79 kz1000 parts interchange

[crashcourse101]

I was wondering what parts are most commonly used to modernize these bikes. What swingarm for single shock and some more handling. Which forks ? basically I would like to know what options I have and how it works. If you guys have any feedback or things you have tried please let me know.
Thanks

[MFolks]

Go to www.kawasaki.com and use the earch function to see what fits.

[Turbofeber]

how do u use the search function to see what fits ? do you check every single model made or is there a button "this fits the kz1000" etc ???

i wonder about the same thing for my kz 650 -- what parts do people swap and with what ? i've pm'ed quite a few people around the net for answers on what part this and that is on their bike - but so far i've been out of luck ..

good luck crashcourse - i hope you (and i ) find parts

[StarGate]

When you find the part on your bike at kawasaki.com click on the part # and another menu will pop up. Click the yellow ? on that menu and it will show you what other bikes that part was used on.

I don't think thats quite what crash had in mind though. I'm guessing he wants a more modern set of forks and swingarm to accommodate larger wheels/tires.

[crashcourse101]

I was just thinking of making it more of a sport bike, instead of a drag/cruiser maybe even sort of a bobber but keep it all kawasaki.
I want it to be less of a cafe racer style or rat bike, if you get where I am going with this. More of a dependable fully functional bike.
Good luck also.

[StarGate]

From what I've seen most people on here want to semi restore these bikes and pretty much stay with std equipment or very slight mods. You might want to check out kzrider.com as there are lots of people there that do some heavy mods along the lines you are thinking about.

[crashcourse101]

http://www.old-school-racing.com/Pat'sBike.htm

I like the way it sits, just trying to figure out where to start.

[Turbofeber]

thats the type of frontend i'd love to see on mine - a bit phatter than original ..

and i too want the more modern parts to go with the bike - but kawasaki all thru..

thanks stargate for telling about the parts search

[crashcourse101]

I noticed you can identify bikes by vin could you help me?
vin#kzt00b526051

[StarGate]

80 Kz1000-b4:ltd

[crashcourse101]

I have read there was differences. What are the tell tale signs? between all the b's 123or4??

[StarGate]

Most obvious would be color if the bike is something other than black but still original color. Black was an option for 3 of those years though. I'm not familiar enough with the body and frame changes for all of them though.