Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1978 Kawasaki Z1-R Pro Street. 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 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: KZT00DE006879.
The odometer shows 19,708 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that the bike has had the head re-torqued, the valves adjusted, and the oil and oil filter changed.
Modifications:
The seller notes that this is a period Pro Street conversion, originally completed in the 80s.
1398cc Pro Block kit built by Fred Cox Racing. Falicon crankshaft with GPZ oversized pin, Murdock back-cut transmission with overshift bushing, ported cylinder head with oversized Manely s/s valves, 440/450 lift cams, shim under bucket, Falicon welded clutch basket with pusher bearing, heavy duty Barnett clutches and springs, Dyna rev limiter, Dyna 3 ohm coils, Dyna CR booster.
PM wheels.
36mm Mikuni flat slide carbs.
Murray 1⅞” sidewinder header with evac system.
Frame raked by Mr. Turbo.
Steering stabilizer.
6” double club-foot Kosman swingarm.
Kosman rear brake system.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Hi-Tour and Hi-Sport tires.
Currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Indiana title. Have any Z1-R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
