1980 Z1R Recently Purchased

dohc wrote:

saxjonz wrote: I want to learn EVERYTHING about this bike. I have fallen for it in a hard way.

I know how you feel... but let me just start off by saying you asked for this....

Before I start, if you really want to know everything buy this book:
www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Z1000-Z1-R-Crowo...assics/dp/184797144X

First, production numbers: Claimed '78 production is 17,392 complete bikes, while '80 is 3,308 bikes.

As for the frame, the steering head angle is given as 26 deg. for both '78 and '80, but the trail increased from 85mm to 101mm. My guess is the basic frame geometry was not changed, with the extra trail coming from the larger front wheel and a different offset in the triple clamps (unique part numbers for the clamps). More trail would make the bike steer more slowly, which should feel more stable at speed.

Marketing claimed the frame was updated to use double wall tubing, but the '78 has external bracing on the down tubes that I would call double wall tubing so I don't know what they added to the '80. Anyone else know?

The marketing also claims they shortened the swingarm by 1/2". However, they changed the drive sprockets from 15/33 to 15/35, but with the same chain length (92). Based on a web calculator, this rear sprocket change would shorten the wheelbase by 0.4", so maybe that's where this figure came from.

The springs in the rear shocks were softened (single rate spring instead of dual-rate). Apparently people complained that the 78 was too stiff. It looks like they also changed the front forks to use 10W oil instead of 15W, but it looks like they also changed the internal damping rod so the net effect is not exactly clear. But it looks like the goal was to make the ride softer overall.

The brake rotors got smaller in 80 (290mm to 250mm) with a new irregular drill pattern (to reduce noise apparently), but the front caliper pistons are larger diameter (giving more mechanical advantage) and the pistons have heat insulators so they could install sintered metal pads. The rear caliper also got insulated pistons and sintered pads. Claimed braking distance was reduced from 12.5m to 11m at a speed of 50 kph.

The rear master cylinder was changed to have a remote reservoir, along with the brake pedal and pushrod. The new MC still has the same piston diameter though. I believe the 80 Z1R had the same rear master cylinder and pedal as all other 79 and 80 KZ1000 models, while the '78 Z1R rear MC/pedal is unique.

Other details:
-Mk2 engine (many changes)
-Larger fuel tank, new fill cap
-revised seat cover (puffy cross bands)
-different front fender due to larger front wheel
-USA speedo max = 85
-4-1 exhaust changed to 4-2
-new side cover badge
-accelerator pump added to carbs (still 28mm)
-transistorized ignition replaced points
-totally different wiring harness (no central connector panel)

And now I'm really wasting your time.... the center stand lever was changed due to the left side exhaust. The headlight mounting ring was changed (no idea why). The fork ears were beefed up (even though the part number didn't change) by filling in solid what had been a circular cutout.

I'll stop now.

dohc wrote:

531blackbanshee wrote: i can tell you that my 1980 z1r is very noticeably heavier to stand up off the kickstand and push around the shop than any of the 78 z1r's that i own.

The claimed dry weight went up by 9 lbs, (542 to 551), and the curb weight went up by 11 (bigger tank?).

I'm surprised this small change (1.7%) would make the bike feel noticeably heavier, but maybe the weight/CG moved higher. The bigger tank would certainly move it up (assuming the tank was full).

I can say that the stubby little lever arm on the '78 center stand makes the bike insanely difficult to get on the stand. I'm assuming the longer arm on the '80 helped some with this.

Here is my question for the '80 owners. The low speed handling of the '78 is spooky, say when turning while slowly pulling out of a parking space or driveway. It often feels like it's going to fall flat on it's side, as if the steering head were a bit stuck and the front end wasn't tracking with the turn. Both of the '78 Z1Rs I've ridden felt exactly the same in this respect (even with new steering head bearings). Does the '80 also feel this way? Did all of the Z1/1000s feel this way?

531blackbanshee wrote: i can tell you that my 1980 z1r is very noticeably heavier to stand up off the kickstand and push around the shop than any of the 78 z1r's that i own.

leon

les holt wrote: I have a couple bikes myself, the longer/lower bikes of equal weight push much easier than the "upright/original" bikes. Lower center of gravity, lower rolling resistance, at least when you're pushing it around the shop.
At any given time I have more than 1 stocker and 1 modded bike in my shop and I can honestly tell you, the shorter the bike in height, the easier to push around, they just seem lighter, guessing lower center of gravity changes it's personality Just an observation.

Les Holt