paint suggestions on 81 j

My 1000 ltd j, did it have one of those ductail pieces on it? I am getting the pieces to restore it as close to origial as I can.I have the original chrome fenders on.But it looks like my bike had one of those humpty seats and a tailight on the end of the fender, no tail piece.So 2 sidecovers and the tank would be all there is to paint.On the earlier z bikes the lines around the tank and sidecovers that makes it possible to 2 tone the paint.I wanted to copy the rootbeer and orange, but anyone knows my bike isnt a 73 z1.But the stock color of red, not sure what its called, looks nice.I have seen those reproduction decals, but they are $150 for a set.Some guy filled in the tank where the emblems must have been held on with screws.What are your opinions of kawasaki and 1000 ltd painted on rather than badges? Input appreciated.Man I love my bike.

I am by no means an expert on the subject... I picked up an '81 J real cheap and then discovered all kinds of bad things had been done to it. I've spent a lot of money getting parts to restore it mostly to stock condition, now I'm just waiting for some warmer weather so I can spend time in the garage...

Based on my limited experience, here's some info for you. The "J" and the "LTD" are two separate models. The LTD is also known as the "K" model. There are significant differences in the electrical system and the frame, so make sure you know which one you have!

The tail piece I believe was last used on the 1980 models, and in 1981 they stopped using it. I haven't been able to figure out yet if the 1981 frame even has the mounting points to add the tail. There were two different models of taillights used on the '81, one of which is the same light used on the '80 underneath the tail.

If you can find the soft spot in the sides of the tank with a small pick, you should be able to clean out the mounting holes for the emblems. I'm actually filling in my tank and side covers because I prefer the smooth surface with the details in the paint job. There are various levels of quality in decals available on ebay, and if you're going to clear-coat the decals to protect them, you don't need to get top-of-the-line.

If you're doing a full restore, don't stop painting at the tank and sides... Check the frame and other components to see if they need repainted as well. Anyone who stops to take a close look at your bike will notice these details, and you certainly don't want exposed metal rusting out after putting your time into the rest of the bike.

I have been away from here for a while.Thanks for your response.

The actual j model has a tailpiece with built in tail light

Mine is a stock 81 LTD 1000 K model and it does not have the tail.

Look at my avatar picture, it is a 1981 KZ1000 LTD, has pods, missing stock air filter.

Brian told me my bike is a csr.I dont know the difference.Being an 81 it has the j motor.

Stock 1981 KZ1000-M1 CSR



Good Fortune!

Am thinking CSR was basically the same as LTD, but with spoke wheels and cable driven tach.

Good Fortune!