No Reserve – 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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 130mph 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: KZT00D016069. It came to Iconic as an import from South Africa.

The odometer shows 46,248 kilometers (28,737 miles).

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean the carbs, rebuild the petcock, flush the hydraulic fluids, change the engine oil/filter, diagnose non-functioning turn signals/low beam, replace the left hand controls, replace the tail lamp lens, and install new Bridgestone tires. We also had GTL line the tank (shown below).

Doug did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:

Gas Tank Internal: Lined
Tire Year Front: 3720 / Rear: 5121
Tire life Front: 100% / Rear: 100%
Tire Press Front: 36PSI / Rear: 40PSI
Brake Life Front: 70% / Rear: 70%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Front: Ok Rear: Ok
Oil Quality: Ok Level: Ok
Coolant: N/A
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Kill: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.3V charging 13.7V standing
Test ride: 1KM
Bike operates as designed

Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust with Kerker badging – we are not 100% able to confirm if this is a genuine Kerker exhaust. Any advice from our knowledgeable commenters would be highly appreciated!

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires with date codes of 3720 and 5121.

The sale includes two keys.

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!