KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
- Dj Jarvis
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7
- Thanks: 1
KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 05:55
HI
Looking to see does anyone know of a bolt on replacement set of carbs for my KZ1100 ?
In bolt on i mean from a different model of bike (Yamaha , Suzuki , Honda etc ) or even another kawasaki
I am running mine at the moment with pod filters and have done the jetting/air screws but just runs rough
To replace with a new set of flatsiders is coming in at 1000USD plus postage and duties ( I live in Ireland)
SO - anyone know of a set or have any ideas ?
Many thanks in advance
Looking to see does anyone know of a bolt on replacement set of carbs for my KZ1100 ?
In bolt on i mean from a different model of bike (Yamaha , Suzuki , Honda etc ) or even another kawasaki
I am running mine at the moment with pod filters and have done the jetting/air screws but just runs rough
To replace with a new set of flatsiders is coming in at 1000USD plus postage and duties ( I live in Ireland)
SO - anyone know of a set or have any ideas ?
Many thanks in advance
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Wookie58
-
- Offline
- Moderator
- Posts: 4555
- Thanks: 2696
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:15
Is there a reason why you have started a new thread on the same topic as below ? did you consider the "air correctors" supplied by Zed1015 (UK based) suggested by Nessism ?
Replacement carbs for a ZK1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) - KZRider Forum - KZRider, KZ, Z1 & Z Motorcycle Enthusiast's Forum
Replacement carbs for a ZK1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) - KZRider Forum - KZRider, KZ, Z1 & Z Motorcycle Enthusiast's Forum
1982 KZ1000 Ltd
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192
kzrider.com/filebase-alias?view=download...d-fault-diagnosis&ca
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192
kzrider.com/filebase-alias?view=download...d-fault-diagnosis&ca
The following user(s) said Thank You: TexasKZ, Dj Jarvis
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 7739
- Thanks: 2356
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:21
All of the KZ series between 650 and 1100cc use the same spacing, so they will all bolt on. The Suzuki GS 1000 and 1100 also have the same spacing, and I think there are others.
However, what you are proposing is to use another 50 year old set of carburetors with an unknown history and unknown problems to solve a problem you already have.
Seems to me that it is very possible that identifying and solving the problem you have with the current setup will be less frustrating and less expensive in the long run than introducing additional complications.
It might not even be carb related.
Some additional information about the problem will help with diagnosis.
Under what conditions does the roughness occur? Rpm and throttle opening? Load or no load? Consistent or intermittent? One or two cylinders not firing? Was it running rough before the change to individual filters? Et cetera.
It could be something as simple as a loose coil wire, or a plugged pilot circuit in one or more of the carbs.
However, what you are proposing is to use another 50 year old set of carburetors with an unknown history and unknown problems to solve a problem you already have.
Seems to me that it is very possible that identifying and solving the problem you have with the current setup will be less frustrating and less expensive in the long run than introducing additional complications.
It might not even be carb related.
Some additional information about the problem will help with diagnosis.
Under what conditions does the roughness occur? Rpm and throttle opening? Load or no load? Consistent or intermittent? One or two cylinders not firing? Was it running rough before the change to individual filters? Et cetera.
It could be something as simple as a loose coil wire, or a plugged pilot circuit in one or more of the carbs.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dj Jarvis
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Dj Jarvis
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7
- Thanks: 1
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:28
I did go looking for the answer but didnt find it when i looked , but thanks for pointing that out
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Dj Jarvis
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7
- Thanks: 1
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:34
Many thanks for your reply !!
OK, poss other issues i dont think it is, I have replaced the coils , the bike has been fully re wired and tested .
I have replaced the carb boots , completely replaced all jets and air screws along with all seals , my guess is the connecting rods for choke and carb action are just worn due to being 40 odd years old
I was hoping someone has come across a solution with more modern carbs that fit, OR do a set of flat siders from a Z1000 of a similar age fit straight on .
Im open to all ideas!!
As for symptoms - starts and ticks over perfectly , pulls ok from 1000 rpm till about 3/4 k and then get a flat spot then runs out of steam
Again, thanks for your reply !
OK, poss other issues i dont think it is, I have replaced the coils , the bike has been fully re wired and tested .
I have replaced the carb boots , completely replaced all jets and air screws along with all seals , my guess is the connecting rods for choke and carb action are just worn due to being 40 odd years old
I was hoping someone has come across a solution with more modern carbs that fit, OR do a set of flat siders from a Z1000 of a similar age fit straight on .
Im open to all ideas!!
As for symptoms - starts and ticks over perfectly , pulls ok from 1000 rpm till about 3/4 k and then get a flat spot then runs out of steam
Again, thanks for your reply !
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Dj Jarvis
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7
- Thanks: 1
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:39
I see that was a reply to a previous thread i started, but when i went looking for reply for some reason it wont show me my previous threads or replys.
I thought it was an issue with my browser and my original post didnt not get posted
Hence why i re posted the question again
I can see my thread when i click on your link, but not when i search
Thanks for the link !
I thought it was an issue with my browser and my original post didnt not get posted
Hence why i re posted the question again
I can see my thread when i click on your link, but not when i search
Thanks for the link !
The following user(s) said Thank You: Wookie58
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 7739
- Thanks: 2356
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 06:39 - 14 Feb 2025 06:40
What brand of pods? Some of the cheaper ones are poorly designed and can block the air intake for the slide.
Also, what brand of jets? Many of the Chinese copies are junk.
Also, what brand of jets? Many of the Chinese copies are junk.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 14 Feb 2025 06:40 by TexasKZ.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dj Jarvis
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Dj Jarvis
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7
- Thanks: 1
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 07:00
HI
The pods are a non brand , but do have the clearance for the intakes on the mouth of the carbs, first thing i checked !!
I have also changed the shims so they are also in tolerance - so bit of a head scratcher for sure
Again, thanks for the reply !
The pods are a non brand , but do have the clearance for the intakes on the mouth of the carbs, first thing i checked !!
I have also changed the shims so they are also in tolerance - so bit of a head scratcher for sure

Again, thanks for the reply !
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- TexasKZ
-
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 7739
- Thanks: 2356
Re: KZ1100 Spectre (1982 shaft drive) replacement carbs
14 Feb 2025 15:20
Is the filter material too restrictive?
carburetor diaphragms stiff, torn or ripped?
Timing advancer working freely?
Paper fuel filter restricting flow?
Kinked fuel line?
Clogged carb bowl vents?
Clogged fuel tank cap vent?
carburetor diaphragms stiff, torn or ripped?
Timing advancer working freely?
Paper fuel filter restricting flow?
Kinked fuel line?
Clogged carb bowl vents?
Clogged fuel tank cap vent?
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.