Hi, Folks. I'm new here

My name is Paul. I'm in SE Washington State. The wife and I are retired and spend much of our time fishing the Columbia and Snake Rivers. I've got a fair amount of mechanical skills and do a good bit of my own vehicle work however, the computerized whiz-bangs in the newer model cars and trucks leaves me scratching my head at times. I'm just beginning the first baby steps towards restoring an '82 KZ1000 LTD. It was a barn find. That may sound like a cliche but it's my barn. I bought the bike new in 1982 and put 37k happy miles on it. Then I sold it and it sat in a shed in Idaho for several years before I tracked it down and bought it back. He had only put a couple hundred miles on it because it was too much bike for him. It had been sorely neglected by the time I bought it back but I figured if I held on to it I might eventually be able to restore it to its original glory. I said a barn but Its actually a shop so that's where its been for several years. I haven't started the process other than pulling it out and taking a look. I believe it will be worth bringing it back to life. Having read a number of threads and articles, I'm am grateful to find this forum with so many knowledgeable enthusiasts. I promise to utilize the "search" function to try and limit the dumb questions I might ask. Thanks for letting me join. Now, if I can just figure out how to post a couple of pictures of it in all its dust covered splendor.

Hey Paul,
Welcome to KZRider! I live five or six hours from you in Central Oregon.
About your pictures, did you use your Back button while composing your posts? The software gurus tell me doing so gets the programming confused.
Let me know.
Bill

Bill, I did use the back button during editing. A good thing to know to avoid. I'll try the pictures again Thanks for the help

Paul

Welcome aboard!
Thanks for saving another KZ from quietly becoming one with the earth again.

Welcome aboard Paul! The bike doesn't look bad at all. Just wash would do it wonders. Before trying to turn the engine over, I would take the plugs out and squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder and let it sit for a day or two. Then you initially turn the engine by hand to make sure it there is now issues. There is a whole procedure you can search for here in order to avoid causing any damage to the cylinders. Change out the oil and filter and go from there. You may find the carburetors need servicing. But you can still get the bike started for a few seconds using starting fluid. If not for personal gratification, it will at least indicate that the ignition system works.

Here is a link to the service manual you can download: kzrider.com/modules/ServiceManuals/Kawas...Service%20Manual.pdf

Once you get the engine fired up, focus on the safety related items before being tempted to take it on the road. You will need new tires if they been sitting for more than 5 years. Doesn't matter how good they look. You don't want to be riding on old tires going 70 mph. The brake will need to be serviced as well. I know I'm pointing out the obvious. Good luck with the restoration. Being retired, you are in a great place in life to be able to do this. Congratulations on your retirement as well.

Welcome Paul! That’s a very nice bike. It looks likes it is all there and won’t need much to get it going. After putting oil, remove the plugs again, remove the engine forward right side cover and turn the engine over using a ratchet/pry bar on the big nut, directly on the crank. Don’t use the starter or kick starter if it has one, you can damage them. You’ll see if it is/was seized or not. Then go from there. Check this video for how to.



JL

Welcome . Glad you got the old girl back .Looks like a pretty easy project . Its very gratifying when you hear her come to life . Enjoy .

Thanks, Guys. I appreciate the assistance and the welcomes. I evicted a family of mice from the air box and knocked the dust off. I've still got the service manual I bought when the bike was new but the searchable PDF is very handy. The original owner's manual was still under the seat . I've got the Marvel oil cuz it works on everything. Great stuff. Ive read, I think, 15 or so threads on "first start" and, you're correct, very informative. I just ordered a few parts ) filters, plugs, o-rings, etc from Z1. Just soak time before next step. I'll start a new thread in Projects once I get going on the dirty work. I truly appreciate your help. In the mean time ;

Welcome... that bike will clean up nice. Glad to have another one saved. They are ment to be ridden. Please do all safety maintenance things. Then enjoy it.

Im trying to figure which would be better to consider,, a step back in time,, or an old friend just waiting for you. I spend a lot of time testing refurbishing the factory finish on old parts. What ive come up with is rub it like a Jeanie bottle. Everybody has a different plan.