By the late 1970s Kawasaki’s legendary Z platform was starting to show its age, but the factory still had one more bold move up its sleeve: the Z1-R. Introduced for 1978, it combined the proven 1,015cc inline four of the KZ1000 with sharper styling and the industry’s first factory handlebar mounted fairing. Between the coffin shaped fuel tank, angular side panels, and smoked windscreen, the Z1-R set itself apart as one of the era’s most striking superbikes.
Cycle World described it as “a café racer without café drawbacks,” thanks to updates like 28 mm Mikuni carburetors, a 4 into 1 exhaust, and chassis refinements including an 18 inch front wheel, reinforced frame gussets, and revised suspension. The triple disc braking setup, self canceling turn signals, and remote brake reservoir pushed the model into new territory both in performance and in features. Kawasaki claimed 90 horsepower, and testers of the time reported quarter mile runs in the low 12s with a top speed near 130 mph.
Beyond outright numbers, the Z1-R earned its reputation on style and presence. Reviewers praised its angular metallic paintwork, cockpit fairing, and integrated instruments, which included both a fuel gauge and ammeter alongside the usual tach and speedo. Four decades later, the Z1-R remains a highly collectible piece of Kawasaki history: the superbike that bridged the original Z1’s brute force with the emerging world of factory sport styling.
Manufactured in November 1977, this example is VIN: KZT00D006416.
The odometer shows 22,674 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, and we changed the oil and filter (10w40). Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Marginal, >1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: FAIL, WORN
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: NOT WORKING
Brake Light (Front Switch): NOT WORKING
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: NOT WORKING
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: RH CONTAMINATED
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 25%
Forks: RH SLIGHT LEAK
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 70%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 60%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.50V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.34V
Running Condition: Runs on bench, poorly
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Exhaust has no rear mount bolt installed
-held by header bolt and nut
-Grips are falling apart
-Rear brake reservoir is empty, cap is falling apart
-Pilot in #2 carb is blocked
-Bike runs poorly
-Cosmetic Imperfections:
-Chips on RH fuel tank
-Small chip on LH fuel tank
-LH turn signal is broken
*New oil and filter
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Carbs
-Hydro 1 – Front
-Diag and Repair – Rear brake fluid loss
-New rear brake fluid reservoir cap
-Front brake switch
-Rear taillight bulb
-Rear turn signal replacement
-Tires
-Chain
-Grips
-Fork seals
-Wash front calipers
-Possibly replace front brake pads
Modifications:
Yoshimura exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler ME33 Lazer tires that have aged out with date codes of 268 and 409.
The sale includes one ignition key and one seat key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Colorado title which is still in the previous owners name. Have any Z1-R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
