1/8 Nagano Kawasaki Z1R

[Lee Chambers]

Barn Find

 

This big old highly sort after 1979 KZ1000 Z1R has recently been imported from North America, we cannot confirm the mileage. As you can see the bike appears to be largely complete, missing the side panel badges.

 

But now for the good news, the wheels are straight, switches look ok, fuel tank is clean inside, the 4 into 1 exhaust is solid but rusty, we have had it firing/running on easy start spray but the fuel system and carbs will need attention, so get bidding this one could be yours!

 

Hi all, sorry for not posting any build updates but this kit was a mojo zapper! I gave up trying to polish this turd of a kit, lots of fit issues and handle bars that did not accommodate the fitting of the fairing suggested that this was an early model kit that had been modified with a few new parts to turn it into a Z1R.

 

So, I had to scratch build lots of extra parts and the final straw was the decals would either not release from the backing sheet or if they did, they would break up. I wrecked the DOHC engine cover decals as well as the side panel and tank badges. I had a spare set of tank decals from another kit that I was able to use. Fortunately, the pinstripe decals were ok apart from being very fragile. I just cut out the cockpit dials and stuck them into the clock bezels, sealing them in with some UV clear resin.

 

After the distress this kit caused me, I decided to "distress" the final bike and turn it into a barn find. I think the 1/12 Aoshima Z1R kit would be a much better building experience.

 

Edited June 6, 2021 by Lee Chambers

[Natter]

Sounds as though you have done the best you could with wht you were provided. Those distinctive Kawasaki vented discs, more vent than discs!

[Lee Chambers]

10 hours ago, Natter said:

Sounds as though you have done the best you could with wht you were provided. Those distinctive Kawasaki vented discs, more vent than discs!

Thanks, it was not the greatest build, one of my mates read the description about the bike and asked me for the link !!!🙈🌝