Overview of 1981-1984 KZ 1000/1100

Claude. wrote: My mind is quite set on the model what I would like to get. Here are the candidates:
- 1984 KZ1100R
- 1983 KZ1000R

" - 1983 KZ1000 SS "

- 1978 Z1-R
- No LTD or Spectre for sure

Question: Are GPZ1100 kind of collectibles? I could possibly get a 1982 said to be in showroom condition. Said to have won a few "beauty contests". I'm not really attracted at GPZ but I'm trying to ask myself why...

I also could get a 1977 standard KZ1000 that seem to be very clean...

What is a KZ1000 SS ?


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slayer61 wrote: OP the correct answer is ALWAYS both.

You can call me slow but I'm trying to figure what question you are answering. Please enlight me. Thanks!

Claude. wrote: As posted in new member, I'm new here and I joined because I intend to find myself a KZ1000 or 1000 project for winter restauration. My mind is not precise yet bacause the model at the very top of my list will possibly be hard to find. In cas I don't find any, I would like to have an overview of every KZ1000 and 100 modles Kawasaki sold between 1981 and 1984.

The link below is this list but only for the "R" models. While many of the info there is not absolutely required for my decision, it is quite what I would like to see. Does such a list exists somewhere?
Thanks!!

www.kz1000r.com/KZ1000R,%20R2%20and%20KZ...0Specification's.htm

Claude. wrote:

slayer61 wrote: OP the correct answer is ALWAYS both.

You can call me slow but I'm trying to figure what question you are answering. Please enlight me. Thanks!

Based on your original post, I thought you were trying to decide between a couple KZ projects? Did I miss something? :blush:

Nebr_Rex wrote: What is a KZ1000 SS ?.

1983 KZ1000J3. Inside 1983 Kawasaki brochure, the "standard" bikes were called "SS" (for Super Sport). Was the same for KZ750SS and KZ550SS.
As you probably know, the J3 was identical to J1 & J2 except for the "squarish" fuel tank and rear seat cowl ("à la ELR").

slayer61 wrote: Based on your original post, I thought you were trying to decide between a couple KZ projects? Did I miss something? :blush:

No, you missed nothing; as I said, I'm sometimes slow...:blush:
So far, from my favorites list, I found two for sure (Z1R and ELR) and I could find soon a KZ1100R. I could get the three of them (maybe except the pricey ELR).
I think the KZ1000J3 ("SS") will be impossible to find as, in 1983, it is Suzuki's and Yamaha's that were selling...

Claude,
If your choice is between the Z1r and the KZ1000 ELR, you have excellent taste. You wouldn't go wrong with either. Good luck in your search.

slayer61 wrote: Claude,
If your choice is between the Z1r and the KZ1000 ELR, you have excellent taste. You wouldn't go wrong with either. Good luck in your search.

Yup! Z1-R, KZ1000R and KZ1100R. If I find a Z1-R and a KZ1100R, I'll probably drop the KZ1000R as it is quite pricey (± $16,000 CDN !).
Thanks!

Claude. wrote:

Nebr_Rex wrote: What is a KZ1000 SS ?.

1983 KZ1000J3. Inside 1983 Kawasaki brochure, the "standard" bikes were called "SS" (for Super Sport). Was the same for KZ750SS and KZ550SS.
As you probably know, the J3 was identical to J1 & J2 except for the "squarish" fuel tank and rear seat cowl ("à la ELR").

Interesting, You have a pic of the brochure?


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Nebr_Rex wrote: Interesting, You have a pic of the brochure?

Yes, I do and I can post it if you want. But there is another post here (link below) where a member posted pics of his own 1983 J3. Beside the seat, the shocks and the Kerker exhaust, the bike looks to be stock.
BTW, if someone here, knows how to join this member (daniel1212greenk), please, please let me know. I sent him a PM but looks like he do not log here anymore...

kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/610145-198...ki-kz1000-j3?start=0

Claude. wrote:

Nebr_Rex wrote: Interesting, You have a pic of the brochure?

Yes, I do and I can post it if you want. But there is another post here (link below) where a member posted pics of his own 1983 J3. Beside the seat, the shocks and the Kerker exhaust, the bike looks to be stock.
BTW, if someone here, knows how to join this member (daniel1212greenk), please, please let me know. I sent him a PM but looks like he do not log here anymore...

kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/610145-198...ki-kz1000-j3?start=0

Yes, please do, Any information that would expand my knowledge would be appreciated and other members will probably appreciate it also.


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There is a 1978 Z1R TC (turbo charged) on Ebay right now for 32K. IMHO the condition does not justify the asking price, but they are very cool, fairly rare machines. They built/assembled some of them in a Distribution Warehouse that was very close to the Lincoln Factory.

Mike

krazee1 wrote: There is a 1978 Z1R TC (turbo charged) on Ebay right now for 32K. IMHO the condition does not justify the asking price, but they are very cool, fairly rare machines. .......

Mike

Agree! It looks like someone with a hammer thought he was a mechanic! Ed