Fuel Tank Compatibility?

I just bought a 1981 KZ1000J. The tank is useable but I would like to find a replacement. What other years will interchange?

Thanks!

Well, the 1982 KZ1000J is a direct swap. In 1983, the KZ1000J had a different style tank (identical in shape to the 1981/2 KZ1100B1/2 (GPz)) and I don't know if it is a direct exchange. If it is, then, by definition, the 1981/2 GPz1100 tanks will work.

***Danger!***

Although GPz (81-81) tanks "can" work the front posts on the frame that hold the round rubber bumpers are different lengths from 'J' to 'GPz'...you can make the tanks work by modifying the length of the front mounting posts; but there is also the pet-cock issue b/c the GPz didn't have carbs to worry about the pet-cock location interferes with the top of most carbs. This is remedied by turning the petcock 90 degrees.

...been there, done that. It's not as bad as it might sound, just know what's waiting for you.

Bad Kaw:

That's what I was leery of...just so I know, did you make your ELR or is it an R model? If you created the ELR, what types of mods did you have to do to the tank (assuming it started out as a GPz tank)?

I turned my KZ1000J into an ELR "clone". I stumbled onto a real ELR tank for next-to-nuthin' and (if memory serves) the 'J' frame tank studs (that hold the rubber bumpers) were wider and needed shortened. That one has been 10 years back now and my memory is sketchy. I purchased a second 'clone' (as I changed my mind on my first 'J' and went back to the 'J' tank...with mods) and the bike I purchased was a finished ELR 'clone' and had a GPz tank installed and was all painted up.

I'm not near my garage so can't go measure the 'J' tank and the GPz tank (several of each) to make comparisons, but I think the 'J's are wider between the bungs than the GPz/ELRs...the difference is slight enough that the conversion was a 10 minute deal. The petcock placement is a bit of a pest...on my 'clone' I'm going to install a Pingle and there is a strong chance that I'll have to relocate the spigot... ...whattaya do?:huh:

If you need, on Tuesday I'll be home and I can go out and take measurements.

-KR