1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this Z1R sold for $11,500 after 13 bids on eBay.


The Kawasaki KZ1000 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.

Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1R - Sidecover

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 KZ1000 Z1R - Rear

This example (VIN: KZTOOD-004735) has 6,090 miles and it’s been repainted. The seller says everything works and that the bike is highly original with the exception of Kerker headers. Find this Z1R for sale in Georgetown, Texas with bidding up to $8,900 and the reserve not yet met