My first KZ

Hello all! After 2 years with no bike (had to sell due to 2 new additions to the family in 2 years), and after much research and thought about what I wanted to do this time around, I finally found what I wanted on craigslist last week and bought her.

She is either an 81 or 82 KZ1000 CSR. The title says 1982, but the frame says 1981 (July), so maybe she is considered a late model 81? So I picked her up for $400 from a guy who just had too many toys in his machine shed (I counted 4 trucks, 4 motorcycles, 2 3-wheelers, 2 4-wheelers, and a sweet boat).

She ran smoothly, rode nicely, and looked pretty good. Her headlight, front turn signals, and horn were missing. There were a couple of wires up front that had been snipped, and when I was checking the rear turn signals, they lit up but did not blink. I didn't think this was a real issue, but used it to take a little more off the price.

Here she is after I got her home.



So I have already planned out some mods/upgrades. Since she ran just fine, I don't want to mess with the engine too much. But I have already stripped her down to the frame and removed the engine for cleaning, etc.

Here is a list of things I am planning to have finished by Spring:

-degrease and power wash engine (paint?...I have heard not to paint air cooled engines cuz they have a tendency to overheat)
-polish engine covers
-some new gaskets, washers, and o-rings
-a little carb work
-ngk iridium spark plugs
-new spark plug wires
-dynojet kit? (not sure yet?)
-k&n oil filter
-k&n oval pod filters
-new fuel lines/filter
-new headlight/tailight/signals/horn
-new clutch/speedo/tach/throttle cables
-new brake/clutch levers
-new bars/grips/bar end mirrors
-LEDs
-new seat
-new sprockets (JT 630 to 530 conversion)
-new chain
-rear sets with universal linkage
-new tires
-new pro-lite rotors (2front, 1 rear)
-new brake pads
-new stainless steel braided brake lines
-new rear shocks (Progressive black HD)
-new front springs (Progressive)
-gusset frame, blast and powdercoat
-polish and/or powder coat rims
-blast and powder coat exhaust
-polish and/or powder coat lower forks
-strip, sand, and paint tank
-POR-15 tank repair kit (some rust)
-new fuel cap
-strip and paint calipers

And after visiting a local garage that specializes in KZs, I have a few other ideas I might try after this initial project.

I am looking forward to this project and picking your brains for ideas and knowledge.

welcome ...there are some of those still in stunning shape...and they are good as a kz gets...sounds like you got the plan...good score...tires and polish make a big start...peace

What a beautiful find! Have you started tearing her apart yet?

Yep. Took me a couple of days to take apart (with lots of pictures and parts labeling). I now have a maintenance and repair manual and will start with the engine first.

Here is the state of the bike as of today:








I am excited about this restore.

Manuals (These websites sell used manuals, so ask)
www.repairmanual.com
www.manualsnmore.com
www.midwestmanuals.com/
www.books4cars.com/
www.repairmanualclub.com/motomanuals/
moto-manuals.com/
www.slideshare.net/carmenitadinutzaa/fac...ual-instant-download


www.z1enterprises.com is where a majority of owners of older bikes get their parts. I also use www.redlinecycle.com , www.kawasakipartshouse.com & www.americanclassix.com

If you're gonna have the frame painted/powdercoated, one thing many rebuilders forget is to clean out the many and various electrical grounding places. A M6 X 1 tap is probably the size needed.

Also while you've got it apart, have new battery cables made up. I've got 6 gauge welding cables on my bike for increased cranking ability. What came with the bike is probably 8 gauge(smaller) in size.

Very tidy workshop thereB)

Thanks guys.

Very nice bike.Have one very much like it. Would stay with regular NGK or Denso plugs. IMO iridium arent worth the money.Would also put a K and N filter in the stock airbox and stay with that. Pods=tuning issues with the carbs.Stainless brake lines are well worth the money and give u much more firm brakes.Progressive makes good suspension pieces,but look at Hagon for the rear shocks.Do a really good job.Frames on the J series bikes are pretty rigid.Not sure why gusseting is needed but hey,your bike. Nice bike,nice save,bj

Thanks for the input hocbj23. I will check Hagon out. I also think that the frame looked pretty rigid, but was seeing a lot of gusset work in the pics on this site and thought it looked like a good idea. They kept bringing up the "death wobble", which doesn't sound very pleasant. Maybe they have different frames.

Thanks again...any info will be helpful.

hocbj23 wrote: Very nice bike. Would stay with regular NGK or Denso plugs. IMO iridium arent worth the money. Would also put a K and N filter in the stock airbox and stay with that. Pods=tuning issues with the carbs.Stainless brake lines are well worth the money and give u much more firm brakes.Progressive makes good suspension pieces,but look at Hagon for the rear shocks.Do a really good job.Frames on the J series bikes are pretty rigid.Not sure why gusseting is needed but hey,your bike. Nice bike,nice save,bj

+1

gwolever wrote: "They kept bringing up the "death wobble", which doesn't sound very pleasant."

Death wobble can much more likely be attibuted to 1. Tire problems even if good brand and no visual problems (ask how I know!); 2. Worn swingarm bushings/bearings; 3. Worn/damaged steering stem bearings; 4. Worn rear shocks; 5. Poorly maintained forks.

Regarding Hagon shocks; I use them and love them. Here's a link:

www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/

Here's one Hagon option; they have many styles.

nice bike great deal too.Kz's are fun to work on.looks like you have it covered.go to www.e-classicbike . com this guy sell brand new reprint factory service manuals spiral bound. Factory man's are the best thats if you dont have one already.I used this guy before well worth it.