its just a Z1000ST - the shaft-drive model, released in 1979/80 and then it morphed into the Z1100 in 1981/82.
Not rare, not collectable in any way shape or form. Fuck me some ebayers are so full of shit.
These bikes are solid old rigs - but many of the parts are not interchangeable with other kawasaki models of the same period (Z1000's, MkII's and Z1000MkII's.) The ST models had a different frame with larger tubing, it was much wider across the swingarm pivot area to allow for the shaft drive. Brake rotors are thicker all round. Triple clamps and forks are model-specific. Instruments are model-specific....it just goes on and on with these models. Almost *nothing* is interchangeable with chain-drive Z1000's of the era....
These bikes are a lot heavier than your standard Z1000 of 1979 - I think the dry weight was upwards of 260kg ? They were definitely designed for touring use - not really a good base to build a cafe-racer from. Too heavy and require too many specific parts. A good mate of mine in Sydney has owned one of these for years - he really struggles when looking for any spare parts in Australia at wreckers etc - just nothing out there for these models.
About the best thing I could say - is that if your bro was looking for a good solid reliable workhorse that could do trips from Melbourne to Sydney every week - one of these with a big fairing fitted would be hard to go past. The shaft drive is as solid and reliable as anything else from kawasaki's of the era - but they are a heavy old rig any way you look at it.
