Blue ink Book Review
This exceedingly thorough, shelf-bending volume is a definitive technical guidebook for Kawasaki Z1000 R and Z1100 R bike owners.
First manufactured in 1982, the Z1000 was a follow-up to 1972’s Z1, which was then the most powerful Japanese 4-cylinder bike ever marketed. In 1984, the final version of this model range appeared, fitted with a 1,100cc engine (Z1100). In 2003, Kawasaki introduced a revamped 30- year edition as the Z1000. The company has updated that model several times since then. Stefan Oehl’s book—the first in an eight-volume series that will cover Kawasaki superbike models up to 1989— is aimed at owners restoring or repairing their motorcycles. The hefty volume catalogues the parts for the titular models, including reference numbers and the model year(s) to which those parts correspond. Text throughout offers further information helpful to those working on their motorcycles. For example: “The oil pan has two openings. The large opening in the front is for oil assembly, and the smaller opening is for the oil drain plug. There are two threaded holes at the rear, where an exhaust can be mounted…” Arrows also highlight particular idiosyncrasies: “Note: No oil pressure switch in this location!” Oehl also offers a color code to guide readers. For example, an orange border around text indicates “Important information”; a red border signifies “Unusual detail”; a yellow and black border offers “Additional Details, Cautions and Warnings.” The author is well qualified for this task, having served in many technical positions, including work in the technical departments for Lufthansa and Virgin Australia Airlines, “to which his meticulous mind was perfectly suited,” according to his bio. This book is a testament to that mindset. Photos—reproduced in razor-sharp quality — include every screw, nut, bolt and washer required for each part. This is obviously a book for a niche audience, but that audience will have outsized enthusiasm for it. Whether one is looking for a single part or restoring an entire bike, this book is a must-have for Kawasaki enthusiasts.
Also available in hardcover and ebook
Z1000 R & Z1100 R: Book Review by Blueink
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Posted: July 1, 2024 by Stefan R. Oehl
Blue ink Book Review
This exceedingly thorough, shelf-bending volume is a definitive technical guidebook for Kawasaki Z1000 R and Z1100 R bike owners.
First manufactured in 1982, the Z1000 was a follow-up to 1972’s Z1, which was then the most powerful Japanese 4-cylinder bike ever marketed. In 1984, the final version of this model range appeared, fitted with a 1,100cc engine (Z1100). In 2003, Kawasaki introduced a revamped 30- year edition as the Z1000. The company has updated that model several times since then. Stefan Oehl’s book—the first in an eight-volume series that will cover Kawasaki superbike models up to 1989— is aimed at owners restoring or repairing their motorcycles. The hefty volume catalogues the parts for the titular models, including reference numbers and the model year(s) to which those parts correspond. Text throughout offers further information helpful to those working on their motorcycles. For example: “The oil pan has two openings. The large opening in the front is for oil assembly, and the smaller opening is for the oil drain plug. There are two threaded holes at the rear, where an exhaust can be mounted…” Arrows also highlight particular idiosyncrasies: “Note: No oil pressure switch in this location!” Oehl also offers a color code to guide readers. For example, an orange border around text indicates “Important information”; a red border signifies “Unusual detail”; a yellow and black border offers “Additional Details, Cautions and Warnings.” The author is well qualified for this task, having served in many technical positions, including work in the technical departments for Lufthansa and Virgin Australia Airlines, “to which his meticulous mind was perfectly suited,” according to his bio. This book is a testament to that mindset. Photos—reproduced in razor-sharp quality — include every screw, nut, bolt and washer required for each part. This is obviously a book for a niche audience, but that audience will have outsized enthusiasm for it. Whether one is looking for a single part or restoring an entire bike, this book is a must-have for Kawasaki enthusiasts.
Also available in hardcover and ebook
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