1979 Kawasaki Z1000-A1 review from United Kingdom
"I'd have another if I could find one"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
Engine to frame bolt sheared at 80mph when cornering.
Back tyre blow at 80mph (flint stuck in tread). (Not a mechanical fault, just very exciting).
Main fuse blew (lights went out) at high speed on winding country road (heart stopping).
Wheel rims were chromed steel. Chrome flakes punctured inner tubes until I epoxyed the inside of the rims.
General comments?
An easy machine to ride at any speed either in town or on the open road.
Quick (in its day) and very reliable.
Indestructible engine, although the frame snaked a bit at very high speeds when cornering.
60 in first, 90 in second and 110 in third, but I bottled out at 124, London to Portsmouth in 50 minutes.
Tyres, chains and sprockets lasted up to 8000 miles if you didn't wind the throttle open too hard.
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1980 |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1984 |
| Acceleration marks | 9/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | |
| Handling marks | 8/10 |
| Braking marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5860 miles |
| Most recent distance | 22500 miles |
| Previous motorcycle | Honda Superdream |
| Date of Entry | 10th February, 2007 |