'83 Spectre 1100

Hey guys,
I just purchased a '83 Spectre 1100 for $1,300 off of craigslist. Clean title, great condition, original paint and emblems, 34,000 miles. I don't think I got too bad of a deal. The only problem with it is the guy said it needs a head bearing, how hard is that to replace? Anyway, just wanted to say hi and tell you guys not to be too rough on me because I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions for you. Hopefully after awhile I will be able to return the favor though.

Are there any other good resources online for our KZ's? This is really about the only site I could find. Oh well, my bike came with the owners manual and a Clymers manual, so that is nice. Hope to get to know all you guys better as time goes by.

Take it easy,


Jon

P.S. Here are some pics of my bike, I will put better ones up once I get the chance.

Another pic

Head bearings are fairly inexpensive...but, the costs to have a shop do the installation might be somewhat steep. I strongly recommend you buy a shop manual for your bike (a genuine Kawasaki shop manual)...readily located and reasonably priced on eBay. There will be a step-by-step instruction of front end removal, bearing installation, and re-assembly in the manual. That said, with the right tools and directions, you could easily do it yourself...depending on how handy you are and if you have the tools.

Mcdroid, I've been searching all over Ebay and all over the Internet and I'm unable to find a Kawasaki shop manual for the KZ1100. I've found them for about every other Kawasaki bike out there, but it seems they neglect the 1100 for some reason. Let me know if you guys can find one anywhere.

Welcome to the forum. Great looking Spectre; I've always liked them.

KZ1100 manuals are on ebay all the time. There are 6 on there right now, I just checked. Just key in KZ1100 manual in the search box and you'll find them.

Careful Jon, the manuals currently on eBay are for chain-driven bikes. While the head-bearing replacement directions in these manuals might apply to your bike, there is no info regarding unique aspects of your scooter (e.g. the drive shaft, etc.). Keep checking eBay as the appropriate manual will appear. The one you need has 'KZ1100 Shaft' on the cover and has the following part number : 999924-1032-01 (or -02 or -03) [the last two digits refer to the edition number]...all will work for your bike. Expect to pay no more than US$30.00 for the manual.

I'm not sure if that year has roller bearings, or ball bearings, like the older 1's,but u should buy roller bearings for it.

The website www.repairmanual.com might have what you need.

Here you go:

tinyurl.com/56h8yy

Hey bro nice bike.

From the second photo it looks as if the left fork tube is bent.

Anyone else notice this?

Maybe that I am crazy.

Ride safe, good price -- I ride a shafty too.

KR