Original owner 1978 Z1R

Since I painted my Z, I've been looking for a chance to compare it side-by-side to an original paint bike. Last week, I not only did that, but also met a guy who bought
his new in Calgary, and other than tires and a Pingel valve, has changed nothing on it!
What a treat it was to see this survivor. All the locks and keys are original, and work. He has all the paperwork from the transaction, including the "K card" with
his name, address, and the bike's engine and frame VINs. I never knew such a card existed. I don't remember getting one with my 77 KZ1000.or any other bike I
bought new. His bike has only about 18k miles on it, and the engine idles like a swiss watch. Just amazing.

Just a couple more. BTW, he had a really low VIN, too. I don't have his permission, so will respect his privacy, but for comps,
mine is ...008018, and his is 000XXX.
As for the paint comparison, mine is more blue than silver. His is probably faded somewhat, but confirms that I definitely failed to match by just choosing among
available chips at my local paint store. But no regrets, I like my color better, and no harm; I will never compete in a concours show, mine is too far from stock.

Just for the records, the last 100 German Z1R models were sold with an 4-4 exhaust.

Great pictures ! Thanks for sharing.

Thats pretty darn nice !

Beautiful machine! Thanks! Ed

Must be a rare bike with those pipes and big tank. Maybe the factory had to use up the spares.

Scirocco wrote: Just for the records, the last 100 German Z1R models were sold with an 4-4 exhaust.

So here is question about details. In those pictures of the Z1000S, the center stand has small triangles on the front of the feet. I've never seen that before on any KZ. Is that a Euro-spec change, like the extended rear fender that is also shown. Or is that center stand specific to the Z1000S?

Another detail about the Z1000S. The larger tank is not the same as the larger tank found on the 1980. It's a one-off made for the Z1000S.

Jeff,

That original paint 18k mile Z1R is something else. That color looks right from the photos. That color does nor fade as much as it yellows from what I have seen. Kawasaki candy colors faded quickly but this silver is mostly metallic and does not fade much.