Kawasaki Superbikes: Z1000 R and Z1100 R

By Stefan R. Oehl

The winner takes it all
It is 1982. Like the year before Eddie Lawson captures the title Superbike champion. His bike is a converted Z1000 J type S1. 1982 was also the end of the seven year 1000cc AMA competition. For safety reasons AMA decided to reduce the maximum capacity to 750cc.
His first championship inspired Kawasaki to develop a limited and street legal version of the Z1000 S1 racer. A tank badge bears the number 1 and the signature of Eddie Lawson surrounded by bay leaves. Only the 1982 model is a genuine “Eddie Lawson Replica”. It was followed by the 1983 “Superbike Replica” in two colour schemes and a modified tank badge. In 1984 the final version of this model range appeared, fitted with an 1100cc engine, two colour schemes and some other minor changes. After a second production year with an unchanged Z1100 R the chapter was closed in 1985.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369494707

Stefan R. Oehl

From completing an Electronic Technician apprenticeship and serving 15 months compulsory military service as a radar technician in the German Air Force, to his lengthy service in various technical departments for Lufthansa, my father has always had a passion and keen eye for the Kawasaki motorcycle, which never left him, even as he embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. After starting a family, Stefan moved himself, his wife and two daughters to the Land Down Under, settling in Brisbane, Australia. Here he experienced the managerial side of things, working for Virgin Australia Airlines in its technical departments, to which his meticulous mind was perfectly suited. With his expertise, Stefan went on to provide his services to Skywest Airlines, however was made redundant some time later. Not letting himself be defeated, Stefan continued his work as an independent Aviation Consultant and Author, and immersed himself in contributing to the Kawasaki community, bringing you Code Zed. Sabrina Elizabeth Oehl

Book preview

KAWASAKI

SUPERBIKES

Z1000 R and Z1100 R

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STEFAN R. OEHL

Copyright © 2024 by Stefan R. Oehl. 855228

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Xlibris

AU TFN: 1 800 844 927 (Toll Free inside Australia)

AU Local: 02 8310 8187 ([phone] from outside Australia)

www.xlibris.com.au

Rev. date: 05/24/2024

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Figure 1.   Z1000 S

2nd Edition February 2024

Stefan R. Oehl

ABN 26 284 690 647

21 Bucknor Drive, Deception Bay 4508, Queensland, Australia

Code Z is a registered trademark (Australia).

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Figure 2.   Code Z Trademark

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission.

The Author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work, the right not to have a person falsely assert or imply that they are the author of this work and the right not to have his work subjected to derogatory treatment which is prejudicial to his honour or reputation.

Comments or suggestions for improvements

related to this book are always welcome.

Email: [e-mail]

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Figure 3.   Code Z Dragon (Stefan R. Oehl)

CONTENTS

Copyright

Figures

Preface

Introduction

Layout of the Pages

Kawasaki Model Code

Date Markings

Kawasaki Part Numbers

Japanese Writing

Kawasaki Z1000 R and Z1100 R

Development

Z1000 R1 (1982)

Z1000 R2 (1983)

Z1100 R1 (1984 and 1985)

Technical Data and Equipment

Colour Schemes and Markings

Z1000 R1 (1982)

Z1000 R2 (1983)

Z1100 R2 (1984 and 1985)

