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 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: KZT00D009505. It came to Iconic as an import from South Africa.
The odometer shows 39,473 kilometers (24,527 miles).
Maintenance:
Adam says, “This bike came to Iconic as part of a large collection of motorbikes from South Africa. The idea of bringing bikes from SA into the USA was attractive to me because most of them are full power bikes, they typically have liveries that are rare or not seen in the USA, and the exchange rate was in our favor. Amongst the many bikes received, a few were problematic ones such as this sought after Z1-R. We have an extensive and I mean VERY EXTENSIVE amount of time and parts into this one with the hope of making it a rider for someone. Perhaps a good candidate to take a bit further on the clean up / restoration knowing that we tackled most of the mechanical issues, or possibly a cool AHRMA track bike? If the winning bidder would like, Iconic would be happy to share the estimate created and details of the work performed so you know exactly what was done to it and how much time and labor has gone into it. Most certainly not a profitable endeavor on this one but hopefully we can find it a nice home!”
In preparation for this listing we decided to clean and sync the carbs, replace the left hand control switch, the front and rear turn signals, tail lamp, dash bulbs, mirrors, and petcock. We also gave the bike an oil change, flushed and filled the brake fluid, installed new dash covers, fork covers, a new ignition switch nut, and replaced the front brake switch and front brake reservoir diaphragm. A new speedometer cable was installed, the front caliper rebuilt, new front brake pads installed, a new Dynatek ingnition was installed, and the tank was lined by GTL. Finally, we gave the bike new spark plugs, new battery, and fresh rubber.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal: Good, Professionally Cleaned and Lined
Tire Year Front: 3720 /Rear: 5121
Tire life Front: 100% /Rear: 100%
Tire Press Front: 36PSI /Rear: 40PSI
Brake Life Front: 80% / Rear: 80%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Front: New, <1.5% Moisture
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Rear: New, <1.5% Moisture
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Coolant: N/A
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: NA
Parking Light: NA
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.3V
Charging Voltage @ 4K RPM: 13.7V
Test Ride: 5 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
-NO SELF-CANCEL SWITCH INSTALLED
-Digital Dynatek Electronic Ignition Installed
Modifications:
Exhaust baffle removed.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road Classic tires with date codes of 2623 and 1724.
The sale includes three 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!
