1981 KZ1000 LTD........it's mine!

[kimsmith4807]

This came up on craigslist, almost 3 1/2 hour drive for me but after ZORO's good words I'm getting it, or at least trying like heck. I just spoke with the owner, a very nice 52 yr. old gentleman who said he knows the original buyer and the second owner. He being the third. I got pics coming and some of the specifics are; clear title, 22K miles, engine number is KZT00JE-005524, all factory except the added oil cooler and a Kerker 4-1. It runs and is inspectable, it does have a tick on the top end that goes away as the bike warms up (valve maybe?). He was very honest about every aspect of the bike, at times it sounded like he really didn't want to let it go but I told him my intentions to do a frame off and that it would be treated well and he liked that. He had one other interested party but he said that guy wanted to load the bike and take it to the nearest dealer and look into the ticking sound, etc., etc. Below is the original craigslist posting and I will put up the other pics he took tonight as soon as I get them. Just wanted to share the excitement!!!!!!!

Kawasaki 1981 KZ 1000 LTD

[zoro]

I hope you get it Kim! PS. Even if that thing needs new valves,guides and springs, Its still an excellent buy!

[chocohills]

Hey 4807, reminds me of my '81 KZ1100, for same price, but I only had to drive 2 hours (in the rain) don't let your enthusiasm get too much of you because with these old bikes, the purchase price means very little, if it needs major work, that will eat up your pocketbook fast. I have to say, it sounds like a good find so good luck with it!

[kimsmith4807]

Well, just got a call from the seller. The bike is mine if I want it. He had a guy come by today, drove a long way too and only offered $400. Tom, (the seller), felt a little insulted. He thought the asking price was fair. Anyways, it looks like I'm heading out early Saturday a.m. to get it. Thanks to all who put up with my bs and crying about not having a KZ of my own.

[kawpaul]

****** that bad boy up.
And yes that is the factory speedometer.

[Cyclemut]

Speed limit is only 75mph on the highway. Why do we need anything more?

Oh yeah, I only paid $300 for mine, she's gonna run around a grand when she's all running good. I'm glad I only paid that much, not that I would have passed it up, but I'll complain about it while the wind is blowing past my bald head, the bugs are stinging my smiling face and the sound of the exhaust fills my ears. Yeah, what a waste of money.

[chocohills]

That's a nice looking bike

[zoro]

Well, just got a call from the seller. The bike is mine if I want it. He had a guy come by today, drove a long way too and only offered $400. Tom, (the seller), felt a little insulted. He thought the asking price was fair. Anyways, it looks like I'm heading out early Saturday a.m. to get it. Here are some more pics of the bike. Oh, and can someone tell me what's up with the speedo? Is that factory, only 85 MPH? Thanks to all who put up with my bs and crying about not having a KZ of my own.

WOW!!! What a steal!!! Kim, you did better than good! Kerker header! Thats $500 right there! Thats the bad boy J motor. They started using the 85mph speedos in 1980, the bike will peg that in third gear! Im happy for you Kim! Awesome Bike! Hmmm, I can get there before Saturday! I wonder if he'll take a grand for it?

[chocohills]

Oh, you know, now other people are looking. (I've even got the Craigs List ad, haha) I have been burned before like this. Make sure you call the guy before you take off and tell him you are coming with cash money so don't sell the bike because a lot of people will take first cash. Money talks is what I'm saying. Zoro's right about the Kerkers, that's a cool perk and I'll give you $300 right now for them!

[ChevelleSSLS6]

It's cooler to wind it around a time or two than it is to say "I went an indicated 100" which could mean 90-95mph.

A buddy of mine had a Jeep Comanche and when he backed up the speedo would wind in the opposite direction lol.

[kimsmith4807]

Love the comments and all the support. I had a long talk with the seller and it was like talking to a neighbor. I got his address, talked about what he does for work (aeronautical instructor/teacher), etc. Heck he even wanted to make sure I enjoyed the ride over, check out the sites and stuff. Going to take the ferry across the lake, save me some time and gas. Now the real work begins. Putting together wishlists, hunting down parts and trying to find a good engine shop. I don't plan on changing things too much, I like the drag bars over factory, the factory color is fine, the oil cooler I think should go, and I would love to have the engine bead blasted for that new look. While I'm on the subject of engine, here's the big question......I'm an EMT (Electro/Mechanical Tech) for a large printing company, very mechanically inclined, been a gearhead all my life and have 20 years of electronics background (thanks to the NAVY), have done alot of work on cars/bikes, etc. but have never taken a bike engine down as far as I think I need to with this one. With a good shop manual (and the forums help) could I do this myself?
Sorry for the long post, I'm just so excited that I finally have something in my stable.

[kawpaul]

I would say you would have little to no trouble doing the work yourself. A bike is easier than a car. Everything is right out there in the open.

