Mom's motorcycle

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by nukem556

I think I've showed this before....one of the coolest bikes I ever had...one of the first of the "sportbikes" 10,500 RPM redline in 1975!

Taking a trip down memory lane. I had this from the late seventies to the late eighties.



Killer Z of 73.

[alanint]

The bike I NEVER should have sold. My 1978 Kz1000 Z1R.

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by alanint

The bike I NEVER should have sold. My 1978 Kz1000 Z1R.

Great bike! Mostly a revamped version of my old 900 that I never should have sold either, but I couldn't afford having two bikes and would end up killing myself trying to keep up with friends that had bought late model sport bikes, so in 1989 bought this (wo would know that high speed was so easy)

As a curiosity. If you take a closer look at the 900 you'll notice the exhaust system is from a Z1R.

[alanint]

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!

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by alanint

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).

From this side it's even more clear.

Originally Posted by alanint

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?

Don't I know it.

Originally Posted by alanint

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!

Closest thing on today's market

[alanint]

Nice! What model is that?

[kurusu]

It's the Honda CB1100. The fairing and the backseat cover are custom, the regular look is more classic.

[wlyon]

Here are my two current rides. A Honda and a Harley. Bill