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1981 Kawasaki KZ1000 frame....can I use 1977 tank/side covers/tail piece?

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27 Jan 2021 08:45 #842497 by MotorCityMN
Hello all,

First post. Greetings from the Motor City.

AS I am a huge Mad Max / Road Warrior fan and grew up with Kawaski Kz's (I'm 53), I'm going to build a RestoMod KZ1000. I am in process of purchasing a 1981 KZ1000, that has allready had new rear swingarm setup. My question is: is there much of a frame difference between the 1981 and 1977-78 Kawasakis? I'm also looking at buying a 1977 parts bike with good tank/rear tail fin/side panels, and I'd like to install on the 1981 frame.....can anyone give me any feedback as to whether they will attach ok?

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27 Jan 2021 10:05 - 27 Jan 2021 10:07 #842501 by martin_csr
Direct swap, no. I don't have a 1000, but 70s style stuff is probably going to be different than an 81 KZ1000.
You can compare the diagram drawings at Partzilla. I have an 81 KZ650 & there isn't much from the earlier 650s that I can use.

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/1981/kz1000-j1

www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...977/kz1000-kz1000-a1
Last edit: 27 Jan 2021 10:07 by martin_csr.
The following user(s) said Thank You: MotorCityMN

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27 Jan 2021 10:08 - 27 Jan 2021 10:12 #842503 by Mikaw
Welcome. Good to add another Michigander to the forum. I’m a downriver rat myself.
1977 to 1980 Kz 1000 stuff will all interchange with each other, tanks from the Z1 and Kz900 will also fit. 1981 is a model change for the Kz1000. It became the “J” model. Don’t think it’s a bolt on swap. But anything is workable if you can fabricate. Tail fins are completely different for the “J” and the ‘81 LTD had no tail fin. The ‘81 rear frame behind the seat is completed different than the ‘77 to ‘80. I think it’s wider and aslo cut short . Lots of fab work to hang the ‘77 to ‘80 body on an ‘81. It would be easier to brace the ‘77 frame and stick with oem body then transfer it to the ‘81.

EDIT, I’m 99% sure the J engine will fit the ‘77 frame aslo. Swing arm not a clue. What swing arm mod has been done to the ‘81?

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Last edit: 27 Jan 2021 10:12 by Mikaw.
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28 Jan 2021 07:11 #842553 by MotorCityMN
Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...

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28 Jan 2021 08:32 #842556 by Street Fighter LTD

MotorCityMN wrote: Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...


What Burb ??

Im on Zukey Lake / Pinckney area


Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn

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28 Jan 2021 08:46 #842558 by Mikaw

MotorCityMN wrote: Thanks Mikaw...I'm in the burbs just outside of Detroit...


Your new so I just wanted to make you aware of a private message system that is available through this forum. I sent you one last night. As it states it’s private between you and the recipient. Look for a notification at the top right on the “Recent topics” page.

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

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