[zoro]

Kim, with your background and the desire youve already displayed for owning and riding a vintage muscle bike, there is nothing you cant do yourself except the machining needed for boring cylinders or reworking the heads. The tools you will need are relatively inexpensive. There are a many experienced members on this forum who are more than willing to help you and teach you how to properly and correctly restore and maintain your bike! Im thrilled for you, your right where I was two years ago and I know the passion your about to experience as you get know every detail of that bike and understand the thrill of owning and restoring your own piece of motorcycling history!The first and most important tool you need to purchase is a service manual. Go ahead and get the Clymer manual to use until you locate and purchase a Kawasaki service manual, and purchase the tools as you need them for whatever service procedures. Youll want "Superbike" bars instead of the drag bars, trust me on that one!

[kimsmith4807]

Yes, going with the superbars. Any recommendations? Also, I'm only finding CLYMER shop manuals. Are the 'real' shop manuals out there? This time tomorrow I will have it home, can't wait. I also noticed in the photos that there were no mirrors. Not sure what NY's laws are regarding mirrors or maybe it just doesn't have any, so I will be taking recommendations on them as well. I'm not a big chrome guy either and throughout this re-build I will definately be taking advice from all.

[RoadRunner322]

Nobody had a manual for my 85 ZN700, even Haynes and Clymer. They did have a manual for 750 aircooled 4's of that vintage but not exactly my bike. I bought the Haynes manual. Later, I saw a used factory manual on ebay and jumped on it. They are both good manuals, both having some information the other doesn't.

[MFolks]

My source for manuals:

1.Repair Manual Catalog Online - RepairManual.com
2.ManualsNMore.com Original Factory Service and Repair Manuals

Haynes and Clymer are good for some items, but I like the factory specs better.

[chocohills]

Yes, going with the superbars. Any recommendations? Also, I'm only finding CLYMER shop manuals. Are the 'real' shop manuals out there? This time tomorrow I will have it home, can't wait. I also noticed in the photos that there were no mirrors. Not sure what NY's laws are regarding mirrors or maybe it just doesn't have any, so I will be taking recommendations on them as well. I'm not a big chrome guy either and throughout this re-build I will definately be taking advice from all.

Hey Kim, I've got a Kawasaki service manual that covers 1981 kz1000 to kz1100. I bought it by mistake. It is a good one and I'll sell it for 1/2 what I paid on ebay=$15 if you want it. I wanted the version for shaft drive which I have since gotten. Plus postage whatever that is.

[MFolks]

If your bike has the factory electronic ignition system and the IC Igniter fails, a member of KZrider.com - Home called "Loudhvx" has designed and built a replacement using off the shelf GM electronic modules.

This only works on bike's having the mechanical ignition advancer:
General Motors HEI Ignition Module For GPZ550

__________________________________________________ _______________

For those rider's using the 4 pin GM module ignition, I have researched some cross index numbers from the different manufacturers:


AC DELCO ----------------------- DM 1906 or D1906

WELLS -----------------------------DR 100

ACCEL -----------------------------ACC 35361/ACC 35367

PERTRONIX ---------------------D2000

CAR QUEST ---------------------21040

NAPA ECHLIN ------------------ECH TP45

NIEHOFF --------------------------DR 400

BORG WARNER ----------------Select CBE4/CBE22

GM-----------------------------------10482820

Mallory------------------------------607

Jegs---------------------------------- 555-40600

Moroso------------------------------97857


I don't know if you can get this contact cleaner/preservative there, but it's what I use on all my electrical contacts.

caig.com - Home of DeoxIT - CAIG Laboratories, Inc. is the website and is carried in the Radio Shack stores in the U.S. and most any other electronic supply places.

[kimsmith4807]

Change the post title to 1981 KZ1000 LTD............is mine! Just got back with it. Tom (the seller) was the nicest gent. We talked a bit, did some paperwork, I gave him some money and he helped me load it. I promised to keep in touch and let him know how the project goes. Took the wife and one of my boys, enjoyed the ferry ride across Lake Champlain (saved me about and hour in travel time) and had a nice lunch at the wife's favorite joint (Olive Garden). The day went perfect. I feel like I'm part of some secret handshake club exclusive to those that own KZ's. It feels great! Tom gave me a manual as well but it's for a KZ1000-E1 ST. Some of the stuff inside applies but I think I have the correct one coming from chocohills so if anybody could use this let me know. It's not a CLYMER/HAYNES but a KAWASAKI Shop manual. K, going to take a nap. The 6 hour drive took a little out of me. Talk to you folks later.

[MFolks]

These older Kawasaki's are like "Muscle Cars" of the 70's and 80's. Check the valve clearances, run a can of Berryman's B-12/Seafoam in the gas once in a while,adjust the drive chain (if you have one) check tire pressure, and run good sparkplugs.

Valve clearance checking can be trickey, but after you have done it a few times with the correct tools, it's no big thing.