From Ohio!

Greetings.
Like so many, figured I'd say hi before spamming "it wont start" threads. :laugh:
I just got this:




1981 KZ1100
30K on it, needs front fork seals, already did the petcock and some minor electrical problems.
I've only put 40 miles on it at this point, its an out of state, so got a temp tag, should pass inspection now that horn, lights, signals work.
No doubt be posting more as time goes on

Welcome! My uncle had one like that a few years ago. Good to have another set of brain cells around these parts. There are lots of guys here that need help...:whistle: ...of all kinds, so feel free to help us out whenever you can and we'll see if we can return the favor some time.

Welcome that's a nice looking bike. I'm guessing from your user name you are just down the road from me, I live in Copley so if you get stuck on something give me a shout.

Hello, Medina, and WELCOME to KZr!

Handsome reliable bike set up for cross country tour mode.

If not already on the check list, would assure that valve clearances are within specs, as some 30,000 mile bikes are overdue.

Good Fortune!

thanks
Yup, good ol' medina, ohio

yes, the valves, last night I noticed an increase subtle ticking noise.
I looked at a "manual" at the library, and it sucked. I need to find either an online source for service, or stalk ebay and buy a good one. I can knock that job out in a couple of hours when I finally find some where to start, should be similar to the kz400 I had years ago...just bigger, and more of them...

Question: I found a shop to do the front fork seals for 100- now they dont know its got all that plastic clamped to the front so it could be higher, likely the quote was for a standard.
Just how hard is it to do this job? Time is drawing down, work, life, new girlfriend (and when you're over 50...you MAKE time) etc, etc.

I'm no slouch, but never did it.
I've taken basket cases before, seized engines, frozen carbs, arrived in boxes, I can do it, but I'm thinking 100 is cheap
thanks, CWG

This link should download a good free manual:

www.metrovationinc.com/christemple/kz.pdf

Would keep an eye on ebay for a hard copy.
And hold out for a genuine Kawasaki Factory Service Manual.

Good Fortune!

nice link-'preciated

I plan on keeping a hard copy IN the trunk-I'll copy that pdf to a flash drive till then, along with basic tool kit and basic parts.

13.2 volts at idle, NICE.
and 13.1 volts at 1500rmp with everything lit up, 4 ways, brakes, highbeams
Last...3-4 old japbikes I had were not charging till 2k or 2500k...both Hondas, and newer!
now to check the clutch, and screw with whatever lifter is clattering

Fork seals done, front rear air set up to my liking. Finished cleaning it, looking fantastic. Actually had someone stopped at a light say "nice bike". I've owned half a dozen bikes, and thats the first time thats happened.

Got a gel seat pad, jury still out on that- need to go thru whole electrical and find the last corroded connections that make the light go dim with the brakes on...must have missed one, or more.

And beat the pants off a suzuki intruder 1400 from a dead stop. hehe

30 year old japbike shamed a 10(?) year old harley stomper
Later he said he backed off not to embarrass me. :lol:

Getting real close to not finding anything wrong!

I can find something wrong....it isn't parked in my garage.

unreal...numba one this week...wow

Wecome thats a stong bike For a manual check out ebay or this guy i used him he has factory reprint mans spiral bound books . www.e-classicbike.com he is on ebay too worth it.Good luck Ron