1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R, color metallic stardust silver

1978 Kawasaki Z1R-D1. Show quality! Show winner! Multiple award winner! Coming out of my private collection.

It is a documented low-mileage Z1R.
This is an amazing un-restored example that has never had the frame or engine painted. Some of the hardware was replaced with OEM or "NOS" parts—bolts, screws, nuts, and washers are new old stock (as I have a very extensive "NOS" inventory), along with countless other parts.

All the period-correct mods are bolt-on items that can easily be changed back to the originals. So if you are looking for an all-original Z1R, this is a great bike to start with, and I would be happy to help the new custodian source the needed parts.

The bodywork was painstakingly refinished to a deep luster, show-quality finish using Metallic Stardust Silver.

Engine: #KZT00DE007360 is the bike's original low-mileage engine that has been upgraded with all the period-correct bolt-on mods we all love. I thoroughly inspected and re-sealed the outer covers and seals as necessary without repainting the engine, so no oil leaks on your carpet. The original carbs were ultrasonically cleaned, rebuilt, re-jetted, and synced with all new seals and gaskets. The period-correct Vance & Hines exhaust was disassembled, stripped, and re-chromed to better-than-new specs (not an inexpensive task). The engine runs like it did in 1978.

Frame: Has not been repainted. The front forks have been rebuilt, with the lower legs properly refinished to OEM standards. The rear shocks are period-correct Progressive units. The tank and side cover emblems are new old stock. The original owner's manual and Kawasaki pouch are included. The bike has the original Lion Head key. Like all my bikes, this is one that won't disappoint.

The wheels are all original and in perfect condition. She is fitted with Avon tires ("semi" period-correct). The brakes were completely overhauled. The seat is a custom seat from the '70s and is in amazing, perfect condition. The windscreen and seal are "NOS," as are the levers and more components than I can list. A new RK chain and sprockets were installed.

With only 9,200 original miles, the bike starts, idles, runs, and rides like it did in 1978.

The original non-working speedo was replaced by the previous owner with a newer unit that had a few hundred more miles showing than the bike actually had. I will include an original speedo with similar miles.
I have replaced the speedometer with the original unit. It seems the adapter drive was broken, so the original gauge does work, and it had fewer miles (8,700) than I remembered.

I have been collecting, restoring, fixing, riding, and racing motorcycles since graduating from American Motorcycle Institute ("AMI") in Daytona, FL, in 1980. I own nine Z1Rs, but this is by far the nicest driver in my collection, worthy of being in any museum. I'm only selling it to motivate me to restore one of my many projects.

I have seen and bought some nice restored and unrestored Z1Rs in the past and was so disappointed with all of them! Without any doubt, my show-winning bike is one that won't disappoint.

Buy with confidence. Don't miss out on a museum-quality part of history. These special production models appreciate over 15% per year. Tell your wife it's a better investment than her jewelry, shoe, and handbag collection :)

The bike can be viewed in person or via FaceTime or Skype.

The balance is due via bank wire or cash within 3 days. I can store the bike for up to 90 days and work with your shipper or recommend one.