Motorcycle Identification Markings

Primary Identification Markings

Secondary Motorcycle Identification Markings

Major Subassemblies

Meter Faces

Z1000 R1

Z1000 R2

Z1100 R1

Decals and Service Information

Buildup

Frame and Vehicle Identification

Stands, Dual Horn and Oil Cooler

Stands

Dual Horn and Oil Cooler

Crash Braces

Front Wheel, Front Axle and Front Fender

Front Brake

Front Suspension

Fork Brace

Steering Stem, Ignition Lock, Ignition Lock Cover, Seat Lock and Helmet Locks

Fork Covers, Head Lamp and Signal Lamps

Fairing

Steering Damper

Handlebar and Handlebar Equipment

Handlebar

Clutch Lever Holder

Forward Brake Master Cylinder

Left Housing Assembly

Right Housing Assembly

Mirrors

Meters

Meter Bracket and Meters Z1000 R1

Meter Bracket and Meters Z1000 R2

Meter Bracket and Meters Z1100 R1

Fuel Tank

Engine

Evolution

Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2 Engine

Z1100 R1 Engine

Cylinder Head, Cylinder Head Cover, Cylinder and Pistons

Kawasaki Clean Air System®

Crank Case

Crankshaft, Connecting Rods and Pistons

Transmission Input Shaft, Gears and Bearings

Transmission Output Shaft, Gears and Bearings

Gear Change Mechanism

Oil Pan, Oil Pump and Oil Filter

Oil Cooling

Alternator

Starter Motor and Starting Clutch

Chain Cover, Clutch Release Cover and Clutch Release Mechanism

Engine Breather and Engine Oil System Connections

Carburetors and Air Filter

Kawasaki Clean Air System®

Left Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Electrical Fuses

Seat and Frame Fittings

Swing Arm

Rear Axle and Chain Adjuster

Rear Wheel Assembly

Drive Chain System

Rear Suspension

Exhaust System

Seat Cover and Storage Case

Rear Fender

Tail Lamp, Tail Lamp Bracket & Rear Signal Lamps

Rear Brake System

Right Side Cover and Electrical Equipment

Oil Fill Port

Clutch

Clutch Cover

Ignition System

Pulsing Coils, Pulsing Coil Cover and Ignition Coils

Foot Rests

Photo Sets

Z1000 R & Z1100 R

Z1000 R1

Z1000 R2

Z1100 R1

Z1000 S1

Sources and Support

About the Author

FIGURES

Figure 1.    Z1000 S

Figure 2.    Code Z Trademark

Figure 3.    Code Z Dragon (Stefan R. Oehl)

Figure 4.    Vintage AMA Sticker from the early 1980s

Figure 5.    Artists Impression of Eddie Lawson on his 1980 KZ1000 racer

Figure 6.    Photo of a Poster from 1982

Figure 7.    Structure of the Pages

Figure 8.    Sequence of Illustrations and Pictures

Figure 9.    Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Ref. Table 1

Figure 10.  Engine, Model, Gregorian Year, Emperor Reigning Year Ref. Table 2

Figure 11.  Manufacturing Date Markings (Examples only)

Figure 12.  Part Number Decoding

Figure 13.  Parts Label Versions

Figure 14.  Conversions and Abbreviations

Figure 15.  Japanese Writing Versions

Figure 16.  A Thought from the Author

Figure 17.  Z1000 R2

Figure 18.  Z1000 R1

Figure 19.  Z1000 R2

Figure 20.  Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2 Basic Technical Data

Figure 21.  Z1000 R1 Technical Data and Equipment

Figure 22.  Z1000 R2 Technical Data and Equipment

Figure 23.  Z1100 R1 Basic Technical Data

Figure 24.  Z1100 R1 Technical Data and Equipment

Figure 25.  Z1000 R1 Body Set - Lime Green

Figure 26.  Z1000 R1 Fuel Tank - Lime Green

Figure 27.  Z1000 R2 Body Set - Lime Green

Figure 28.  Z1000 R2 Fuel Tank - Lime Green

Figure 29.  Z1000 R2 Body Set – Polar White

Figure 30.  Z1000 R2 Fuel Tank – Polar White

Figure 31.  Z1100 R1 Body Set – Lime Green

Figure 32.  Z1100 R1 Fuel Tank – Lime Green

Figure 33.  Z1100 R1 Body Set – Metallic Stardust Silver

Figure 34.  Z1100 R1 Fuel Tank – Metallic Stardust Silver

Figure 35.  Z1000 S1 AMA Racer 1981

Figure 36.  Z1000 S1 AMA Racer 1982

Figure 37.  Z1000 S1 Limited Edition Kawasaki Racer

Figure 38.  Z1000 R1 – Lime Green

Figure 39.  Z1000 R2 – Lime Green

Figure 40.  Z1000 R2 – Polar White

Figure 41.  Z1100 R1 – Lime Green

Figure 42.  Z1100 R1 – Metallic Stardust Silver

Figure 43.  Fuel Tank Emblem, Side Cover Emblem Versions and Fairing Emblem - Z1000 R1

Figure 44.  Fuel Tank Emblem, Side Cover Emblem Versions and Fairing Emblem - Z1000 R2

Figure 45.  Fuel Tank Emblem, Side Cover Emblem Versions and Fairing Emblem - Z1100 R1

Figure 46.  Engine Cover Emblems - Z1100 R1

Figure 47.  Major Vehicle Identification Markings

Figure 48.  Double Down Tube Duplex Cradle Type Steel Frame

Figure 49.  Wheel Assemblies

Figure 50.  Z1000 J and Z1000 R Engine Versions for Comparison

Figure 51.  Z1100 R and ZX1000 A Engine Versions for Comparison

Figure 52.  Carburetor Assembly Versions

Figure 53.  Exhaust Assembly Versions

Figure 54.  Meter Face & Warning Lamp Layout – Z1000 R1 (Version 1)

