1978 Kawasaki KZ1000-D2 (Z1-R) will it run? Is it junk?

Probably the first of a number of videos on this '78 Z1-R, overall eval and will the thing run at all? Eventually, will be a full restoration frame-off, but we have to start somewhere.

[@yamforlife]

Had a 1978 Z1R. One of the nicest bikes I ever owned….i always loved the sound !! Valve seals were always a problem.

[@douglastougmoore1679]

Brings back memories. Bought a ‘78 Z1-R in 1983 for $1800. Sold it two years later for $1500 when I got married. Should have kept the bike and dumped the wife.

[@markallen4983]

My sister's boyfriend had one of these, and he let me take it for a ride. I fell in love and purchased it back in the early 80's. The original 1000 Turbo-charged engine (w/ Split Crank) had been completely replaced with a faster revving Single piece Forged Crank (punched out, 900 motor). Do to Kawasaki's known issues regarding the linkage set across the four carburetors...keeping them in sync was a nightmare (I had the vacuum tester filled with Mercury). Regardless, I bought a set of 31mm Smooth Bore Mikunis (problem solved). Although, this was a beautiful bike and fun to ride at lower speeds, I do remember the terrifying speed wobble at ~90mph... Good luck on your restoration...Brings back memories.

[@BIBOPELULA]

I still own mine (Z2R, french designation), bought brand new in 1979. Good restoration and long live Kawa !

[@riccardoaddis8398]

My old bike!!!!!! I sold it few years ago!!! I regret it!! You know we are similar in aspect!! Even with the same bike!!!! It's incredible!!!!!!!! By from Italy!!!!!!

[@MotoRestoFL]

This bike was purchased by my customer here in the U.S., I doubt this was your actual bike unless you used to live here, but thanks for watching and commenting! Ciao!

[@TheDeanDalton]

I wish I could post pictures of the end result. The bike came out GREAT. Thanks Tom.

[@michaelbove4244]

I was a motorcycle mechanic back in the 80s, I used to love working on the Kawasaki bikes. I had 2 at one time but my main bike was a 1978 KZ650C it had a Tracy Vortex fairing with a 50 watt stereo system, cruise control and Italian leather horse saddlebags, I wish I still had it.

[@MotoRestoFL]

My first new bike was a 79 KZ650. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisriddiford6216]

@@MotoRestoFL Chris Riddiford

[@chasefrank8143]

Man I wish I could stumble across a Z1r!!!

[@traceyjenkins9944]

ebay $15k

[@chasefrank8143]

@@traceyjenkins9944 stubble apon my friend....not actively search for.

[@zman5727]

Thats the first description of where the term 'cafe racer' came from that I recall. Thanks for that.

[@MotoRestoFL]

First “factory produced.” Yes. Thanks.

[@meatcreap]

Your videos are excellent! Thanks for making them

[@californiahighdesertpreach2261]

I had the smaller Kz 650 model, same color blue I loved that bike.

[@JNSpeedShop]

Cool vid, I rode a 78 kz650 sr for most of my twenties. I loved that bike and it loved me. It was stolen out of a garage while I was at work .

[@MotoRestoFL]

Yikes. I had a ‘79 I think 650. Great bike.

[@paulhewson4600]

That is sweet Music Mr Moto,,,,,

[@cptfeathersword8276]

I've had my Z1R since it was born ! Frame number ends with 222 engine 240, The back tail light unit and indicator's, cylinder head and rear mud guard unit are not standard for the model D1 ! Hope this info helps you out brother. ;)

[@MotoRestoFL]

Not sure I understand you. What do you mean not standard, that they are only for that year/model or on this bike they're the wrong ones? The cyl head I don't deal with. The engine builder has those parts. Thanks.

[@hundo123]

That is the Holy Grail of kzs , I want it....

[@MotoRestoFL]

Maybe. It's a single-year technically, however, it doesn't rock my socks. I'd much rather have a very early Z1 (900) or a Sandcast CB750. That said, I am looking forward to getting it into a rolling chassis eventually and then slamming the engine back in with a new wiring harness, etc... and firing it up. Cheers and thanks for watching.

[@edgardodanielwitt105]

Muy bueno gracias!

[@hensleytomzx10r]

I wish I had that Z1R in my garage. Previous Z1B owner .. wish I had that bike too.

[@MotoRestoFL]

Well, if I had my choice of a 70's-80's UJM to take to shows and ride around here and there (in other words not concourse level) I'd be happier with the Z1 myself. It has it's mark in history more than the 1000; heck Ponch and Jon rode 'em when the series started; plus, they're unique in their own when compared to the many iterations of the 1000 over the following years. The '78 Z1-R wasn't well received; handled poorly and wasn't fast because it's too heavy. I know, the damned frame itself is hard to manage by myself. So yea, it's a collector bike -- maybe -- but in my mind, it's not the holy grail of big K. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@peterhoulis1184]

A z1R is never junk , theyre getting rare and expensive , i know as i owned one back in 2000 along with my other 6 zeds

[@Hughster49]

I owned a 78 ZR1.

[@winkydinkandyou]

I had an 80 z1r 1000. The 78 had points the 80 was electronic ignition. Wish I had kept it beautifull black beauty. Mine had a 1200 yosh kit. Felt like you were sitting on a v8. I road a 78 it was weak.

[@MotoRestoFL]

Agree. The only reason they're so desired and sought after is, they weren't well received and sold poorly so the mothership put the kibosh on the bike in that form, making it a single-year unit. Add in the poor sales and there's not a lot of 'em out there. Me, I'm not overly tickled by the bike either, I think it's meh. But the engine is coming home probably next week from the builder, thus we shall be getting back into this long-long-term project, finally. Cheers.

