From 1977 through 1980, Kawasaki released the KZ1000 in several distinctive versions each year LTD, Z1R, ST, MKII, Z1 Classic each had its own unique character and appeal. Just like the KZ900 the KZ1000 was built in Japan and in the USA.
In 1981, Kawasaki introduced the KZ1000J, featuring a redesigned engine the “J-model”
For this page I will focus on 1977 to 1980 only
1977 (2) Versions A1 / LTD
1978 (4) Versions A2 / Z1R / LTD / POLICE
1979 (5) Versions A3 / Z1R / LTD / POLICE / ST
1980 (7) Versions A4 / Z1R / LTD / POLICE / ST / Z1 CLASSIC

 

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The KZ1000 "Z1-R" was the KZ1000D

1978 KZ1000-D1 Z1R
Frame Numbers:  KZT00D-000101 to KZT00D-017392
Engine Numbers: KZT00DE 000101 to KZT00DE 017412
Color: Metallic Stardust Silver

The Z1R was Kawasakis first Factory Custom Cafe Racer. It revived the black painted engine and 28mm Mikuni Carbs. It featured 18" 7 spoke Mag wheels made by Kawasaki with dual front and single rear drilled disc brakes, 4 into 1 exhaust with expansion chamber, quartz halogen headlight, narrow low rise handlebars, triangular side covers, a stylish fiberglass quarter fairing with gray smoked windscreen, rectangular flip open gas cap. the seat no longer flipped open like previous models. The locking tail section stored the tool kit and documents compartment. Only by turning your key in the top of the tail section, could the seat be removed, attached to the underside of the seat pan was the kick starter to use as a back up. The new molded plastic instrument cluster now also featured an ammeter and fuel gauge. The brake fluid reservoir is no longer on the right handlebars, kawasaki put it on the left front fork behind the fairing. opposite that, The turn signal control box can be found on the right fork. The turn signal switch on the left side handlebars now features the new automatic self canceling mode. 3.4 gallon coffin style gas tank. Major magazines tested the bike and it averaged a combined 45mpg and a top speed of 135mph. Weight is 541 pounds. $3695 was the suggested retail price.

1979 KZ1000-D2 Z1R-II

Frame Numbers:  KZT00D-017501 to KZT00D-017800
Engine Numbers: KZT00DE 017501 to KZT00DE 017615
Color: Luminous Dark Red

​The Z1R was Kawasakis first Factory Custom Cafe Racer was struggling to sell. The 1979 and 1980 version was The Z1R-II. It was fitted with the new mark II engine. Modified frame allowing for more clearance, 4 into 2 exhaust system with twin expansion chambers, It featured 19" front & 18" rear 7 spoke Mag wheels made by Kawasaki. Rear sprocket has 2 more teeth. Larger gas tank, reshaped seat with more padding. 

1980 KZ1000-D3 Z1R-II
Frame Numbers:  KZT00D-017801 To KZT00D-021109
Engine Numbers: KZT00DE 017616 To KZT00D 021069
Color: Ebony Black
The bike was unchanged from 1979 with exceptions of the Speedometer only going up to 80 MPH, new pin striping and side cover badges.

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The "KZ1000-ST" was the KZ1000E

1979 KZ1000-E1 Shaft Drive
Frame Numbers:  KZT00E-000101 to KZT00E-009445
Engine Numbers: KZT00EE 000101 to KZT00EE 009461

1980 KZ1000-E2 Shaft Drive
Frame Numbers:  KZT00E-010001 To KZT00E-015966
Engine Numbers: KZT00EE 010001 To KZT00EE 015972
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The "Z1 CLASSIC" was the KZ1000G

1980 KZ1000-G1
Frame Numbers:  KZT00G-500001 To KZT00G-503205
Engine Numbers: KZT00GE 000001 To KZT00GE 003357

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The "KZ1000 POLICE" was the KZ1000C

1978 KZ1000-C1
Frame:  KZT00C-500001 to KZT00C-501513
Engine: KZT00AE 000101 to KZT00AE 082034

1979 KZ1000-C2
Frame:  KZT00C-501514 to KZT00C-502516
Engine: KZT00AE 082035 to KZT00AE 090730

​1980 KZ1000-C3
Frame:  KZT00C-502517 To KZT00C-503513
Engine: KZT00AE 090731 To KZT00AE 111503
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The "Z1000 FUEL INJECTED" was the KZ1000H (not sold in the US)

​1980 Z1000-H1
Frame:  KZT00H-000001
Engine: KZT00HE 000001

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Special Edition KZ1000 Models:
1978 KZ1000 Spirit of America (Limited to 200)
Frame numbers begin KZTOOA516###
Numbered from 1 to 200 on the gas tank
​1978 Z1R-TC Turbo & 1979 Z1R-TC II Turbo
​Authentic ones have a label THIS VEHICLE WAS ALTERED BY TURBO CYCLE CORP (500 were made)
1982 1000S1 Racer
1982 KZ1000R ELR:
Frame Numbers Begin at: JKAKZCR1#CA000001
Engine numbers begin at: KZT00JE031001
1983 KZ1000-R2 ELR:
Frame Number start at: JKAKZCR1#DA001101
Engine numbers begin at: KZT00JE039301
1984 KZ1100R
Frame numbers begin at: JKAKZBR1#EA000001
Engine numbers begin at: KZT10BE029301

*Some countries received different models the US did not get, Different colors variants & trim.

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Z-1 Info

Z1-A Info

Z1-B Info

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