From the Archives: Kawasaki Z1-R

Photo: Kawasaki engine and motorcycle group 1978.

"The new Kawasaki Z1-R supersports is for connoisseur road riders" was the slogan in the sales brochure when Kawasaki launched its new sports machine, the 1000cc Z1-R in 1978. There is no doubt that it was for "connoisseurs", because with a top speed well over 200 km/h, it was not a machine for novices.

With a handlebar fairing and a 4-1 exhaust system, there was no doubt that speed and performance were the focus, and the model is in many ways the first Japanese cafe racer-inspired superbike. After all, Kawasaki had established itself as the manufacturer that made the fastest machines, an image they certainly lived up to with the newcomer Z1-R.

With the 900cc Z1 coming in 1972, and not least the Z1000 coming in 1977, the Z1-R was a natural successor, but in a modernized guise, i.e. a completely new design. With only a 13-liter fuel tank, this was not a motorcycle for long trips, but more of a fierce roadster that, with 90 hp, was suitable for quick visits to the nearby cafe, and last but not least for parking competitors when the traffic light turned green.

The Z1-R was produced from 1978-1980, and is today a highly sought-after model among Kawasaki enthusiasts. It is worth mentioning that 500 turbocharged units were also built in 1978/79. These had the model designation Z1-R TC, and were made in close collaboration with the American Turbo Cycle Company.

The turbocharged version differed from the standard model by having a black paint job with yellow, orange and red stripes. These were known as "Molly", after hotrod designer Rollin "Molly" Sanders. The claimed output of these rare turbocharged models was around 145 hp. The top speed of these is unknown, but an original Z1-R from 1978 had a claimed top speed of 210 km/h, making it one of the world's fastest production motorcycles.