1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this Z1R sold for $5,100 after 9 bids on eBay.


The Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R was the brainchild of Wayne Moulton, known as the “Father of the Japanese Cruiser.” His belief was that a solid motorcycle could be moderately tweaked to form four versions, one of which is a sport-tourer.

Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R - Tank Off

The sport-tourer concept that Moulton introduced to this bike included a smaller front wheel, and the cockpit fairing. Possibly due to the fact that the changes did not include extra horsepower, this bike was a commercial flop – some reports claim only 500 were sold over 3 years. Moulton ended up founding a separate company to address the leftovers of his failed product. He dealt with the lack of added power by teaming up with American Turbo-Pak of Santa Ana, CA to throw a snail onto the Z1R and create the first turbocharged production motorcycle. Check out a previously featured example of the Z1R-TC here.

Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R - Gauges

This specific Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R (VIN: KZT00D004072) has an impressive 65,656 miles on the odo,

Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R - Right Side

Find this Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R for sale in Aurora, Colorado with bidding up to $3,000 and the reserve not yet met

Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R - Side Cover