FNG!! I'm lost and cant find my way

New guy here on the board from snowy Iowa. Been a car guy all my life and currently own a '59 Edsel Ranger 2dr sedan and a '62 Ford Galaxie 4dr (winter car).

Picked up a 1981 CSR1000 2 weeks ago and I'm looking for any and all help that any of you 2 wheeler experts might be able to provide. Not really sure what direction I want to go with this thing, but I'm thinking either a cafe style kinda set up, which may not be really feasable since I'm 6'3", or a drag bike kinda deal. My intention isn't to ride this thing cross-country but to have something to ride with my buddies around town and maybe some short trips out of town.

The biggest dilemna I'm faced with since I dont know nothin about nothin about motrocycles, and this is where you forum guys come in, is what similarities does the CSR share with the KZ?

Help me, I'm lost and can't find my way.

Sincerly,
Chris "Edselking" Kruse

P.S. Heres a link to my MySpace page with pics of my cage and a couple of the scoot: www.myspace.com/edselking

Hello EdselKing! The good news is that the CSR is a KZ (KZ1000M1 = 1981 CSR)...the second bit of good news is that you have come to the correct place for advice (KZRider)...lots of info here and lots of helpful people (some more so than others ) The first bit of advice is get a Kawasaki Heavy Industries shop manual (Kawasaki part number 99924-1026-03)...they are readily available on eBay (don't pay more than US$20.00)...the manual will clearly and concisely demonstrate all those skills/techniques you'll want to acquire and answer many of the questions that will arise in the near future.

del

To: FNG
Subject: Welcome 2 da Zone
From: FOG

Although your bike IS a "KZ", there is a major differentiation among most bikes in the KZ1000 family that splits them between the '77-80 and '81+ model years.

The "first generation" KZ1000 bikes ran from '77-80. These came with 1015cc engines. They were built on basically the same lower engine case that was used in their predecessor, the KZ900. So a lot of engine parts are interchangeable between the KZ900 and KZ1000 engines.

Your bike was the first year of the "J" engine, which has a displacement of 998cc. It also came with a different head, larger valves, and more aggressive cams (I think), resulting in roughly 10 more HP than the 1015 engines. The "J" engines were used from 1981 clear up until I believe 2005 in the police model bikes.

So when discussing engines, it is important to realize that yours is a "J" engine. Or, more specifically, you have an "M1" bike with a "J" engine.

Post edited by: Skyman, at: 2008/02/05 13:24

Thanks fellas. Technology is AWESOME!!!! It's kool to be able to come onto a board like this and have people welcome you and make a guy feel like he can go somewhere when he has a question. God only knows the questions I'm gonna have with this thing.

Here's a stupid question from a total car guy: I always end e-mails and such with "Keep it floored" obviously you floor a car but whats the translation in bike talk?

See what an idiot I am? You guys are gonna have your hand full!!!!

Keep it floored.

Kruse

Welcome Chris,
I am a new member also, and there seems to be lots of friendly advice around here. Did locate a picture of your bike. Interesting My-Space. I like to keep my bike as original as possible, but keeping with the theme of your My-Space, I think a drag bike sort of style would fit well. Lots of luck. Ride safe. BIGD 1981 KZ1000M-1

"Keep the rubber side down", or "Keep the shiny side up",or "Ride Safe" are the ones I've picked up here. Oh! And welcome!!! There's not much you won't be able find out from these guys here.

Welcome Kruse! You will find everything you ever wanted to know about these bikes on this site. Too bad it's gonna be a while before all this snow melts!! I'm here in CR under the winter weather advisory too.

CSRMORON wrote:

Here's a stupid question from a total car guy: I always end e-mails and such with "Keep it floored" obviously you floor a car but whats the translation in bike talk?

"Grab a barfull!"

Welcome to KZR,Kruse!

del

"Grab a barfull!" :woohoo:

Can tell by the boots. :lol: