New Kawasaki guy with my 78 Z1R project

Hello folks,

First off, LOVE the forum!! Thanks KZRider.com for giving Kawasaki riders a place to connect

I'm 36 years old and live just outside Vancouver, Canada. Grew up riding dirt bikes on the farm as a kid and really gave up bikes when I became a dad 14 years ago. Now that the kids are getting a little older I've decided to get back on the saddle, this time in the street form and a project to boot.

A few months ago I came across a bike that I just couldn't pass up. I work at a metal fab shop and mentioned to one of my customers that I was looking for an old project bike, preferably a Kawasaki. Funny enough, he said he had a 78 Z1R that needed some lovin' and that I could have it for $450. I hit the bank machine after work, went straight to his house, and was the proud owner by the time I left.

I've been 'lurking' these boards ever since, but thought that if I'm going to embark on a ground-up restoration (and use some of the tips/advice I have read in various threads) I should really sign up and contribute to the site. So, hopefully over the next several months I'll chronicle my project as I get this baby back in shape!

As your project progresses, we will need photo updates. Don't be afraid to ask advise as there are many talented forum members here.

Photo's...absolutely! I'll get a thread going in the next week, just waiting for the Stanley Cup playoffs to wrap up Monday or Wednesday and then to start the project.

You might find this interesting:

www.aperaceparts.com/tech/techkz1000.html (Kawasaki engine differences)

Thanks for the link -- very interesting indeed. Now if only I could find a compatibility chart showing what same parts are used on various bikes. Ie. Is the 78 KZ1000A forks the same as the 78 Z1R? Was the swingarm on the 78 KZ1000 LTD the same as the 78 Z1R?

I suppose this is a post that should be in a different thread.

welcome to z-jungle!

mainevent360 wrote: ...if only I could find a compatibility chart showing what same parts are used on various bikes. Ie. Is the 78 KZ1000A forks the same as the 78 Z1R? Was the swingarm on the 78 KZ1000 LTD the same as the 78 Z1R?....

Hello, mainevent360, and WELCOME to KZr!

Lots of good info on kawasaki.com, including parts diagrams, part numbers, models sharing same part, availability, etc.
Here's a link for help with navigating the site and finding information.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734

Good Fortune!

mainevent360 wrote: Thanks for the link -- very interesting indeed. Now if only I could find a compatibility chart showing what same parts are used on various bikes. Ie. Is the 78 KZ1000A forks the same as the 78 Z1R? Was the swingarm on the 78 KZ1000 LTD the same as the 78 Z1R?

I suppose this is a post that should be in a different thread.

Swingarm would fit I dont think the chain guard mounts are the same. If you are going to keep it original you would nee the correct swing arm and chain guard.
THe forks are the same except for the fender mounting bosses are shorter on the Z1R/MKII. You could use a grinder and carefully grind them down to match and then the Z1R fender would fit, its only about a hundred thou.

welcome...cool bike..pictures??????

Patton wrote:

mainevent360 wrote: ...if only I could find a compatibility chart showing what same parts are used on various bikes. Ie. Is the 78 KZ1000A forks the same as the 78 Z1R? Was the swingarm on the 78 KZ1000 LTD the same as the 78 Z1R?....

Hello, mainevent360, and WELCOME to KZr!

Lots of good info on kawasaki.com, including parts diagrams, part numbers, models sharing same part, availability, etc.
Here's a link for help with navigating the site and finding information.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734

Good Fortune!

Good Fortune indeed! Thanks!

Pics are coming later this week....

great find! And yes this a great place to learn stuff.

Make sure you upload some pictures of it so we can see how your journey is going!

Good luck! & Welcome to the club!

welcome.

can't have enough z1r's on the forum :evil: .

leon