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Edition:
Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R - [1980]
This edition of the Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1980. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1981 Honda CB 1100 R BB and the 1981 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana.This particular Kawasaki Z 1000 has a 1015cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1980 Z 1000 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Z 1000's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.
Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ - [2025]
In terms of power the 1015cc 8 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 8000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 62.9 lb-ft (85.2 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Z 1000 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 RE Tour has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R.
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R has a Power to weight ratio of 353.3 bhp per ton and 236.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1980 Z 1000 competing with the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 RE Tour [378.0 bhp\ton] and the 1982 Suzuki GS 1100 GL [377.0 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki Z 1000 generating around 236.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2018 Honda VT 1300 CX Fury ABS [261.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 2003 Kawasaki ZX-6 R [261.3 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 10.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.7 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R similar in acceleration to the 2021 Honda CB 1100 RS Final Edition (10.5 secs) and the 2017 Honda CB 1100 RS (10.5 secs). This Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R and the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana
When talking about the performance of the 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.9 secs @ 109 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100 SX Katana (11.9 secs) and the 1983 Suzuki GSX 750 SD Katana (11.9 secs).
The 1980 version of the Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R has a maximum speed of 136mph.
Top Speed of the 1980 Z 1000 equals the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 Z1 R then how about a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja (147 mph) and the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja Limited Edition (147 mph).
Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Special Edition
Engine Capacity: 1441 cc
Top Speed: 189 mph
Quarter Mile: 10.0 secs @ 0 mph
