Craigslist KZ1000ltd find, what is it?

Hi,
just picked up a '79 KZ1000ltd for $350, it looks to have a bunch of performance parts and I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. The bike has a set of Mikuni smoothbores on it, lockhart oil cooler, mulholland shocks, possible lengthened swingarm, the cam covers say "manley" so I'm assuming there may be some internal mods as well. Its pretty rough cosmetically, has no airbox of any sort, I've not checked the electrics, and the compression feels a bit weak. How can I go about determining what has been done to this motor? I had planned on parting it out, but what are you guys thoughts, is it worth reviving?

Um you are on KZRider and you are asking if you should revive this ltd?? If you dont want to revive it sell me the carbs...i call dibs.

Is it worth reviving? Are you CRAZY? Of course it is. Welcome to the site and a great find. I think you already knew the answer....Russ

Great find. Great price. I'm jealous. Might be a runner cheaper than you think. Those cam caps don't necessarily mean a lot of work was done. those dry up and need to be replaced from time to time.

i'd build it up for a guy like me that bike is only a couple of good day's away from being a runner .

Yes,revive. That is a awsome find. I bought a 81 kz1000J for 700 and I thought it was lost but bing da da bop it's awsome.

Different year engine ? The head is either 77-78. And the stator cover is different. Wonder how they wired that up ?Ignition cover looks 79 though. Interesting find.

Planning on doing some investigating tonight and assessing the condition a bit more. What do I need to do to figure out what's been done internally?

I'll take the cam covers!! In order to see "what's under the hood, you'll have to pull the motor! You either want to restore it or sell it. No in between....

You'd be suprised what you can get for that thissy bar on Ebay. It will help support your new habit.

The motor looks to be from a '78 A2. The wiring definitely needs some attention too. I don't want to get too wrapped up with this thing, but am already becoming a bit infatuated. Here's some pics of the engine mess, and of the two tanks it came with, can you guys i.d. them? Also, what's my best plan of attack on the wiring?

Those carbs are pretty tempermental. I will give you $60 for the set if you ship them to me. PM me if you are interrested. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: ...Russ