Figure 55.  Meter Face & Warning Lamp Layout – Z1000 R1 (Version 2)

Figure 56.  Meter Face & Warning Lamp Layout – Z1000 R1 (Version 3)

Figure 57.  Meter Face Layout Versions – Z1000 R2

Figure 58.  Meter Face Layout Versions – Z1100 R1

Figure 59.  Warning and Service Decal Set – Z1000 R1

Figure 60.  Warning and Service Decal Set – Z1000 R2

Figure 61.  Warning and Service Decal Set – Z1100 R1

Figure 62.  Required Service Manual Versions – Set 1

Figure 63.  Required Service Manual Versions – Set 2

Figure 64.  Parts Catalog Versions (Z1100-R not available)

Figure 65.  Owner’s Manual Versions

Figure 66.  Service Handbook Versions until the late 1970s

Figure 67.  Warranty and Service Record Versions until the late 1980s

Figure 68.  Warranty and Service Record Versions until present

Figure 69.  Start of the Buildup Section

Figure 70.  Location of the Forward Engine Mounts, Side Reflectors, Oil Cooler and Horns – Z1000 R1 (Z1000 R2 and Z1100 R1 are similar)

Figure 71.  Vehicle Identification - Z1000 R1, Z1000 R2 & Z1100 R1

Figure 72.  Frame (Side View) - Z1000 S1

Figure 73.  Frame (Side View) - Z1000 R1, Z1000 R2 & Z1100 R1

Figure 74.  Frame (Top View of a related Frame)

Figure 75.  Frame (Bottom View of a related Frame)

Figure 76.  Headstock (Left Side) and Stanley Reflector - Z1000 R1 & Z1000 R2

Figure 77.  Headstock (Right Side) and Stanley Reflector - Z1000 R1 & Z1000 R2

Figure 78.  Headstock Comparison (Left Side View)

Figure 79.  Headstock Comparison (Top View)

Figure 80.  Frame Front Section (Bottom View of a related Frame)

Figure 81.  Frame Front Section (Side View) - Z1000 R1, Z1000 R2 & Z1100 R1

Figure 82.  Frame Forward, Middle and Rear Section Comparison

Figure 83.  Lock Cable Tube Opening

Figure 84.  Frame Lower Middle Section (Left and Right Side)

Figure 85.  Frame Middle Section (Left and Right Side)

Figure 86.  Frame Rear Section Comparison

Figure 87.  Side Stand

Figure 88.  Side Stand Bracket and Side Stand Switch

Figure 89.  Side Stand and Mounting Set

Figure 90.  Main Stand

Figure 91.  Main Stand and Mounting Set

Figure 92.  Side Stand and Main Stand Mounting

Figure 93.  Double YF-12 Horn

Figure 94.  Double YF-12 Horn and Mounting Set

Figure 95.  Z1000 R2 with Crash Braces

Figure 96.  Z1100 R1 with Crash Braces

Figure 97.  Crash Brace Versions

Figure 98.  Front Enkei Wheel Assembly - Z1000 R1

Figure 99.  Front Enkei Wheel Assembly - Z1000 R2

Figure 100.  Front Enkei Wheel Assembly - Z1100 R1

Figure 101.  Front Enkei Wheel Assembly - Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2

Figure 102.  Front Enkei Wheel Assembly - Z1100 R1

Figure 103.  Front Axle Assembly - Z1000 R1, Z1000 R2 & Z1100 R1

Figure 104.  Speedometer Drive Assembly (Mechanical Version)

Figure 105.  Nippon Seiki Speedometer Pulse Assembly (Electrical Version)

Figure 106.  Front Fender

Figure 107.  Tokico Dual Front Brake System – Z1000 R1

Figure 108.  Tokico Dual Front Brake System – Z1000 R2

Figure 109.  Tokico Dual Front Brake System – Z1100 R1

Figure 110.  Left Front Tokico Brake Caliper Assembly – Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2

Figure 111.  Right Front Tokico Brake Caliper Assembly – Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2

Figure 112.  Tokico Dual Front Brake System – Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2

Figure 113.  Left & Right Tokico Brake Caliper Assemblies – Z1000 R1 and Z1000 R2

Figure 114.  Forward Brake Joint – Z1000 R1, Z1000 R2 and Z1100 R1

Figure 115.  Forward Brake Disc

Figure 116.  Kayaba Front Suspension (Left Side) -