1980 Kawasaki Z1R KZ1000

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: After 28 bids on eBay, this Z1R sold for $12,100.

The Kawasaki Z1R 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. So he took the KZ1000 and turned it into this!

Kawasaki Z1R KZ1000 - Cockpit

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 deal with 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 Z1R KZ1000 - Front Right

This specific Kawasaki Z1R (VIN: KZT00D018400) has just over 18,000 miles and is claimed to run excellent. It has Mikuni Smoothbore carbs with pod filters and a re-jet, and it also comes with a Lockhart oil cooler and a Vance & Hines exhaust.

Kawasaki Z1R KZ1000 - Rear Right

Find this Kawasaki Z1R for sale in Oregon City, Oregon with bidding up to $4,500