Passer-by comments you get riding a vintage Kaw

Wife of a guy in town was telling my wife he always hushes her up and says there goes that old Kawasaki again and how he loves the sound.

I grew up in a rural area and all my buddies had Z1'/KZ's. On a summer night, that sound could be heard for miles. It was an invitation to come out and play. I lived on a side road just outside of town. One evening I heard a big Kaw open up I remember thinking that guy is really on it. However, I soon heard a second sound of police sirens Both were getting closer. I still don't know what made me do it, but I ran and opened the garage door. 30 seconds later. I saw a buddy on his Z1B coming down the road at full tilt. As he turned into my drive, I stood by. He was skidding across the slick concrete floor as I yanked the garage door down and dove for the light switch. We both made it window just in time to watch the 2 sets of red flashing lights go flying by. After a quick "Thanks...Anytime" we broke in to uncontrolled laughter that had tears running down and our faces and grabbing our sides in pain. That sound takes me back to that night every time.

A small coal mining town in Colorado. I ripped up the main street but only to 3rd gear. Parked at my cousins house a few blocks away and hopped in the pickup with him as he was headed to the barley pop store. On the way the town cop had another kaw pulled over and looking like he was on a mission. It was a quiet night from then on, kind of. I have never gotten a ticket yet

I've had a couple of guys ask me if it's a Z1. Granted they look a _bit_ similar but I'm puzzled how someone who knows what a Z1 is wouldn't notice that my scooter is a twin.

Not by passers by but a few of the dealers up here in Oregon "Kawasaki never had a turbo Z1R" then I'd show them the owner's manual from under the seat.

Hello Gus, would you take a private offer? Is this the original engine on this bike, as from the factory? I believe the people that did this to the Z1R's were in Ohio. The dealers sent them there. Then they came back with no warranty. Z1R's were ugly when they came out! No one bought them! Dealers had them for 3-4 years still new. But there is a smaller cult that loves them.
You are up in Washington? I have a connection in California.
If this is an original parts bike. You don't have to do anything to it. Thats if your interested in selling it?

Marty in Buffalo, NY

Yes always ...

I don't know that the original Z1's were ugly. They were considered UJM's sure but I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wonder if the dealer conversion bikes came with this supplemental manual?

z1kzonly wrote: Hello Gus, would you take a private offer? Is this the original engine on this bike, as from the factory? I believe the people that did this to the Z1R's were in Ohio. The dealers sent them there. Then they came back with no warranty. Z1R's were ugly when they came out! No one bought them! Dealers had them for 3-4 years still new. But there is a smaller cult that loves them.
You are up in Washington? I have a connection in California.
If this is an original parts bike. You don't have to do anything to it. Thats if your interested in selling it?

Marty in Buffalo, NY

Good morning Marty. I presently have an offer for mine. I disagree that either turbo'd or not that the Z1R's were ugly, but everyone has different tastes. It's the original motor in mine although it's been overbored and a new cartridge for the turbo when I bought it back in '85. It isn't a parts bike although I've had it stored in my garage for the last 5 years or so. It's in Oregon.

Last week, I was waiting to get my 650 inspected and a guy got in line behind me on a 70's Harley Sportster. We started talking and he told me a little about the restoration he'd just finished. Then he asked what year my bike was and said, "I love the look of those engines." Then the inspection guy came out and said, "That's a nice CSR." He didn't seem to notice the Harley.

Right after I got it inspected, I sent a text to a friend who has a beautiful Harley bagger to tell him it was finally on the road. He wrote back to say that he wanted to swap bikes for a ride.

Barry

Nope :laugh:
Steve

I have that Z1R turbo in the for sale forum Marty, if your're interested the info and photos are over there;
www.kzrider.com/forum/23-for-sale/606149-1978-z1r-tc-turbo