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Unread 06-13-2014, 08:30 AM   #4
alanint
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It sure is! That four into-collector box-into one exhaust was taken off of 99% of the Z1-Rs out there and is the rarest accessory, along with the original air box, in trying to restore one back to factory today. (I also had a 900 in Green and Gold prior to the Z1-R).

I bought and restored two Z1-Rs back in about 2002-2003. One I shipped down from Montreal, Canada and had to replace the speedometer prior to registration here in the US.
The color was unique to that year and never offered on another bike, to the best of my knowledge. The Z1-R was reissued in 1980, but was also a flop. The 1980's black paint, four-into two exhausts and the awful larger gas tank ruined the lines of the bike.

Economic nesessities, plus the fact that the bike is now a sought after classic collector's bike, (it was a total flop when it came out. Only 500 were initially sold) forced me to sell both of them. I would not pay what they are asking for one today.
This bike came on the cusp of a technological change in motorcycle design, where the engine technology and power was outstripping the frame and suspension technology. I can remember putting these bikes hard into a turn and feel the frame and rear swingarm flexing through the turn. A bit scary, but what did I know?

The Z1-R had many firsts for a Japanese bike: The first self-cancelling turn signals. The first electric gas gauge on a "dashboard". Kawasaki's first factory fairing. I miss the look of these bikes and would love for someone to replicate this look closely today.

I would buy one!
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