[@freeagent8225]

My favourite bike my first bike a Z 250 with fairing, same colour, i could pretend😅.

[@MotoRestoFL]

I’m more enamored by the KZ1100 J motor. Shaft drive and overall better engine in my opinion, and still very vintage. I had one, traded it for my Concours 14 in 2012.

[@johntirrell8553]

Heard kick start comment ok. 91 hp was rating.kz1000 I believe was 84 hp. No real changes except exhaust

[@robertkacala]

Carburetors are science :))

[@flexjay87]

Iconic bike, i remember them well from my Youth. Also noticed what looks like a Honda V-65 Magna, with sidecar ?

[@MotoRestoFL]

Close. V45. First year 1982.

[@flexjay87]

@@MotoRestoFL , i had a V-65 Sabre for 10 years. What a beast !

[@MotoRestoFL]

@@flexjay87 hard to find now.

[@als4621]

What size tire is that on the rear?? I know, dumb question but I've been looking for a low profile tire like that for mine.

[@MotoRestoFL]

I am unsure, I never looked as the customer is going with different rims as well. Maybe. We’ll see.

[@als4621]

@@MotoRestoFL Thank you very much for these videos! 👍

[@lelandjewell1420]

I love the old kz I have five bikes 7 motors and alot of parts

[@jonstorey3245]

Hey buddy do you have any spare parts for a 78 1000..

[@petarpanza7237]

Hi sir, where can I' buy original front brake system for z1r? Any advise and suggest is welcome, tnx!!

[@MotoRestoFL]

Unsure. But what do you mean by original front brake system, the entire thing from the master cylinder down to the calipers or the entire thing from the handle/cable to the master and down? The best way I have found is to first ID the OEM part numbers and you can do that on any online parts fiche. Then, try and cross reference to see if any other models used the same parts. Sometimes, they are listed on eBay under that different model. It's a bit of detective work sometimes, but what it takes is some time and patience. I do not know a clearinghouse to steer you to for finding parts like that especially, when you appear to need the whole enchilada. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@chrismartens5036]

Mine has the same paint and the same kick starter on it.

[@johntirrell8553]

I had a 78 z1r new, it did not have a kick start

[@tfjack97]

Did you get this bike finished yet or did I miss it, if you're customer changes his mind and would like to sell it I would like to throw my hat in the ring for it. Thanks Jack

[@MotoRestoFL]

Oh, heck no. Not even close to done. I don't even yet have a rolling chassis. Gotta sort out the swing arm (we may use the original one after all) and lots and lots of stuff to do. I don't even have the engine, that went in pieces at the customer's request (torn down) to an engine builder, who knows what the status of that is. Every time I ask the customer about it, he says he doesn't know. This project may last over a year, maybe more. As things get together, however, I'll film and add to the Z1-R playlist. Thanks for watching.

[@tfjack97]

@@MotoRestoFL Yep, I would put it back all original if I was him knowing what he has, but if he ever talks like he wants to sell it I would like to be in the running for it.

[@MotoRestoFL]

@@tfjack97 I would also. However, it's not mine. I wouldn't have paid what he paid for it either, which I'll keep to myself (in that condition). I seriously doubt he'd ever part with it, he's a collector. But he does like to dabble in "tasteful" modifications which is where this one is headed. In other words, if I can keep talking him away from the edge of the cliff (eccentricity speaking) a period-correct modified bike without extreme changes. Cheers.

[@michaelledford3315]

Would you like to restore another 78 Z1R? Mine is another one that has a Kickstarter. I have one that I would like to get restored.

[@MotoRestoFL]

I could certain do some of it; but just to be clear, even on this one, I'm not "restoring" the entire bike. My customer has sourced some new old stock bodywork and is getting period-correct new items (such as the Hagan shocks I'm now waiting on for the swing arm customization) so essentially, a good deal of it is outsourced... and I will be the primary final assembly guy. Perhaps that's not exactly the proper word but close enough. I don't do painting, powder coating, etc. So basically, anything mechanical, electrical even some custom (light-medium machine shop level) I can do; and for heavier machine shop work such as engine boring/honing and head work, that likewise all gets sent out. Engine work, 90% I can do in-house. It's the aesthetic stuff I don't have the footprint for mainly. So it depends on what restoration means and how the customer is willing to go about it. Send me an email and we'll exchange phone numbers and such and where you are located. thanks. [e-mail]

[@michaelledford3315]

@@MotoRestoFL I will be in touch

[@donnyrunnels9350]

I have a 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 all original one owner bike. the serial number on the frame is KTZ00A-505475 and the serial number on the Motor is KZT00AE-037447. The actual miles on the bike is 6503miles. I don't have the Title for the bike. What would be the top price I could get for the bike???

[@MotoRestoFL]

I don't know. Without a title, to me and many others who buy these bikes, it's mostly worthless except as a parts donor. I never, ever buy anything without a title. Ever. It's too much of a pain to deal with and I have seen people put megabucks into a resto only to have title issues and not be able to sell it. Recently, in fact. Cheers.

[@peterhoulis1184]

Sounds good , ive got the same price depending what country your from as these are getting expensive to buy here in Australia

[@jonstorey3245]

Hey donny did you ever get a price for your bike, if not do you still wanna sell it or have you already

[@willietucker88]

Where are you located

[@willietucker88]

I am about too purchase one

[@MotoRestoFL]

Florida

[@terylfountain8060]

Will you work on a Yamaha

[@terylfountain8060]

So you don't work on your Yamaha

[@MotoRestoFL]

I don’t have a Yamaha

[@doacarnage]

Yup its junk, ship it over to me