whats the difference

Whats the difference between the 78,79, and 80 model Z1R's.

I don't know fure sure but I think colors and maybe carbs.

Everything was carry overs that I know of.

Later, Doug

Front wheel size up to 19" on MK 11, different discs on later models ie '79 & '80, exhaust, some early ones had 4 into 1, later models had 4 into 2, can't think of much else.
Tony


Post edited by: Dr Zed, at: 2007/08/08 08:14

I don't believe there were any Z1R's made in 1979 due to the fact that there were still a ton of leftover unsold 78's. When they originally released the bike on 10/29/77 it was the fastest production bike being made. About a month later Yamaha released the XS1100 which was faster. About a month after that Honda released the still faster 6 cylinder CBX. Still one month after that Suzuki released the GS1000 that was faster than all the others. The lack of performance and the odd styling of the bike made it very difficult to get rid of.

Yea, they were only made in 1978 and 1980. The differences have been pretty much summed up already, the 1980 had dual exhaust, the 19" front wheel, larger black tank, of course the 1980 spec MKII engine with electronic ignition ect.

RonKZ650 wrote:

Yea, they were only made in 1978 and 1980. The differences have been pretty much summed up already, the 1980 had dual exhaust, the 19" front wheel, larger black tank, of course the 1980 spec MKII engine with electronic ignition ect.

Hmmm...there were certainly no Z1R's imported into North America in 1979, for all the reasons listed, but not sure about none being made in 1979. I seem to recall a thread on this site several years ago where a KZR member was in mainland Europe and talked to the owner and posted pictures of a genuine 1979 Z1R.

Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2007/08/08 11:37

Mcdroid wrote:

RonKZ650 wrote:

Yea, they were only made in 1978 and 1980. The differences have been pretty much summed up already, the 1980 had dual exhaust, the 19" front wheel, larger black tank, of course the 1980 spec MKII engine with electronic ignition ect.

Hmmm...there were certainly no Z1R's imported into North America in 1979, for all the reasons listed, but not sure about none being made in 1979. I seem to recall a thread on this site several years ago where a KZR member was in mainland Europe and talked to the owner and posted pictures of a genuine 1979 Z1R.<br><br>Post edited by: Mcdroid, at: 2007/08/08 11:37

It was my understanding that by 78 the KZ's were made in Lincon Ne. Also that no Z1R's were made in 79 and that some 78s were repainted and sold as 79s and many were retrofitted with the bigger 80 tanks and exaust and sold in Europe as 79s. I would be interested to see if anyone can show a 79 with a late ( Nov. Dec.)78 or 79 (before Nov.) build date on the steering head. There seem to be a lot of wives tales and speculation about 79 Z1R's. Maybe we should send it to Myth Busters :lol: :lol:

the 80 also had a bigger tank. i don't care wich one was faster the z1r was the coolest bike out there. one day i'll get me 1. :whistle:

ditto......I like the 78 z1-r the best. Stardust silver with a 4/1. None finer.

I never particularly liked that silver in 78. That's the one and only thing that kept me from buying one as they were on closeout for a while for a good price, like $2500 if memory serves. Live and learn as I should have bought. Also passed on a 80 Z1R with 6000 miles on it for $800 because the goofball repainted the fairing with a spraycan. Live and learn x2. Also passed a 1980 1000A4 for $250 because the owner had raked the frame all goofy. Live and learn x3. Passed 2 perfect 76 KZ900A4 for $1000 each because one had apehanger bars the other a 16" rear wheel laced on. Perfect 73 Z1 with 5000 miles on it for $1700 because of windjammer fairing and king/queen seat. Dang. Sorry to sway off subject, but every time I think of a 80 Z1R I remember that one I should have bought and the rest of them.

looks like you made some unwise choices Ron. And the silver was kick ass.

Post edited by: arai60, at: 2007/08/08 22:29

Yep, must have been made in '79, I have two MK 11's, one plated 8/79, the other 10/79, will try and get a clear pic of the compliance plates and post up. Maybe an Australian export build, don't know ........ interested to find out. I bought my first one in September '79.
Tony