The z1000 ST was Kawasaki’s first shaft driven, as opposed to, chain driven motorcycle and was launched in 1979 and produced for only two years.
It was effectively the z1000 with shaft drive and was available in only two colours, blue or red. Unless you were in the USA where a black version was available.
Powered by the already legendary Kawasaki Z1 DOHC 4- cylinder engine bored out to 1000cc it had plenty of power and, using a strengthened frame the ST was still really more of a sports bike with a shaft rather than an out and out tourer.
There is no history until the bike was imported from the USA and registered in the UK in 1993. After that it had a handful of owners until finally being parked up in a garage in 2015.
There it stayed for 6 years until rescued by the current owner, a works motorcycle race team technician and engineer, looking for a covid induced project.
Solid but with a damaged cylinder head, poor paintwork and generally in poor condition there was only one course of action, to strip it all down to the bare frame and put it back together with subtle upgrades and attention to detail to make it a better bike than it ever was.
The bike was completely stripped down to the bare frame and its last nut and bolt.
Every component and part was then blasted, cleaned and prepared to within an inch of its life before being polished or painted as appropriate. This included the forks, engine casings, engine mounting brackets, carbs, wheels, swinging arm, exhaust etc.
The frame has been painted in a graphite grey colour which is a great contrast to the rest of the bike which is predominantly black.
The wiring loom was overhauled and rebuilt with new connectors, and it has had a new battery, electronic ignition and plug leads fitted.
The brake callipers have been stripped and rebuilt with new pads, seals and stainless-steel pistons together with new drilled discs all round, new master cylinders and stainless-steel brake lines.
The carbs were stripped, rebuilt and set up to run with Stage 3 Dynojet Air Intake filters and the existing airbox and filter were discarded.
Front and rear shocks were stripped and rebuilt with new oil, rubbers and seals.
The engine was completely stripped down and received new crank and cam shells, new piston rings, reground valves, and the timing chain and tensioners were replaced along with all the gaskets and oil seals.
Rather than repairing or replacing the damaged head, a Z1 head has been used which has been ported and gas flowed carefully to match the 4 cylinders. The Z1 head, coupled with the improved air flow from the revised carb air intake system, makes the engine breathe more efficiently and thus run more smoothly with increased power over standard.
The kickstart has been removed and neatly blanked off and a Marshalls 4 into 1 exhaust finishes off the power department nicely.
The seat was rebuilt with cut down foam and a gel insert and then recovered.
All bearings and seals anywhere on the bike were carefully inspected and replaced as and where necessary.
The fairing, petrol tank, mudguard, side panels and rear tail were stripped and professionally painted in Piano Black with gold and red pinstriping to a very high standard.
All nuts, bolts and washers used in the rebuild are all brand new stainless-steel items.
Since finishing the renovation, the bike has done an 18 mile test ride during which it performed perfectly.
With its nut and bolt renovation recently completed the overall result can be seen in the photographs. The bike has turned out as planned. Effectively a brand-new bike with subtle improvements and enhancements that make it better than it ever was 30 odd years ago…and it looks stunning with its gleaming engine and black paintwork.
The only clues to its real age are faded switchgear markings and a slight rusting around the edging of the speedometer and rev counter.
Obviously, the whole bike is as new in this department, but that does mean that the engine and the brakes do need to be run in.
No more than 4,000 revs should be used for the next 100 miles when it should have the oil and filter changed. After that, revs can gradually be increased and the owner would also recommend a further oil change after 500 miles.
This bike may not appeal to the purist or the collector who demands total originality, but this is a fabulously renovated, effectively brand new and improved, classic motorcycle. A Kawasaki with the legendary Zed engine that has huge street cred with looks and performance to match.
Some might call it a Restomod, but whatever you choose to call it, whoever wins this bike will have got themselves something very special indeed, a legendary 1,000cc 4-cylinder Kawasaki that will put a smile on their face for many years to come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1979 Kawasaki Z1000 ST
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