I need serious help!

blipco wrote:

KellyE, I believe you. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them from owners and people who’ve ridden them. I very nearly bought one. I bought a ZZR1200 instead, which is no lightweight either. The ZZR can really boogie tho.



I have a ZZR 1200 shock on the back of my Concours and Progressive springs in the front. For a super tanker it really boogies too. My buddy says sometimes the bags are almost dragging.

 

So I have been eyeing a llot of other bikes.  It occurred to me that what I seek is really more range.  Has anyone ever fit a larger tank onto their KZ?  I have a 78 KZ1000b2 (LTD).  Do you think it is possible to modify a larger tank to fit my existing frame mounts?  I would love to be able to have both tanks fit the bike.  Has anyone done anything else to extend their riding range?

TheTrout wrote:

So I have been eyeing a llot of other bikes.  It occurred to me that what I seek is really more range.  Has anyone ever fit a larger tank onto their KZ?  I have a 78 KZ1000b2 (LTD).  Do you think it is possible to modify a larger tank to fit my existing frame mounts?  I would love to be able to have both tanks fit the bike.  Has anyone done anything else to extend their riding range?

Anything is possible (almost) you just need to think outside the box   if you are brave enough you could cut up a pair of "re-pop" tanks and go twins as Harley do on some models ? How's your welding 

I’ve taken some long trips and even though my range was easily over 200 miles I found myself topping off at about 125 miles just so I could get off the bike and stretch my legs.
If your KZ gets poor mpg there are ways to improve it. My KZP got low 30’s mpg and it only has a four gallon tank. I rejetted and did a gear change and managed to improve the mileage to 45 mpg.

Another vote for the FJR. Mine is the '16 ES version so the desirable 6th gear OD, heated grips, cruise control, and electronic suspension. All day (and I mean 12-14 hours) comfort and claw hammer like reliability. 
True story: My little brother got a Harley something or other and was bragging about Screaming Eagle this and Screaming Eagle that. When we finally lined up at a stop light it wasn't even close. I shut it down at 100+ and still in 3rd gear. He stopped bragging after that 

A lot of Iron Butt riders use an auxiliary fuel tank, often strapped to the passenger seat.

With good fabrication skills, you could adapt most any tank. So far as I know, the largest one Kawasaki ever made was for the Concours 1000. It was 7.5 gallons. The mounts are different from the KZ and you may experience interference with the handlebar.

The tank from the KZ1000J may be a close fit.

My bike gets about 45 mpg.  I try to get gas at 90 miles, at 100 miles my butt puckers, at 110 miles I am pushing the bike.....ask me how I know.
 

TheTrout wrote:

My bike gets about 45 mpg.  I try to get gas at 90 miles, at 100 miles my butt puckers, at 110 miles I am pushing the bike.....ask me how I know.

 

Maybe a "P" tank is the easiest answer ??

TheTrout wrote:

So I have been eyeing a llot of other bikes.  It occurred to me that what I seek is really more range.  Has anyone ever fit a larger tank onto their KZ?  I have a 78 KZ1000b2 (LTD).  Do you think it is possible to modify a larger tank to fit my existing frame mounts?  I would love to be able to have both tanks fit the bike.  Has anyone done anything else to extend their riding range?

A Z1/KZ tank should fit the frame on your LTD about the only difference is the petcock bung on the LTD is about an inch or so closer to the carbs/engine than on the full size tank found on the Z1/KZ, but you may have clearance issue with the petcock/side cover.

Yes, a Z1 or KZ tank will fit on an LTD model.  From memory the LTD tank is about 13 liters.  I can't recall the size of the regular tank.  Your range is about the same as mine on my LTD.  My Z1 will go farther, but as you point out Kawasaki's weak point was their seat. 

When you ran out of fuel did you know that there is still a half liter or more normally trapped on the right hand side of the tank?  I ran out on my LTD, so I took the tank off and allowed the trapped fuel to run to the petcock side and was able to ride to a gas station.

The regular Z1 tank is about 4 3/4 gallons.  Just happened to look it up the other day. 
And thanks HRM, I've wondered about the right side of the tank after turning to reserve and looking for the next gas station.

I have a pingle petcock, no reserve.  I did not know about the 1/2 litre stuck on the right side.  Anyone have a Z1 tank they want to get rid of?  I imagine they are not an easy find.  Having over 4 gallons and doubling my range would be awesome!

I found a guy that has a small lot of gas tanks, all makes.  I see a couple of Kawasaki tanks in there.  How can I tell if any of them are Z1 tanks?