Property of a deceased's estate, c.1977 Kawasaki 1,016cc Z1-R (see text)

The first major revision of Kawasaki's trendsetting Z1/Z900 arrived in 1977 in the form of the Z1000, which, as its name suggests, was a bored-out version of the original double-overhead-cam four. Power went up - marginally - to 83bhp, while there was more torque delivered further down the rev range than before. Testing the new Z1000 in February 1977, Bike magazine had to contend with a wet track but nevertheless recorded a 12.76-second standing quarter-mile time, despite an enforced half-throttle take-off, and a staggering terminal velocity of 117mph with rider normally seated! A much-revised frame meant that the Z1000 had lost some of its predecessors' wayward handling while remaining every bit as refined. Introduced soon afterwards and intended to appeal to European tastes, the more expensive Z1-R version featured a partially black-finished engine, cockpit fairing, lower 'bars, and a coffin-shaped fuel tank, while the more obvious mechanical changes amounted to a 4-into-1 exhaust, cast wheels, drilled brake discs, and callipers mounted behind the fork legs. The chassis was mildly revised (again) and power went up to 90bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of 133mph. New for 1979-1980, the Z1-R MkII was distinguished by its black finish with gold pin-striping (dark red in some markets); a 4-into-2 exhaust; and a further uprated engine producing 93bhp.

Currently displaying a total of 46,021 kilometres (28,597 miles) on the odometer, this Z1-R comes with a V5C Registration Certificate stating that it was 'registered/used overseas', while the accompanying HPI report records the previous colour as grey. It should be noted that the frame number to the machine and V5C 'B01420A' does not conform to Kawasaki's practice at the time of manufacture (it should be similar to the engine number). The declared date of manufacture (1981) is believed incorrect also (the engine number suggests the machine was built circa 1977).

The machine is fitted with a Vance & Hines exhaust system; it does not presently start or run; therefore, we have been unable to establish compression or put the machine through its gears. Additional paperwork includes a quantity of MoT certificates spanning from the 1990s to 2014; a handwritten purchase invoice (dated 2011); a quantity of invoices; and a selection of restoration images dating from circa 2011. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this lot's component parts, prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
Offered with key