New to forum w/ KZ1000 CSR in Seattle

Hi there,

Just picked up an '82 KZ1000 CSR the other day. It's my third bike--the first was a kz550 LTD. It would be great to be in touch with you guys who've got experience with the same bike. I've never owned anything quite this heavy or this fast--can't wait to start fiddling around. No doubt I'll have a few questions.

-Steve

Congratulations Steve and welcome to the forum. Same bikes as I ride so I know exactly how you feel.

Thanks for the welcome. I sold the 550 after a got a killer deal on an 82 Virago. I watched the guy ride off with it, and ever since then I've wanted to be back on a Kawasaki straight-four. This new one's a monster though! I'm taking it easy until I get new brakes and rubber on the front.

You've got some sweet-looking bikes, by the way.

-S

Thanks Steve - I just couldn't part with the 550LTD when I bought the 1000CSR. Had to sweet talk my wife some, so now I mostly ride it on shorter slower rides.

We have a few members in your area and I'm sure they will be in touch. Anytime you want to come over the mountains for a visit let me know. BTW, pics required!

Yeah--it took about a year before I could bring myself to sell mine. I've got a couple questions about the CSR--started it today while it was on the side stand, and could hear some knocking on the right side. Stood it up and the knocking went away, but it came back right away when I leaned the bike onto the stand again. Is that normal, or is the oil maybe not circulating as well as it should? I don't remember that happening with the 550. Also, the previous owner said the bike digs a real hot battery, and he would just plug it into the charger every night. That seems pretty high maintenance to me, especially since I don't have a garage and would have to run an extension cord. Is that normal? Thanks.

donthekawguy wrote:

We have a few members in your area and I'm sure they will be in touch. Anytime you want to come over the mountains for a visit let me know. BTW, pics required!

Cool. Over the mountains, huh? I've got ties to Wenatchee--and used the make the trip over Steven's or Blewett pass in my little 550. Where do you live?

And yes--I'll get pics up as soon as I can track down that damn camera!

smd wrote:

Yeah--it took about a year before I could bring myself to sell mine. I've got a couple questions about the CSR--started it today while it was on the side stand, and could hear some knocking on the right side. Stood it up and the knocking went away, but it came back right away when I leaned the bike onto the stand again. Is that normal, or is the oil maybe not circulating as well as it should? I don't remember that happening with the 550. Also, the previous owner said the bike digs a real hot battery, and he would just plug it into the charger every night. That seems pretty high maintenance to me, especially since I don't have a garage and would have to run an extension cord. Is that normal? Thanks.

Mine held 12.6 volts all winter without a charger, but I did give it a little charge just before cranking it for the first time back in February. On the KZ550 I leave a solar charger on it all the time as it's battery is 4 yrs old. Mine are both quite noisy when they're started up cold but quiet once they are warmed up.

Post edited by: oldcoldankles, at: 2007/05/02 00:30

Welcome aboard,Steve!