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: NON-FUNCTIONAL
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: NA
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Battery: NEW
Notes:
• TEST RIDE 1 MILE, UNIT OPERATES AS DESIGNED
• “GOOD RIDER”- DOUG
Please note: The outer carbs are bent.
Modifications:
Kerker exhaust.
Lockhart oil cooler.
Marzocchi shocks.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Z1-R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
