z1r history and information

531blackbanshee wrote: holy crap what an original looking z1r.
awesome score.

doing the math on the frame numbers that are recorded on
zedder.com shows production for 1980 z1r's to be 3308 .

compared to 17291
1978 z1r's.

leon

...I actually got it from a Kaw Dealer here in NJ. I've been working on this guy for over a year. He didn't want to sell it. I asked him a few weeks back to at least see a photo of it. He said it was sitting down stairs in storage. What? He collects 70's dirt bikes. This bike was sitting in the middles of 20 Ossa's, Penton's, Husky's, Rickman's and more. What a collection! I asked him, because he never put a price on it, what he thought he might ask for it. He actually put a # on it. I had to do everything I could to keep from shaking and jumping up and down. Super reasonable!! I told him I was going to save up for it. He kinda laughed. Went in 3 weeks later and shocked him by tossing the cash on the counter in front of him. I doubt if I called and told him I was coming he would sell it. Too much time to think about it. Shock and awe was the move. He even said later he was stunned to see the cash. Stock exhaust and an air box is all it needs. Like most of them. Actually have an exhaust system lined up. Can't wait to get it. Wanted one of these for a loooooooong time.

...Not a lot of 80's around. But, what's with the MKII on some side covers and some with no MKII?

None of them said MKII in the USA, In the USA the only true MKII was a 1979 KZ1000A3, or at least that was the only one with side covers saying MKII. Of course any red factory Z1Rs will be European, as we didn't get them. They had a lot of 1978s and they were not as hot of seller as Kawasaki anticipated and they sold them for 2 entire years more or less, then the 1980 D3 in black was sold, I love that black 1980.

RonKZ650 wrote: None of them said MKII in the USA, In the USA the only true MKII was a 1979 KZ1000A3, or at least that was the only one with side covers saying MKII. Of course any red factory Z1Rs will be European, as we didn't get them. They had a lot of 1978s and they were not as hot of seller as Kawasaki anticipated and they sold them for 2 entire years more or less, then the 1980 D3 in black was sold, I love that black 1980.

...OK, so any Z1R with a MKII side cover is Non-US? Like the one below? Is that right?

spdygon wrote: Did not know their was a factory Red z1r.
Pic anyone

I've researched Z1R's for yonks, only ever found 3 "official" Luminous Dark Red pics. I honestly believe they never made LD Red bikes, only shown as an option in Kawa paraphernalia, as only 299 D2's were made, I'd say my reseach is correct. The 3 pics have a shadow over body work which can clearly be seen below, makes me think early version of photochopping by the big K.

1979 Australian market D2 sale brochure showing option LD Red.

1980 Australian market D3

Only 3 pics known of.

1979 D2 Aust parts book a copy of original

Found this on the net years ago with no explanation, appears to be lifted from above parts book. Photochopped???

The D2 and D3 have different part numbers for the exhaust headers, as well as about 35 different part numbers between the two.

We all know of the German Dealer Z1000S 4-4 piped Z1R, but have you seen a Kawasaki France Z2R Z1R?

Not seen a D2 downunder - Tony Sculpher's excellent book "(K) Z1000 Z1-R" is a must for any fan of this model and essential if you're bringing one back to life - as I am. Pics of French Z2-R, Z1000S and D2 are in this book - great job Tony!

So is there a registry of how many 78 z1r are still around.

spdygon wrote: So is there a registry of how many 78 z1r are still around.

No, but with 17k manufactured there are still a lot out there. The TC on the other hand really should have a registry.

I've wanted to start one for a while. If anyone else is excited about creating a Z1R registry, and wants to help me, I think we should go for it.

Ok - let's start one.....!

Guess a spreadheet to capture the data with things like:
Year
Model
Frame/Chassis no
Engine no
Location (doesn't need to be too specific)
Any relevant history - number of owners, bike condition - original/restored(partial/full)
Any other ideas..?

weales wrote: Ok - let's start one.....!

I'd like to build a simple web page, but the database stuff seems tricky.

But if I could make it it would look just like this:
www.zhpregistry.net/

A simple web form to enter data, and a simple search and stats page. Not much more.

weales wrote: Any other ideas..?

Oh, and I'd add the manufacture date shown on the head tube sticker to your list.

And if we want to get really deep into it, there are a few tiny details we could ask about, such as a bevel on the seat brackets that was removed at some point (maybe like frame # 4000?), and the color of the fuse box for the amp meter (white or black). Things like that. Plus the date stamps on all of the parts that have them (rotors, swingarm, controls, etc).

A D2 was sold as Australian Compliance in Goulburn NSW Lee Roebuck Motorcycles serial number for frame and engine ending in 601, this fits with Tony Schulpher’s data of one of the 300 built.

Hi there Kraza,
I also have a D2 sold in Australia, may I ask where yours was bought, that is original Dealership.
I was in the belief that most of the 300 went to Germany with the exception of 3 that found their way to Australia.

Cheers Shane