1981 standard to eddie

Hi, I just bought a 1981 kz1000, it is a standard, I think, with a full fairing. I cant stand the square headlight as well as the fairing and guage panel. I currently own a 1982 ltd and would like to change the front of the sandard over to the same look as my LTD then paint it with the Eddie Lawson colors. Is it possible to change over the front end and what will I need?.

Well, it's all possible. Take a browse through the gallery.
But please do a favor and show some more pictures of your bike. Where (in the world) do you live?

From what I can see, you've got a good lookin' bike there.

-KR

I already went through the gallery and I couldnt find one like it. I live in Canada. I will have more pictures this weekend once I get it home.I have to diagree with it being good lookin I know its a KZ underneath but man its gaudy in the clothing thats on it now (lol).

I could be way wrong but if that's a factory paint job, it looks very similer to the 1984 KZ700? I don't believe the '81 KZ1000 came with that paint or a square headlight. Check your date on the stem decal?

Bluemeanie wrote:

I could be way wrong but if that's a factory paint job, it looks very similer to the 1984 KZ700? I don't believe the '81 KZ1000 came with that paint or a square headlight. Check your date on the stem decal?

I was going to say pretty much the same thing only I'm thinking the bike must be an 83. I don't know much about Canadian models but that paint scheme matches the stock paint that came on the 83 750 L-3 that I have. They also used that paint on the 550 std in 83 as well. I would look around for a GPZ bikini fairing from that era and paint it to match. That would hide the ugly square headlight and gauges. This will give you an idea what I'm talking about.

Yeah your right, once I got the bike home tonight it is an 83 J model.

I am fairly certain that is an original paint scheme for the Canadian J....
If you are going to paint it, maybe you want to swap that stuff for some that needs painted? unless that paint is already crappy??????

I think my J would look good like that

Whats Black, Orange and has enough power to get out of it's own way?

Canadian 1983 550 A4.

Post edited by: Saki Jockey, at: 2008/01/23 22:17

Struggling with picture editor...

kboom36: I second 'bob_z1' That is a 1983 J model...Canadian. Until today, I'd only seen a picture and was unaware of anyone who owned one. It is a fairly rare bike...that doesn't mean it is worth a fortune, but may mean it will appreciate through time. If you do make changes, save the bodywork and what ever you take off the bike...rephrased...buy replacement bodywork and retain the original paint.

Yeah, McDroid has given you the best advice. I've never seen one; we got the 'round' tank "J" models down here in the states and didn't have a "J" bike in 1983 in the US. This is why I asked 'where' you live. I'd like to see the complete bike and lots of details. Again, this rareness may not make it worth a bunch, but it's a very interesting bike to most of us.

-KR

That paint is very rare, been looking for pics for while and couldn't find any. I remember the 1000J with those colours but you never see one- yes to the 550 or 750(700 in USA -Reagan & Harley...)but not the J model 1000.
I liked it!
I wouldn't paint over that and you should be able to find LTD bodywork to replace it. Zdeno in Kitchener,NGK in Dorchester, Sonic Cycle in London or T.O. Cycle would be good places to start.

Post edited by: Jack, at: 2008/01/24 15:26