Beschreibung
In the wonderful world of Turbo motorcycles, the mighty Kawasaki Z1R TC is the very first in the factory turbo column. The Z1R TC was sold through Kawasaki dealerships as a new model, however it was not (technically) a factory effort. Ex-Kawasaki executive Alan Masek convinced Kawasaki to ship bikes to his Turbo Cycle Company(TCC), and given the sluggish sales of the Z1R, this was not too difficult. TCC applied an American Turbo Pak kit to the stock machines, and shipped the resultant models to select dealerships with a $1, 400 premium tacked on to the price tag. Appearing to be a factory effort – but devoid of the factory warranty – the Z1R TC went on to gain an incredible reputation for speed, on/ off switch turbo boost behaviour, and questionable longevity. For Kawasaki it was a huge win with very little risk.
The original Z1R TC bikes from 1978 went out the door in stock Kawasaki colours; they were literally converted by TCC and then shipped on, 250 in total. As the operation matured, several changes occurred during 1979, most noticeably a new “spider” 4-into-1 collector that promised improved low-rev gas flow for better slow running, reduced turbo lag, and a smoother transition to boost mode. Other changes included a baffle in the oil pan to prevent oil starvation, the oil return moved to a new fitting where the kick starter used to be to allow full access to the oil filler, better metering for the turbo’s oil supply, a smaller fuel pump and a new centre stand.
The Z1R TC was a serious motorcycle that demanded the best riders, hence the Do’s and Don’ts below! Boost was not easily manipulated and the remainder of the stock Z1R pieces were not engineered for the upgrade. The complete lack of engine controls that we take for granted (computer controlled fuel injection, programmable ignition modules, rev limiters) made for a very fragile existence, and hence the rarity of these bikes today!
The bike is the 1979 Kawasaki Z1R TC, from the Gen II production run, and are the most desired of the Z1R TC set. It is a very limited production motorcycle, being one of 250 produced during 1979. It is unbelievably fast and has an exhaust that is a thrill to listen to as it winds up through the gears, although when kept under 5, 000 rpm then the performance is similar to a standard Z1R.
I purchased the Z1R TC from Italy last year, with the bike having come originally from a dealer in the Netherlands, registered on the 20th of June 1979. It has the genuine ATP – American Turbo Pak installed as per the photos, and is all original including kick start lever under the seat. Includes upgraded pressure gauge.
The bike is UK Registered – EAO 264T with V5C in my name, and comes with an MOT certificate and various paperwork, plus supplementary Z1R TC Handbook.
I have a video of the bike running which I can send via Whatsapp if required.
